THE PROSPEROUS AND HAPPY LIFE with Mary Hagerman
Money doesn’t guarantee happiness, but it sure can help. In this podcast, I bring you expert advice on how to achieve not only wealth… but happiness too!
I share tips and experiences from my quest to help my clients be prosperous and happy. Over more than 30 years I have worked with thousands of clients and countless experts, all looking to live a rich and fulfilling life. In my podcast interviews, I share my stories and wisdom, along with advice from the many experts I have encountered along the way.
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November is Financial Literacy Month, and in this episode, Vlad and I go beyond the RRSP to explore tax-planning strategies Canadians may overlook.
Key discussion topics include:
- Choosing between TFSAs, FHSAs and RRSPs based on your financial goals
- Family income-splitting strategies
- Charitable giving and donating appreciated securities
- Understanding how different types of investment income are taxed
- Year-end planning opportunities, including capital gains and losses
- Tax-planning considerations for business owners
- Estate planning and preparing the next generation
My hope is that this conversation encourages you to look at your financial picture as a whole. Good tax planning is about understanding the options available to you and making thoughtful decisions that align with your long-term goals.
Thank you for listening
Subscribe to The Prosperous and Happy Life podcast on Spotify
Keep up to date with Mary by subscribing to her newsletter on The Mary Hagerman Group
Follow Mary Hagerman on LinkedIn, Instagram and on Facebook
Do not hesitate to contact us at mary.hagerman@raymondjames.ca
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Episode 50: Why Do We Keep Doing Things That Make Us Less Happy? The Surprising Findings of the World Happiness Report.
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In a world where we are more connected than ever, why are so many young people reporting lower levels of happiness?
As The Prosperous and Happy Life celebrates its 50th episode and enters its fourth year, Mary explores one of the most important questions of our time: how is social media shaping our wellbeing?
Drawing on international survey data, academic research, and insights from leading experts, the 2026 edition of the World Happiness Report examines the complex relationship between technology, connection, and happiness.
In this special milestone episode, Mary sits down with Laurence Bond, analyst on our team, recent Finance graduate, and CFA candidate, to unpack the report's key findings and discuss what they reveal about attention, relationships, and wellbeing in the digital age.
In this conversation, you'll discover:
- Why happiness among young people has declined in some countries
- What the research really says about social media
- Why belonging and relationships matter so much
- The surprising concept of a "product trap"
- What happened when users took a break from Facebook
- Why participation doesn't always equal preference
- How attention shapes wellbeing and decision-making
- Practical lessons for living more intentionally
More than a discussion about social media, this episode is ultimately a conversation about attention, connection, and the choices that shape a prosperous and happy life.
You can read more about the World Happiness Report here.
Thank you for listening
Subscribe to The Prosperous and Happy Life podcast on Spotify
Keep up to date with Mary by subscribing to her newsletter on The Mary Hagerman Group
Follow Mary Hagerman on LinkedIn, Instagram and on Facebook
Do not hesitate to contact us at mary.hagerman@raymondjames.ca
Episode 49: The Digital Nomad Life — Freedom or Fantasy?
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What if your office could be anywhere in the world?
The rise of remote work has made it possible for more people than ever to live and work across borders. From beachside cafés to historic European cities, the digital nomad lifestyle promises freedom, flexibility, and adventure. But what does the reality look like behind the Instagram photos?
In this episode of The Prosperous and Happy Life, Mary sits down with Georgina Lloyd, International Executive Consultant, Professional Head Hunter, and digital nomad currently based in Sicily.
Drawing on her own experience living and working internationally, Georgina shares an honest look at what it takes to build a location-independent life and career.
In this conversation, you'll discover:
- What it really takes to become a digital nomad
- How remote professionals earn income while working abroad
- The realities of visas, taxes, healthcare, and banking across countries
- The financial planning considerations that come with an international lifestyle
- The biggest benefits and challenges of living and working remotely
- How to build community and maintain relationships while constantly on the move
- What the future of location-independent work may look like
While this episode focuses on travel and lifestyle design, it also touches on an important financial topic: aligning your money with the life you want to live. Whether you're dreaming of working abroad, considering a major life change, or simply looking for inspiration to think differently about work and freedom, this conversation offers valuable perspectives.
Visit Georgina’s website here.
Thank you for listening
Subscribe to The Prosperous and Happy Life podcast on Spotify
Keep up to date with Mary by subscribing to her newsletter on The Mary Hagerman Group
Follow Mary Hagerman on LinkedIn, Instagram and on Facebook
Do not hesitate to contact us at mary.hagerman@raymondjames.ca
Episode 48: Tips on Coping – Fix Problems, Find Meaning, Feel Better.
