Welcome to the Retirement Planning Simplified Podcast. Join Joseph Curry, CFP Professional and retirement planning specialist, to learn how to simplify your retirement planning. If you're approaching retirement or have already entered your early retirement years, this podcast is designed to help you answer your big retirement questions like... Can I afford to retire? How do I create a paycheck in retirement? How do I pay less tax in retirement? And even big questions about life after work. T ...
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EP # 142 - The 7 Pillars of Retirement Planning: A Practical Guide
22:18
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22:18Retirement isn’t just about your finances—it’s about designing a life you love. In this episode, Joe Curry and Lindsay Wilson break down the 7 key pillars of a fulfilling retirement, with a focus on the three most essential: your financial foundation, your health, and your lifestyle. This is your practical guide to planning retirement with purpose—…
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EP # 141 - Rethinking Retirement: Aging, Identity, and the Power of Mentorship with Dr. Deborah Heiser
21:10
21:10
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21:10What if retirement wasn’t the end of your story—but the beginning of your legacy? In this episode, Joe chats with Dr. Deborah Heiser, a developmental psychologist and founder of The Mentor Project, about how retirees can find purpose, connection, and fulfillment through mentorship, movement, and mindset. They explore the concept of generativity—our…
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EP # 140 - Women & Wealth: Smart Retirement Planning for a Confident Future
36:52
36:52
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36:52In this episode, Joe Curry sits down with financial expert Russ Thornton to reveal why women face unique hurdles in retirement—and how to overcome them. From longer life expectancies to career breaks for caregiving, Russ shares real-world strategies to build confidence, plan smart, and avoid costly mistakes. They break down what women need to know …
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EP # 139 - The New Retirement: Work, Purpose & Aging with Dr. Corinne Auman
31:47
31:47
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31:47In this episode, Joe sits down with Dr. Corinne Auman, a developmental psychologist who specializes in adulthood and aging, to talk about how our perspectives on aging and retirement are evolving. She explores common myths about getting older, how to find purpose after retirement, and the power of staying socially connected. Dr. Auman also shares a…
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Ep # 138 - Move More, Live Better: Confidence, Consistency & Commitment with Esther Avant
44:21
44:21
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44:21Joe chats with guest Esther Avant, a health industry expert, who emphasizes the critical role of prioritizing health for a fulfilling retirement. Esther highlights actionable strategies to kickstart a healthy lifestyle, regardless of where someone stands in their health journey. The episode explores the misconceptions about aging and health, practi…
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Ep # 137 - Home Care to Care Homes: The Eldercare Journey with Amy Friesen
44:21
44:21
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44:21Joe welcomes Amy Friesen, senior living expert. They highlight the challenges and solutions for aging individuals and their families. They examine various aspects of elder care, including planning for home modifications, navigating retirement homes, and understanding long-term care options. They emphasize the importance of planning, open family com…
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Ep # 136 - Mastering Your Money Mindset for a Fulfilling Retirement with John Hankins
31:30
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31:30The podcast episode delves into the nuances of financial therapy and its importance in retirement planning. John Hankins, a financial therapist, joins host Joe Curry to explain the intersection of emotional well-being and financial planning. They explore how financial therapy can help individuals and couples navigate anxiety and issues related to m…
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Ep #135: Retirement is Not a Math Problem with Roger Whitney (The Retirement Answer Man)
41:24
41:24
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41:24Joe sits down with Roger Whitney, the Retirement Answer Man, to discuss agile retirement planning, financial confidence, and redefining retirement beyond just money. Roger shares insights on why retirement is not a math problem, how to invest in your life and passions, and the importance of social engagement and community in retirement. They also e…
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Ep #134: Smart Tax Strategies for More Efficient Retirement Planning
26:21
26:21
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26:21In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, we dive into smart tax strategies for retirement, and common mistakes to avoid when drawing income. We cover essential topics like income splitting, RRSP vs. RRIF withdrawals, TFSA strategies, and how to minimize OAS clawback. You'll learn how to optimize your withdrawal order, take advantage …
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EP #133: Retirement Taxes 101: What You Need to Know
17:42
17:42
