Building a Business While Working Full-Time | Newcomer Success Story with Maria Tofowomo
Unpacked & Empowered Podcast by Marianne Agudo
Release Date: 04/15/2025
Why Starting Over Financially Feels So Hard: Breaking Through Mental Barriers as a Newcomer
Unpacked & Empowered Podcast by Marianne Agudo
If you've ever felt completely overwhelmed trying to figure out money in a new country, this episode is for you. Seven years ago, I arrived in Canada with barely $1000 to my name. The grocery store tax situation alone nearly sent me into a panic, but here's what I learned: starting over financially isn't really about the money in your bank account—it's about the mental barriers that keep us stuck. In this episode, I'm sharing my personal journey and the four mental blocks that nearly derailed our financial progress, plus the mindset shifts that changed everything for our family. You'll...
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Is Term Life Insurance enough for me? (What do I need to know?)
Unpacked & Empowered Podcast by Marianne Agudo
Are you new to life insurance in Canada? Wondering what term life insurance means — and whether it's right for your family? In this episode, licensed Life, Accident & Sickness Insurance Advisor Marianne Agudo breaks down term life insurance in simple, everyday language. Learn how term insurance works, what “renewable” and “convertible” options really mean, and why this type of coverage might make sense for families who are still building their financial foundation — especially if you’re a newcomer to Canada. 💡 Designed for newcomer families, parents, and early-career...
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The Pyramid of Financial Priorities: A New Beginning Blueprint
Unpacked & Empowered Podcast by Marianne Agudo
In this episode of Unpacked & Empowered, host Marianne Agudo (licensed life, accident, and sickness insurance advisor in New Brunswick and Ontario) shares a clear, practical breakdown of the Financial Pyramid—a helpful way to understand what to prioritize when rebuilding or starting over financially in Canada. Topics covered include: Non-controllable vs. controllable financial risks Building an emergency fund Paying down high-interest debt Protecting your assets through insurance Saving for education, retirement, and life goals Long-term planning and investment readiness ...
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Faith Before Finances: Resetting Your Foundation Mid-Year
Unpacked & Empowered Podcast by Marianne Agudo
Before you build your budget, savings plan, or buy insurance—ask yourself: What is your life really built on? In this short episode, I explore the Biblical foundation for financial stewardship and how you can realign your goals with God’s purpose for your life, especially during a mid-year reset. What You’ll Learn: The true meaning of stewardship based on Matthew 6:19–21 and 6:33 (NLT) Why trusting God is key to peace of mind—even in financial decision The role of financial tools like life insurance and savings in planning wisely How to reset and refocus on your 2025...
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What Newcomers Should Know About Financial Planning | Interview with Jim Chamberlain, PFP®
Unpacked & Empowered Podcast by Marianne Agudo
What should newcomers to Canada really know about financial planning? In this episode of Unpacked & Empowered Finances, I interview Jim Chamberlain, a licensed Personal Financial Planner (PFP®), to unpack practical insights that can help newcomers and young families build a stable financial future. Whether you're just starting your career, navigating life as a newcomer, or simply want to be more intentional with your money, Jim offers insights drawn from decades of experience. We talk about: The value of holistic financial planning Common money mistakes to avoid How to align your...
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Career & Confidence: Lessons from the Women’s Career Expo | For Newcomers in Canada
Unpacked & Empowered Podcast by Marianne Agudo
Feeling stuck in your job search or wondering how to start over in a new country? In this solo episode of Unpacked & Empowered + Finances, I share my biggest takeaways from the recent Women’s Career Expo—geared especially toward newcomers and women trying to establish or rebuild their careers in Canada. As a life insurance advisor and immigrant myself, I’ve seen how having the right career path can open doors to both personal growth and financial stability. The expo was filled with stories, strategies, and inspiration—so I’m passing a few of those gems along to you today....
