The Simplicity Sessions

In this episode, we discuss Chris's career transition from custom construction to financial services, the business opportunity in financial literacy education, and how families can build generational wealth through proper licensing and planning.
Key Topics Discussed
Chris's Career Journey
20+ years as a custom builder and general contractor in Toronto

Notable projects: National Ballet, Casa Loma, Ontario Art Gallery, Casino Rama, luxury homes in Bridal Path and Forest Hill

Challenges of relocating construction business from Ontario to BC

The decision to transition careers at 45 years old

The Career Transition
Moving from construction to financial services

Getting licensed through Insurance Council of British Columbia

Completing provincial-level exams at Okanagan College

The intimidation and pressure of returning to formal education in mid-40s

The Business Opportunity
Three pathways: personal finance management, one-on-one client consulting, or building a team/agency

Teaching financial literacy to Canadian families

Flexibility to work from home and control your own schedule

Ability to pass business to family members (spouse, children) - keeping it as generational wealth

Why This Matters Now
Rising cost of living outpacing wage increases

Mortgage rates doubling for many families

Need for additional income streams

Opportunity to learn financial literacy while earning

The Licensing Process
Provincial-level certification through Insurance Council of British Columbia

Post-secondary education requirement (Okanagan College)

Not a weekend course - legitimate professional designation

Minimum 70% passing grade required

Family Legacy Component
Licensed business can transfer to spouse and children

Keeps client relationships within the family unit

Different from traditional firms where clients "roll up" to the company

Creates true generational wealth opportunity

Work-Life Balance Benefits
No commuting (Chris previously spent ~1 day/week in vehicle)

Flexible schedule for family events and activities

Ability to work while traveling

Geographic freedom - clients across Canada via virtual meetings

Success Stories
Rebecca Matthews: Went from multiple six figures in debt to running one of the fastest-growing agencies, earning $250K/year

Team members earning from $500-2000/month part-time to $250K+ full-time

Couples working together successfully in the business

 
Let's dive in!
Thank you for joi
ning us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special!
Click here to listen:
Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERE
Spotify – CLICK HERE


Free Resources:
Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport

Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide

The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast

Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20"

Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE"

*code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale*

Programs:
Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite

The Peri & Menopause Project  - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject

Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced

Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/

Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages

Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship:  jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman

Connect with Jenn:
Instagram | @jennpike

Facebook | @thesimplicityproject

YouTube | Simplicity TV

Website | The Simplicity Project Inc.

Connect with Chris:
Instagram | @chrisborsellino

Finance Discovery Session | Book Here

Have a question? Send it over to [email protected] and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.

In this episode, I sit down with sports scientist and nutrition expert Barbara Birke to discuss why building muscle is the ultimate game-changer for women in perimenopause and beyond. We bust myths about "bulking up," explore how muscle acts as your organ of longevity, and get practical about what it really takes to build and maintain strength. Barbara shares her personal journey with frozen shoulder, the power of starting small, and why three 30-minute sessions per week might be all you need. If you've been making excuses about strength training, this conversation will inspire you to finally get started.
 
Chapters:
[2:36] Global Perspectives on Women & Strength 

[5:00] Women as Athletes of Everyday Life

[5:47] Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs 

[7:11] Why Muscle is Magic 

[8:49] The Realistic Prescription 

[12:14] Recovery is Where Growth Happens 

[17:34] Starting When You're Exhausted 

[22:15] The Weight Debate

[26:38] Injury Loops & Joint Pain

[30:08] The Belly Fat Connection

[32:17] Reps, Sets & Training to Failure

[37:14] Barbara's Frozen Shoulder Journey 

[42:01] The BIG Framework 

[44:38] Nutrition Ratios & Supplements 

[49:16] Three Simplicity Tips to Get Started 

 
Let's dive in!
Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special!
Click here to listen:
Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERE
Spotify – CLICK HERE


Connect with Guest -
Instagram | @strongwithbarbara

Top Tips to Start Your Strength Routine | Get Your FREE Copy Here

Power & Balance Online Course | Access Here

Your Thrive Formula | Access Here

Website | optimum-you.com

 
This episode is sponsored by:
withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your order

St. Francis | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off your all your orders with code JENNPIKE15 

Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for "subscribe & save" option

Free Resources:
Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport

Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide

The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast

Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20"

Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE"

*code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale*

Programs:
Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite

The Peri & Menopause Project  - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject

Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced

Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/

Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages

Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship:  jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman

Connect with Jenn:
Instagram | @jennpike

Facebook | @thesimplicityproject

YouTube | Simplicity TV

Website | The Simplicity Project Inc.

Have a question? Send it over to [email protected] and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.

This week, Chris and I dive deep into a question we've been getting a lot since our town hall event with Sarah Swain, Rebecca Matthews, and Elisa Kitz (which had almost 2,000 registrants!): Why are permanent tax shelters considered an asset class?
 
