In Part 2 of our 2026 Real Estate Round Table, we are diving deep into the essential programs and strategies you need to know if you're looking to enter the housing market. We are once again joined by our incredible local expert panel: Sebastian Schmoranz (Lawyer, Kingsville), Alyssa Ismail (Real Estate Agent, Windsor Essex), and Rob & Sandra Zanet (Mortgage Brokers, Indi Mortgage Co.).

In this episode, we cover: • Navigating the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) • Leveraging the RRSP Homebuyers’ Plan • Breaking down the new Federal/Provincial HST rebate for new home builds and significant renovations

Important FHSA Note: While contribution room accumulates when you open an FHSA, you can only contribute a maximum of $16,000 in any given year ($8,000 for the current year plus $8,000 carried forward). Keep this in mind if your strategy is simply to open the account to let the room build!

If you missed Part 1 covering our comprehensive Windsor Essex real estate market update, be sure to go back and give it a listen.

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Welcome back to The Clear Money Mindset with Ben Davies! We are kicking off a highly anticipated, multi-part series: our annual Spring Real Estate Roundtable.

In Part 1, we are diving deep into the current state of the Windsor-Essex real estate market. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in 2026, you'll hear essential tips, market trends, and insider insights to help you make the best financial decisions.

Joining Ben for this premier series is a powerhouse panel of local experts: • Sebastian Schmoranz – Lawyer (Kingsville, ON) • Alyssa Ismail – Real Estate Agent (Windsor-Essex) • Rob & Sandra Zanet – Mortgage Brokers, Indi Mortgage Co. (Windsor-Essex)

Coming up later in this series: Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss our upcoming roundtable episodes where we'll cover incentives for first-time home buyers, and a special deep dive for retirees (including downsizing, reverse mortgages, and keeping a mortgage in retirement).

Tune in and get your mindset ready for the 2026 market!

Tax season is almost here, and there are significant changes on the horizon for Canadian taxpayers. In this episode of The Clear Money Mindset, Ben sits down with Josie Hope, CPA, CMA and owner of JH Business Solutions, to break down exactly what you need to know before you file.

From the new "Middle Class Tax Cut" reducing the lowest marginal rate to 14%, to the often-overlooked tax implications of buying and selling precious metals like gold and silver, we cover it all. Josie also shares critical advice for pension holders who might be over-contributing to their RRSPs and explains the latest updates to the Canada Disability Benefit.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Middle Class Tax Cut: How the rate reduction from 15% to 14% impacts your take-home pay starting July 2025.

• Disability Tax Credit: Updates to the benefit amount (now over $10,000) and how to transfer credits to a supporting family member.

• Precious Metals: Why the CRA treats gold and silver as capital assets and the importance of keeping your receipts.

• The RRSP Trap: Why having a good pension might mean you should think twice before maxing out your RRSP.

• Filing Tips: How to organize your T4s and receipts.