The Simplicity Sessions

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.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Leah Hollon, a naturopathic physician and expert in lineage transformation, to explore a topic we've never fully dedicated an episode to before: how the trauma and experiences of our parents, grandparents, and ancestors can be literally imprinted in our DNA and affect our health, emotions, and relationships today.
Let's dive in!
Chapters:
7:40 - Dr. Hollon's Journey: The Patient Who Changed Everything

13:00 - The Science of Imprints: How Trauma Lives in DNA

26:00 - Women & Hormones: Why Some Struggle More

31:30 - Getting Started: Moving Out of Fight or Flight

47:40 - Heart Coherence & Rewiring the Brain

55:10 - Clinical Approach: Where to Begin the Work

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 | @leah.hollon

Facebook | Follow Here

YouTube | @DrLeahHollon

Website | drleahhollon.com

LinkedIn | Follow Here

Richmond Natural Medicine | richmondnaturalmed.com

Unwinding The Imprints of Disease

GET YOUR COPY on Amazon

GET YOUR COPY on Indigo

GET YOUR COPY on Audible

 
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

Jaspr | Go to https://jaspr.co/en-ca and use code "jennpike" to save $200 off your order
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're getting real about money leaks—those sneaky daily and weekly expenses that drain your bank account without you even realizing it. We've been there, done that, and learned the hard way, so we're sharing what we discovered through our own financial journey.
Key Moments:
Daily & Weekly Money Leaks:
Coffee runs and eating out for lunch (we're talking $15-20/day adds up FAST)

Impulse buys at gas stations and grocery stores

Parking tickets (seriously, just pay the $2 instead of risking a $30 fine)

Food delivery fees and tipping on top

Grocery shopping without a plan—we used to waste so much food!

Subscriptions & Tech:
Netflix, Disney+, Prime, Spotify, Apple Music (we literally just realized we were both paying for music services separately!)

Gym memberships that never get used (1/3 of gym members are basically donating their money)

App subscriptions you forgot about

Phone plans that need annual reviews

The Big Ones:
Vehicles (Chris's hot take: buying brand new is the worst financial decision—you lose 30% the second you drive off the lot)

Online shopping and the dopamine hit of "deals"

Beauty products and salon services

Clothing trends vs. thrift shopping

 
Chapters:
2:45 - Daily Coffee & Lunch Leaks

8:20 - Grocery Shopping Without a Plan

14:15 - Subscriptions Eating Your Budget

20:30 - The Vehicle Money Trap

26:45 - Our Financial Breaking Point

33:10 - The Year of Monthly Money Meetings

36:50 - Teaching Kids About Money

 
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.