I'll be honest—this was a concept that completely confused me until about 4-5 years ago. I grew up being taught that insurance is an expense, never an investment. But understanding how certain life insurance policies can provide liquidity, tax advantages, and long-term value has been game-changing for our family—both personally and professionally.
In this episode, we break down:
The difference between whole life and universal life insurance

Why insurance should be the foundation of your financial house (not just the pretty stuff on top)

How permanent policies build cash value you can borrow from tax-free

Why getting insured young matters more than you think

The connection between your health records and insurance premiums

This might feel like a big topic to grasp, but stick with us. We're here to help you understand what you weren't taught growing up.
 
Timestamps & Chapters
[2:53 - 4:33] Why This Topic Matters Now
Questions coming in about permanent tax shelters as an asset class

How life insurance can offer protection AND build long-term value

Jenn's journey from seeing insurance as an expense to understanding it as an investment

[4:33 - 7:00] What Are Permanent Tax Shelters?
Two types: Whole life and universal life insurance

How they differ from term insurance (which is like "rent")

Why these policies are structured differently for every person

[7:00 - 10:20] Whole Life vs. Universal Life
Whole life: Invested through the insurance company, pays dividends, safer/more conservative

Universal life: Invested through markets, higher growth potential

Companies we work with have been paying dividends for over 100 years

[10:20 - 13:20] The Trust Factor
Why people are hesitant to invest (lack of education, past bad experiences)

Importance of transparency: where money goes, how returns work, paperwork to back it up

Finding advisors who customize to YOUR needs, not just sell hot products

[13:20 - 17:00] The Foundation Analogy
Chris's building background: insurance is like the foundation of a house

TFSAs, RRSPs, FHSAs are the "pretty stuff" on top

If the foundation isn't solid, everything collapses when markets slip

Different types of insurance: life, critical illness, disability

[17:00 - 20:20] Why We Have Different Policies
Individual needs vs. family goals

Whole life for lending money back to yourself

Universal life for stronger growth through market investments

[20:20 - 23:40] Term vs. Permanent Insurance Explained
Term insurance: Pay for protection for 10, 20, 30 years—when it expires, you're done (or renew at a much higher rate)

Example: $75/month at age 30 becomes $500/month at age 65

Permanent insurance: Pay for a set period (often ~20 years), then you're covered for life

[23:40 - 26:40] Health & Insurance Qualification
Medical Insurance Bureau (MIB) has access to ALL your medical records

Even minor things (like getting imaging for headaches) can flag you and increase premiums

Jenn's story: Great health rating, lower premium

Chris's story: One seizure from paintball at 21 flagged him for years

[26:40 - 30:00] The Integrity Factor
Insurance companies will test for things like nicotine in your hair if you claim to be a non-smoker

Lying on applications can void your entire policy

Smokers can requalify as non-smokers after 12 months nicotine-free and cut premiums in half

[30:00 - 35:20] Why We're Talking About This
Jenn's perspective: Health and wealth are connected

Financial stress impacts health; lack of finances prevents getting health support

The gap in what we weren't taught as adults, parents, business owners

Teaching preparedness so people know what questions to ask

[35:20 - 40:00] How Permanent Policies Build Cash Value
Example: $100/month → $25 to insurance, $75 to investment

Money grows tax-free inside the policy

You can borrow from it with minimal or zero tax (depending on timing)

Compare to RRSPs: 100% taxed at withdrawal at your marginal rate

Insurance companies are great at saving from taxation; investment companies are great at making money—permanent policies combine both

[40:00 - 43:00] The Self-Lending Strategy
Build cash value you can borrow from tax-free or with greatly reduced tax

Use for home repairs, helping kids, investments, etc.

You can put in $300-500/month—insurance still only costs $25, rest goes to your investment fund

[43:00 - 46:00] Inflation & Long-Term Planning
Average Canadian couple needs $2.5-3 million to retire comfortably

Inflation designed to be ~2.5% annually

Example: Bag of milk was $2-3 twenty years ago, now $6-9, will be $20 in the future

If you're only making 2.5% interest, you're just keeping up with buying power—not growing wealth

Importance of reviewing statements together as a couple (even when uncomfortable)

 
 
Key Highlights & Takeaways
✅ Insurance as Foundation, Not Expense: Permanent life insurance should be viewed as the foundation of your financial house—not a bill, but an investment that protects everything else you build on top.
✅ Two Types of Permanent Policies:
Whole Life: Conservative, dividend-based, great for self-lending