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17:42Ever wonder how retirement income is taxed in Canada? We look at tax brackets, RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs, CPP, OAS, and pension income is crucial for optimizing your retirement tax strategy. They explain marginal vs. average tax rates, the impact of dividends and capital gains, and how to minimize OAS clawbacks. Tune in to learn how to reduce your lifeti…
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Ep # 132: Work, Wealth & Well-Being: The New Retirement Mindset with Chris Farrell
34:25
34:25
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34:25Joe speaks with journalist and economist Chris Farrell to challenge traditional retirement thinking. They examine working in retirement, the purpose and paycheque balance, and why staying engaged later in life is about more than just financial security. Chris shares insights from his books, including how entrepreneurship after 50 is thriving, how e…
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Ep #131: Pension Planning Made Simple: Boost Your Retirement Strategy
17:14
17:14
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17:14We dive into the essential topic of pension types for Canadian employees, covering defined benefit pensions, defined contribution pensions, and group RRSPs. We explain how each works, their pros and cons, and how they fit into a comprehensive retirement income plan. Whether you're planning for retirement or optimizing your benefits, this episode pr…
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EP #130: TFSAs: Your Secret Weapon for Tax-Free Retirement Income
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13:16We unpack the power of Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) as a game-changing tool for retirement income planning. Discover how TFSAs provide tax-free growth, flexible withdrawal management, and significant estate planning benefits. Learn why integrating TFSAs with RRIFs, CPP, OAS, and other income sources can minimize taxes, avoid OAS clawbacks, and…
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EP #129: 2025 Retirement Planning Updates
20:33
20:33
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20:33Discover essential retirement planning updates for 2025! Joe and Lindsay break down new RRSP and TFSA contribution limits, updates to CPP and OAS benefits, inflation adjustments, key tax changes, and capital gains rules. Learn how to maximize your retirement savings, minimize taxes, and stay invested for long-term success. With practical tips on bu…
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EP #128: Canada Pension Plan Explained: Maximize Your Retirement Benefits
22:03
22:03
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22:03Joe and Lindsay answer the most common questions about the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). They explain what CPP is, who qualifies, how to apply, and how to estimate your benefits. You’ll learn about the maximum and average payouts, survivor benefits, tax implications, and whether to take CPP early, at 65, or delay to age 70. With insights on integratin…
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Fireside Financial Ep #22: Safeguard Your Future: The Link Between Cognitive Health & Retirement Planning
17:23
17:23
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17:23We discuss planning for cognitive decline in retirement and how early financial preparation can protect you and your loved ones. We cover the importance of trusted contacts, power of attorney, estate planning, and financial consolidation to minimize risk and simplify asset management. We also touch on common scams targeting seniors, how to prevent …
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Ep #127: Retirement Unfiltered: Lessons from the Retirement Journey with David Warren
48:49
48:49
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48:49Joe interviews David Warren, a retiree with decades of experience in business and personal finance, about his journey through retirement. David shares insights from his phased transition into retirement, emphasizing the importance of staying active, maintaining relationships, and adapting to life’s unexpected challenges, including significant healt…
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Ep #126: The Art of Retirement: Balancing Money, Health and Happiness with Dr. Michael Finke
36:41
36:41
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36:41Joe sits down with Michael Finke, PhD, from the American College of Financial Services, to explore how retirees can shift their mindset from saving to spending and embrace a fulfilling retirement. They discuss the importance of guaranteed income, social connections, and maintaining health as key pillars of retirement happiness. Michael shares actio…
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Ep #125: Retirement Starts Today: Have a Purposeful and No-Regrets Life with Benjamin Brandt, CFP
24:06
24:06
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24:06Joe interviews Benjamin Brandt, CFP, the retirement expert behind Retirement Starts Today. Together they explore the non-financial aspects of retirement planning. Topics range from shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset, retiring to something rather than from something, and embracing creativity to design a fulfilling post-career life. Key…
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Ep #124: Understanding RRIFs: Strategies to Save on Taxes and Boost Income
16:20