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Developing coping strategies can help improve your relationship with money.
Money is rarely just about numbers. Behind many financial decisions are emotions such as fear, uncertainty, guilt, regret, anxiety, hope, and the desire for control.
In this episode of The Prosperous and Happy Life, Mary sits down with Dr. Robert G. Maunder, Chair in Health and Behaviour at Sinai Health and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, and Dr. Jonathan Hunter, Pencer Chair in Applied General Psychiatry at Sinai Health and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto.
Drawing on decades of clinical experience, research, and thousands of conversations with patients facing illness, trauma, uncertainty, and loss, they share practical, evidence-based strategies for navigating life's most difficult moments.
In this conversation, you'll discover:
- Why some coping strategies make us feel worse over time
- How to better navigate uncertainty and adversity
- The powerful role of relationships, gratitude, and meaning
- Practical tools for managing difficult emotions
- What decades of research reveal about resilience and well-being
While this conversation isn't specifically about investing, its lessons have profound implications for our relationship with money. The ability to cope with uncertainty, regulate emotions, and focus on what truly matters can influence everything from financial decision-making to long-term well-being.
Whether you're facing a personal challenge, supporting a loved one, navigating a difficult transition, or dealing with financial uncertainty, this episode offers timeless wisdom from two of the leading voices in mental health and well-being.
A thoughtful, practical, and deeply human conversation that may change the way you approach both life's challenges and your financial journey.
Click here to learn more about their book.
Thank you for listening
Subscribe to The Prosperous and Happy Life podcast on Spotify
Keep up to date with Mary by subscribing to her newsletter on The Mary Hagerman Group
Follow Mary Hagerman on LinkedIn, Instagram and on Facebook
Do not hesitate to contact us at mary.hagerman@raymondjames.ca
Episode 47: The Happy Inheritor – Conversation with Dr Thomas Deans
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What does it really mean to live a prosperous and happy life?
We often say, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” But when there’s no will, settling an estate can become far more complicated than many families expect.
In the latest episode of The Prosperous and Happy Life, I sit down with Dr. Thomas Deans, author of The Happy Inheritor and an expert on family wealth and legacy planning. Together, we explore what really happens when wealth passes from one generation to the next, and why it doesn't always go as planned.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Common estate planning mistakes
- Why family conversations about inheritance matter
- How to prepare heirs, not just assets
- Practical steps families can take to help preserve wealth and reduce future conflict
Visit Dr. Deans’ website.
Click here to purchase a copy of The Happy Inheritor.
Thank you for listening
Subscribe to The Prosperous and Happy Life podcast on Spotify
Keep up to date with Mary by subscribing to her newsletter on The Mary Hagerman Group
Follow Mary Hagerman on LinkedIn, Instagram and on Facebook
Do not hesitate to contact us at mary.hagerman@raymondjames.ca
Episode 46: Argent, bonheur et 17 leçons pour réussir en bourse.
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Nous sommes heureux de vous annoncer qu’un nouvel épisode de The Prosperous and Happy Life est maintenant disponible, dans lequel nous recevons Nicolas Bérubé, journaliste économique à La Presse et auteur du livre L’art de multiplier son argent - 17 leçons pour réussir en bourse. Ensemble, nous explorons les principes essentiels de l’investissement et surtout, la manière dont nos comportements influencent nos décisions financières.
Dans cet épisode, nous abordons notamment :
- pourquoi les marchés sont parfois imprévisibles, même pour les experts
- comment les biais psychologiques influencent nos décisions d’investissement
- les risques liés à la concentration des marchés et l’importance de la diversification
- comment planifier ses retraits à la retraite sans compromettre sa sécurité financière à long terme
Retrouvez tous les articles de Nicolas sur le site de La Presse.
Commandez votre exemplaire de son livre, L’art de multiplier son argent.
Merci de votre écoute.
Abonnez-vous au balado La vie prospère et heureuse sur Spotify.
Restez informé(e) des nouveautés de Mary en vous abonnant à son infolettre sur le Groupe Mary Hagerman.
Suivez Mary Hagerman sur LinkedIn et sur Facebook.
N’hésitez pas à nous contacter à l’adresse suivante : mary.hagerman@raymondjames.ca
Episode 45: What does it really mean to live a prosperous and happy life?
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What does it really mean to live a prosperous and happy life?
That’s what we’re exploring—and even measuring— in this episode of The Prosperous and Happy Life Podcast.
We share an insightful compilation of how our recent guests define what it means to be prosperous and happy.