Universal Life: Market-invested, higher growth potential

✅ Tax Advantages: Money grows tax-free inside permanent policies, and you can borrow from your cash value with minimal or zero tax (unlike RRSPs, which are 100% taxed at withdrawal).
✅ Get Insured Young: Health changes, medical records, and age all impact premiums. The younger and healthier you are when you get insured, the better your rates—and they're locked in for life.
✅ The MIB Knows Everything: The Medical Insurance Bureau has access to all your medical records. Even minor health events (like imaging for headaches) can flag you and increase premiums.
✅ Inflation is Real: The average Canadian couple will need $2.5-3 million to retire comfortably. If your money is only growing at 2.5%, you're just keeping up with inflation—not building wealth.
✅ Self-Lending Strategy: Permanent policies allow you to build a "personal bank" you can borrow from for major expenses, investments, or helping family—without traditional loan approval processes.
✅ Transparency Matters: Any advisor should be able to explain exactly where your money is going, how returns work, and provide full paperwork. If they can't, walk away.
✅ Health & Wealth Are Connected: Financial stress impacts your health, and lack of finances prevents you from getting the health support you need. They're not separate—they're intertwined.
 
Let's dive in!
Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special!
Click here to listen:
Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERE
Spotify – CLICK HERE


Free Resources:
Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport

Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide

The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast

Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20"

Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE"

*code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale*

Programs:
Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite

The Peri & Menopause Project  - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject

Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced

Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/

Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages

Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship:  jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman

Connect with Jenn:
Instagram | @jennpike

Facebook | @thesimplicityproject

YouTube | Simplicity TV

Website | The Simplicity Project Inc.

Connect with Chris:
Instagram | @chrisborsellino

Finance Discovery Session | Book Here

Have a question? Send it over to [email protected] and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.

In this episode, I'm thrilled to have my friends Brandi (co-founder of Eversio) and Dr. Desiree Caruso (their lead educational expert) back on the show for the third time together. These two and their products have become such an integral part of our family's daily wellness routine, and today we're diving into something really special for the women in our community.
Let's dive in!
 
Key Takeaways:
Mushrooms aren't supplements - they're food extracts that support your body's systems

The five mushroom blend can be combined with individual capsules for therapeutic dosing

You can take it morning or evening based on your intuition and lifestyle

For insulin resistance support, Maitake can be taken post-meal

These products are safe to combine and customize to your needs

 
Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special!
Click here to listen:
Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERE
Spotify – CLICK HERE


Connect with Guest -
Instagram | @eversiowellness

Instagram | @brandi.a.garden

Website| eversiowellness.com

Website | brandigarden.com

Facebook | @eversio_wellness

Book | Get Your Copy of "Healing Your Body, Mind, and Soul" HERE

 
Previous Episodes with Brandi & Desiree:
#387 - The Power of Medicinal Mushrooms with Brandi Garden & Desiree Caruso

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

#518 - Healing on a Whole New Level with Brandi Garden

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

 
This episode is sponsored by:
withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your order

St. Francis | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off your all your orders with code JENNPIKE15 

Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for "subscribe & save" option

Free Resources:
Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport

Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide

The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast

Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20"

Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE"

*code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale*

Programs:
Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite

The Peri & Menopause Project  - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject

Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced

Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/

Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages

Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship:  jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman

Connect with Jenn:
Instagram | @jennpike

Facebook | @thesimplicityproject

YouTube | Simplicity TV

Website | The Simplicity Project Inc.



Have a question? Send it over to [email protected] and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.

In this episode, we dive deep into retirement planning statistics that might surprise you—and hopefully motivate you to take action. We break down the numbers, share personal stories, and give you practical steps to start preparing for your future, no matter what stage of life you're in.
 
Key Takeaways
Start where you are: Even if you're past the "ideal" window for compounding, taking action now is better than waiting

Know your numbers: Understand what government benefits you'll actually receive

Review your spending: Track where your money goes—especially dining out

Think long-term: You're likely to live longer than previous generations planned for

Get professional help: This isn't your specialty, and that's okay

Action Steps
Review your current retirement savings and projections

Calculate your expected CPP and OAS benefits

Analyze 3 months of spending to find financial leaks

Consider insurance as part of your investment strategy

Have honest conversations with your partner about retirement goals

Resources Mentioned
Statistics Canada retirement data (2022-2025)

The Latte Factor by David Bach

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter

The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

 
Let's dive in!
Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special!
Click here to listen:
Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERE
Spotify – CLICK HERE


Free Resources:
Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport

Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide

The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast

Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20"

Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE"

*code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale*

Programs:
Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite

The Peri & Menopause Project  - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject

Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced

Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/

Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages

Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship:  jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman

Connect with Jenn:
Instagram | @jennpike

Facebook | @thesimplicityproject

YouTube | Simplicity TV

Website | The Simplicity Project Inc.

Connect with Chris:
Instagram | @chrisborsellino

Finance Discovery Session | Book Here

Have a question? Send it over to [email protected] and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.