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16:20Joe answers the most common questions about Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) to demystify how they work and their role in retirement planning. He explains the differences between RRSPs and RRIFs, minimum withdrawal rules, tax implications, beneficiary designations, and strategies to minimize taxes while maximizing retirement income. With …
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Ep #123: Maximize Your RRIF: Tax-Smart Withdrawal Strategies for Retirees
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13:51
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13:51Joe gives advanced strategies to optimize your Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) withdrawals, focusing on minimizing taxes, avoiding OAS claw backs, and aligning withdrawals with your broader retirement income plan. Discover actionable tips on pension income splitting, using TFSAs to shelter withdrawals, and making early or strategic withdra…
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Fireside Financial Ep #21: Go-Go to No-Go: Navigating Long-Term Care, Home Equity, and Legacy Goals
12:45
12:45
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12:45Joe and Regan examine the essentials of long-term care planning in retirement. They emphasize the importance of proactive strategies to manage future healthcare expenses. They look at the "retirement expense smile," covering the go-go, slow-go, and no-go years, and explore options like funding care through investments, leveraging home equity, or us…
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Ep #122: Clarity & Action: Bring It On 2025!
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13:30
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13:30Start 2025 with Confidence in Your Retirement Plan. On this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe and Lindsay share inspiring client stories that highlight the power of clear, actionable retirement plans. Learn how addressing gaps, aligning goals, and working with a professional can transform uncertainty into confidence. Discover how …
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EP #121: 2024’s Top Retirement Tips: Mistakes, Strategies, and Expert Insights
19:16
19:16
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19:16In this special year-end episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe and Lindsay reflect on the most popular episodes of 2024, covering essential retirement planning insights and strategies. From avoiding critical retirement mistakes—both financial and non-financial—to optimizing tax strategies, calculating your retirement number, and under…
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Ep #120: Overcoming the Fear of Spending in Retirement: Tips for Confident Cash Flow
12:07
12:07
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12:07Joe tackles the psychology of retirement spending, offering actionable strategies to overcome the common fear of depleting savings. Joe discusses how retirees can transition from saving to spending confidently by addressing loss aversion, leveraging tools like retirement income guardrails, and aligning spending with their financial goals. Listeners…
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Ep #119: The Hidden Costs of Retirement You Can’t Afford to Miss
12:29
12:29
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12:29In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe uncovers the hidden costs of retirement that often catch retirees off guard, leading to financial stress. From healthcare expenses, long-term care, and inflation to home maintenance, travel, and family support, Joe dives deep into overlooked budget items and offers actionable tips to prepa…
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Ep #118: Understanding Inflation and Its Long-Term Impact on Retirement
9:42
9:42
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9:42This week we explore the critical topic of inflation and its long-term impact on retirement planning. We define inflation, distinguish it from deflation and disinflation, and explain why prices continue to rise even when inflation rates decrease. We examine how rising costs, particularly in healthcare, can erode purchasing power over time, and why …
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Fireside Financial Ep #20 – Client-Centered Wealth Management
13:57
13:57
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13:57Joe and Regan share their journeys in the financial planning industry, highlighting key transitions to independent wealth management. They discuss the challenges of starting in a sales-driven culture, the benefits of prioritizing client-centric retirement planning, and the importance of independence in offering customized financial solutions. Joe s…
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Ep #117: Good Portfolio Management Won’t Make Up for Bad Financial Planning
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11:00In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry and Lindsay Wilson explore why good portfolio management can’t compensate for bad financial planning, drawing insights from FP Canada’s Financial Planning Conference and Benjamin Felix’s investment lessons. They emphasize the importance of goal-oriented financial planning over stock-…
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Ep #116: Essential Insights on Hospice Care and Support with Red Keating
25:37
25:37
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25:37In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Lindsay welcomes Red Keating, a supportive care counselor at Hospice Peterborough and co-host of the What Now? podcast, to discuss the profound importance of hospice and palliative care in Ontario. Highlighting the compassionate, holistic approach to end-of-life support, Red shares insights on…