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From Zero to Security: How Newcomers Can Build a Financial Foundation in Canada
Unpacked & Empowered Podcast by Marianne Agudo
Welcome to the Unpacked & Empowered + Finances Podcast—a space created for newcomers to Canada who are starting over and want to build a life of clarity, stability, and purpose. In this short solo episode, I’m sharing why I decided to rebrand from Finding Joy with Less and what this shift means for the podcast moving forward. As a licensed life insurance advisor and a newcomer myself, I understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate finances in a new country. That’s why I’m sharing 4 simple, foundational steps that helped me feel more in control—and might help you too....
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Building a Business While Working Full-Time | Newcomer Success Story with Maria Tofowomo
Unpacked & Empowered Podcast by Marianne Agudo
Unpacked & Empowered + Finances Podcast Episode: Thriving as a Newcomer & Digital Entrepreneur with Maria of Crystal Reece Media Ltd. In this inspiring episode, host Marianne Agudo sits down with Maria Tofowomo, a seasoned digital marketing expert and founder of Crystal Reece Media Ltd., to talk about balancing a full-time job, launching a business, and empowering minority-owned small businesses in Canada. Maria’s Story Highlights: • Over 15 years of experience in digital marketing across industries including Tech, Consumer Services, and Fortune 500 companies • Founder of Crystal...
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From the Operating Room to Entrepreneurship: A Story of Resilience & Growth, Clariza Bergeron
Unpacked & Empowered Podcast by Marianne Agudo
In this episode of Unpacked & Empowered + Finances, we sit down with Clariza Bergeron, Co-Owner and Director of Operations at Bergeron Immigration Limited. As the President of the Filipino Association of New Brunswick in Saint John, Clariza is deeply involved in supporting newcomers as they build their new lives in Canada. Clariza shares her personal journey of moving to Canada and navigating the challenges of transitioning from an operating room nurse to a thriving entrepreneur. She opens up about the struggles, triumphs, and financial lessons learned along the way—offering invaluable...
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Mind Matters: Insights from a counselling therapist
Unpacked & Empowered Podcast by Marianne Agudo
In this episode, Marianne interviews Marjorie Frenette, a counselling therapist, to explore the connection between mental health and self-improvement. Discover how prioritizing mental health can positively impact your daily life, relationships, and personal growth. Learn practical strategies for managing stress, overcoming challenges, and cultivating a positive mindset. Learn more about Marjorie via her website: Visit my podcast blog:
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Episode: Thriving as a Newcomer & Digital Entrepreneur with Maria of Crystal Reece Media Ltd.
In this inspiring episode, host Marianne Agudo sits down with Maria Tofowomo, a seasoned digital marketing expert and founder of Crystal Reece Media Ltd., to talk about balancing a full-time job, launching a business, and empowering minority-owned small businesses in Canada.
Maria’s Story Highlights:
• Over 15 years of experience in digital marketing across industries including Tech, Consumer Services, and Fortune 500 companies
• Founder of Crystal Reece Media, a New Brunswick-based business supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs with cost-effective, high-impact strategies
• Author of Metabolism Reset, a wellness book inspired by her own health journey
• MBA graduate (University of New Brunswick), Certified Scrum Master, and faith-driven community leader
• Proficient in Salesforce, Google Analytics, HubSpot, and more
In this episode, we explore:
• Maria’s journey as a newcomer and how she built her career in Canada
• How she started her business while maintaining a full-time job
• Financial and personal development lessons for immigrants and aspiring business owners
• Practical advice on growing and marketing your business with limited resources
• The power of community, faith, and perseverance
Whether you’re new to Canada, building a business, or looking for encouragement in your personal growth journey, this episode is packed with relatable insights and motivation.
Connect with Maria: Instagram: 
/ crystal_reecemedia
Website: https://crystalreecemedia.com
Connect with Marianne: Instagram: / marianneagudo.podcast
Website: www.marianneagudo.com
About the Host: Marianne Agudo is a licensed life, accident & sickness insurance agent in Saint John, New Brunswick. Through this podcast, she shares educational content, real stories, and expert conversations to support newcomers and families on their personal and financial growth journeys.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional financial advice.
#UnpackedAndEmpowered #NewcomerSuccess #DigitalMarketing #WomenInBusiness #FinancialEmpowerment #SmallBusinessCanada #CrystalReeceMedia #ImmigrantStories #PersonalGrowth #PodcastCanada