Money Talk for Entrepreneurs: Mindset, Tax Strategies & Building Long-Term Wealth with Melanie Cheek

In this insightful episode, Sharon welcomes financial advisor and entrepreneur Melanie Cheek for a candid conversation about the financial habits, mindset shifts, and planning strategies that can transform an entrepreneur’s future. Melanie shares her personal journey from financial stress and debt to becoming a trusted advisor helping others orchestrate their wealth. Together, they explore why so many Canadians grow up without financial education, how our beliefs about money impact our decisions, and why replacing phrases like “I can’t afford that” with more empowering language can create meaningful change. The discussion dives into practical tools entrepreneurs can use to keep more of their hard-earned money, including Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs), First Home Savings Accounts, business deductions, health spending accounts, and retirement planning strategies. Melanie explains why entrepreneurs should think differently about saving, how to create a spending plan instead of a budget, and why even small contributions can build significant wealth over time. She also shares valuable insights on reducing taxes legally, understanding financial products, and making informed decisions about RRSPs, TFSAs, and other investment vehicles. Sharon and Melanie also discuss protecting what you’ve built through life insurance, succession planning, and business continuity strategies. The conversation expands into entrepreneurship, delegation, networking, hiring experts, investing in coaches, and creating a business that supports your life rather than consumes it. Whether you’re building your first business, preparing for retirement, or simply trying to make smarter financial decisions, this episode offers practical advice and powerful mindset shifts to help you move forward with confidence. **About Melanie Cheek** Melanie Cheek is a financial advisor, entrepreneur, and educator who has been helping Canadians build wealth and create financial confidence since 2013. Drawing from her own experiences overcoming debt, financial stress, and entrepreneurship challenges, Melanie is passionate about teaching practical financial strategies that are often missing from traditional education. Through Melanie Cheek Financial, she works with individuals, families, and entrepreneurs to develop customized financial plans, reduce taxes, protect their assets, and create sustainable wealth-building strategies. Melanie is known for her approachable style, commitment to financial education, and dedication to helping people make informed decisions about their money and future. **Resources discussed in this episode:** - Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki - Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA) - First Home Savings Account (FHSA) - Health Spending Accounts (HSA) for incorporated business owners - BNI Networking Groups - Reset Collective Mastermind Community - Startup Lloydminster - Mile IQ - You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero - Womanition - The Secret - The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success  by Deepak Chopra - Talk Money to Me by Kelley Keehn — **Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:**  - Website: itpromo.ca - LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning - Facebook: It’s Time Promotions - Google: It’s Time Promotions **Contact Melanie Cheek | Melanie Cheek Financial:**  - Website: www.melaniecheekfinancial.com - [Email: info@melaniecheekfinancial.com](mailto:info@melaniecheekfinancial.com) - Facebook: Melanie Cheek Financial - Phone: (780) 604-3711