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Ep# 115: Retire with Impact: Discover the Power of Volunteering with Lois Tuffin
26:22
26:22
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26:22Joe sits down with Lois Tuffin from Volunteer Peterborough to explore the transformative benefits of volunteering for retirees. Lois shares inspiring stories of retirees who have found renewed purpose and fulfillment through volunteer roles in organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Elder Dog, and the Peterborough Folk Festival. Covering a range o…
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Ep# 114: Understanding the Bucket Strategy for Retirement Income: RISA Framework Explained
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11:43
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11:43Joe and Lindsay conclude their RISA framework series with a look at the final quadrant: time segmentation. It is also known as the "bucket strategy" in retirement planning. Joe explains how this approach divides retirement assets into short-term, mid-term, and long-term buckets, allowing for a balanced retirement income strategy. Retirees can reduc…
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Fireside Financial Ep #19: Gaining Clarity: Why Retirees Switch Financial Advisors
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20:40Does this sound familiar? Your advisor tells you not to worry, that you're in a good position for retirement. However, you still feel uncertain and lost about where you stand financially. The struggle to get clear answers and guidance on retirement planning can leave you feeling anxious and overwhelmed. If this resonates with you, it's time to take…
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Ep #113 Guaranteed Income and Growth: Exploring Risk Wrap Retirement Strategies
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15:29
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15:29Joe and Lindsay continue their exploration of the RISA. This week we examine the Risk Wrap quadrant, focusing on balancing growth potential with income protection in retirement. We explain how Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefits (GMWB) work, allowing retirees to invest in the market with the security of a guaranteed income floor. Topics covered …
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Ep #112 Too Risk Averse for the Market? Explore Income Protection Instead
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15:37In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe and Lindsay examine the Income Protection Quadrant of the RISA framework, focusing on strategies to secure guaranteed income in retirement. They discuss the benefits of annuities, defined benefit pensions, Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and Old Age Security (OAS) to create an income floor that…
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Ep # 111 – Flexibility or Security? Weighing the Pros and Cons of a Total Return Retirement
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15:33
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15:33Joe and Lindsay explore the Total Return quadrant of the RISA framework, emphasizing the importance of understanding retirement income styles. They discuss the Total Return strategy, which focuses on maintaining a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds, enabling retirees to rely on market growth for sustainable income. We highlight key character…
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Ep # 110 - Estate Planning Fails: Real Stories of What Can Go Wrong
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33:53
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33:53Only 48% of Canadians have a will in place. It's probably been on your to-do list for a long time and you're not alone. In fact, of the people who have a will, only 35% of them are up to date. If you're feeling the stress of not having your estate planning in order, you are not alone! The stories shared by Ellie Muir, Team Lead of Partner Relations…
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Fireside Financial Ep #18: Top 10 Reasons You Need a Retirement Plan
21:12
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21:12If you're feeling uncertain about your retirement finances and making decisions based on guesswork, then you are not alone! Many individuals nearing retirement age find themselves in a similar situation, relying on rules of thumb or hearsay rather than having a concrete plan in place. This lack of clarity can lead to stress, anxiety, and potential …
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Ep #109: Why Sugarcoating Retirement Plans Does More Harm Than Good
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7:38Joe and Lindsay discuss the importance of transparency in financial planning by sharing a recent client story. A couple came to them frustrated by their previous advisor's lack of clarity, unsure whether they could reach their retirement goals. Through our process—beginning with a strategy session and followed by a comprehensive plan—the couple cle…
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Ep #108: Customize Your Retirement Strategy: There's No One-Size-Fits-All Approach
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10:23
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10:23We answer a listener's question about balancing RRSP and RIF withdrawals in retirement while minimizing taxes. We highlight the importance of personalized planning, discussing when it makes sense to defer withdrawals for tax-deferred growth and when early withdrawals could help reduce future tax liabilities like OAS clawbacks. Joe emphasizes that s…