You may notice that money rarely takes center stage. In fact, one guest even suggests that prosperity and happiness can sometimes be mutually exclusive.
What does become clear is that there’s no one-size-fits-all definition—especially when it comes to what truly makes us happy.
This compilation episode also marks the launch of our Prosperous and Happy questionnaire, inspired by the incredible voices on this podcast and my more than 30 years of wealth management conversations with clients.
I invite you to listen closely as our producer, Nick Saranczuk, walks you through a selection of responses to the final question I ask every guest on our show:
What does “prosperous and happy” mean to you?
Thank you for listening
Subscribe to The Prosperous and Happy Life podcast on Spotify
Keep up to date with Mary by subscribing to her newsletter on The Mary Hagerman Group
Follow Mary Hagerman on LinkedIn, Instagram and on Facebook
Do not hesitate to contact us at mary.hagerman@raymondjames.ca
Episode 44: Rich is a State of Mind. Money conversations that strengthen families.
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“Your T4 isn’t your IQ.”
That’s one of my favourite lines from my guest in this week’s episode, and it perfectly captures the heart of our conversation. Talking about money isn’t just about dollars, it’s about emotions, family dynamics, communication, and mindset.
In my latest episode of The Prosperous and Happy Life, I sit down with Robert Gignac, author of the Canadian bestseller Rich Is a State of Mind, to explore why the way we talk about money matters just as much as the numbers themselves.
What I love about Robert’s work is that he teaches financial planning through storytelling, helping people build healthier money conversations at home with kids, with partners, and with aging parents.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why money is emotional long before it becomes mathematical
- How to start money conversations with your children
- Tools that help partners navigate different money habits and histories
- How to approach conversations with aging parents
- Simple, practical tools to make money talks easier and less intimidating
If you’ve ever wished money conversations at home felt less stressful and more constructive, this episode is for you.
Read Robert's book here
Watch episodes of the WE Talk Money TV show.
Thank you for listening
Subscribe to The Prosperous and Happy Life podcast on Spotify
Keep up to date with Mary by subscribing to her newsletter on The Mary Hagerman Group
Follow Mary Hagerman on LinkedIn, Instagram and on Facebook
Do not hesitate to contact us at mary.hagerman@raymondjames.ca
Episode 43: Stay or Move. Deciding when it's time for Mom and Dad to move.
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Navigating the question “Can Mom or Dad safely stay at home, or is it time to move?” is one of the toughest moments a family can face. In this heartfelt and practical episode, I sit down with Marie‑Claude Giguère, a senior‑care expert with more than 26 years of experience guiding families through this exact crossroads.
Marie‑Claude has visited over 500 private residences, supported countless transitions, and literally written the book on this journey—from Stay or Move? to her illustrated children’s story Grandma’s Place. Her approach combines dignity, empowerment, and compassion at every step.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- The real fears seniors and adult children carry, but rarely say out loud
- Why language like “place” or “put” can shut conversations down
- Small home adaptations that can extend independence, sometimes for years
- How to start “the talk” without triggering defensiveness
- The signs that a move may be the safest, kindest next step
- How to reduce sibling conflict and protect relationships along the way
- Why guilt is normal, but shouldn’t lead your decisions
This conversation is filled with empathy and practical insights you can use today, whether you’re supporting aging parents, planning ahead for yourself, or just trying to understand how to approach this stage of life with more dignity and less fear.
Visit the Help Seniors website.
Find her book on Amazon.
Thank you for listening
Subscribe to The Prosperous and Happy Life podcast on Spotify
Keep up to date with Mary by subscribing to her newsletter on The Mary Hagerman Group
Follow Mary Hagerman on LinkedIn, Instagram and on Facebook
Do not hesitate to contact us at mary.hagerman@raymondjames.ca
Episode 42: Did You Choose the Right Executor? Important considerations and lessons learned.
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In this episode, we dive into the critical role of executors in estate planning and how preparation before death can ease stress and avoid delays. Drawing insights from Barbara Amsden’s How to Laugh at Death & Taxes, we cover:
- What an executor is and their legal responsibilities
- How to choose the right executor and common myths to avoid
- Key duties and challenges executors face
- Why outsourcing tasks to professionals can make a big difference
- Practical steps for willmakers and executors to prepare ahead of time
You can purchase Barb's book here.
Thank you for listening
Subscribe to The Prosperous and Happy Life podcast on Spotify
Keep up to date with Mary by subscribing to her newsletter on The Mary Hagerman Group
Follow Mary Hagerman on LinkedIn and on Facebook
Do not hesitate to contact us at mary.hagerman@raymondjames.ca