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Ep #107: Skeptic to Advocate: Robin Powell's Journey into Evidence-Based Investing
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25:55Worried about making financial mistakes with your retirement portfolio? Robin Powell, founder of The Evidence-Based Investor, joins Joe Curry, retirement advisor, to explore the transformative power of evidence-based investing. Robin shares his journey from journalism to becoming an advocate for passive investing, highlighting key moments such as m…
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Ep# 106: Understanding Your Retirement Income Personality for Success with Wade Pfau
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28:33Joe speaks with Wade Pfau, a leading expert in retirement income planning. They explore the evolving landscape of retirement strategies, focusing on understanding personal retirement income styles using the RISA (Retirement Income Style Awareness Profile) framework. Wade highlights the significance of aligning strategies with individual comfort lev…
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EP #105: Connecting Your Values to Your Financial Goals with Dr. Brian Portnoy
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41:22Joe sits down with Dr. Brian Portnoy to explore the concept of "funded contentment," a revolutionary approach to financial well-being that transcends traditional views of wealth. They delve into the psychological and emotional aspects of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of aligning financial decisions with personal values. Brian intr…
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Fireside Financial Ep #17: Expect the Unexpected: Hidden Costs in Retirement
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22:24Joe and Regan discuss lesser-known aspects of retirement planning, focusing on unexpected expenses, psychological adjustments, and the impact of inflation. They highlight overlooked costs like home maintenance, supporting adult children, and healthcare, while also addressing the importance of planning for unplanned opportunities. The conversation d…
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Ep #104: Top Strategies to Reduce Taxes in Retirement
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13:48
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13:48We dive into actionable strategies to help you save more money in retirement. From pension income splitting and maximizing tax credits to optimizing RRIF withdrawals and deferring government benefits, we break down key steps to reduce your tax burden and stretch your savings. Read the full show notes and find more information here: EP 104 Show Note…
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Ep# 103: The High Cost of Complicating Your Investments
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21:08We look at the pitfalls of complex investment strategies and emphasize the benefits of keeping things simple. They discuss the importance of trusting market principles, practicing smart diversification, and avoiding performance chasing. With insights from a recent article by Sam Sivarajan on the Canada Pension Plan's investment performance, they hi…
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Ep #102: What to Do When Markets Get Scary
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12:23
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12:23We discuss the pitfalls of relying on market forecasts and expert predictions during times of market volatility. Emphasizing the inaccuracies of financial forecasts and the psychological tendency to seek out such predictions, they advocate for a disciplined, evidence-based investment approach. Listeners are advised to stick to their pre-planned str…
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Ep #101: Going Beyond 'Financial Advisor Near Me' to Find the Right Fit
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20:37This episode explores the nuances of selecting an advisor beyond proximity, emphasizing the importance of virtual collaboration, comprehensive planning, and evidence-based investment philosophies. Joe also highlights the value of specialized advice, the pitfalls of advisor diversification, and the necessity of transparent, ongoing communication wit…
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Fireside Financial #16: RRSPs Alone Don't Cut It: Building a Complete Retirement Plan
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19:00Joe and Regan explain why personalized planning is crucial for a secure and enjoyable retirement. They debunk myths, offer actionable advice, and equip their audience with the tools to make informed financial decisions. Whether it's re-evaluating the role of RRSPs, determining the right time to take CPP, or balancing investment portfolios, this epi…
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Ep #100: Envision Your Future Self: Craft an Optimistic Retirement
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24:04It’s episode 100! Joe speaks with Dr. Hal Hershfield, the author of “Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today”. They discuss the idea that our future selves can often feel like different people rather than an extension of our current selves. This concept has significant implications for retirement planning and living a fulfilling life be…
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