Plain English Finance

Send us Fan Mail Most Canadian parents know about RESPs, but few use them to their full potential. In this episode, Tré exposes the common RESP mistakes that cost families thousands and shows you how to actually make the most of this powerful tool. You’ll learn how to maximize government grants, why timing matters more than you think, and how RESP investing can be a stealthy tax strategy. Plus, Tr...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Tré breaks down how credit scores work in Canada using best practices given directly from Equifax and TransUnion. Using information straight from Equifax and TransUnion, he explains exactly what goes into your score and how to build it the right way. Whether you’re starting out or trying to repair your credit, this episode will help you make smarter decisions that...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, Tré lays out the clear financial steps to follow if you’re thinking about starting a business in Canada.  If you’re a Canadian professional or aspiring business owner, this episode is your practical roadmap. You’ll learn why understanding cash flow, separating your identity from the business, and using debt efficiently aren’t optional—they’re foundational. What y...

Send us Fan Mail Teaching comes with one of the best pensions in Canada. But that doesn’t mean your retirement is “set and forget.” In this episode, Tré walks through the financial decisions every teacher needs to get right—before and after retiring. Defined benefit pensions reduce your investment risk but create planning traps if you don’t understand tax brackets, withdrawal timing, and how your...

Send us Fan Mail Most employees guess their way through financial decisions. That leads to debt, missed opportunities, and slow progress. In this episode, Tré lays out a clear, step-by-step plan for employees who want better results and are willing to do the work. You'll learn which financial decisions matter most and in what order — so you can stop guessing and start building real financial...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Plain English Finance , host Tré Bynoe, CFP®, CIM® , breaks down the step-by-step plan for professionals thinking about buying into their firm — lawyers, engineers, accountants, and doctors alike. Tré explains how to build your finances in the right order so you’re ready when the chance to buy in comes. From mastering personal spending to building a non-register...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Plain English Finance , Tré Bynoe, CFP®, CIM® walks through a real-life case study (with names changed) to explore what happens when you’ve already “made it” — when your retirement savings are on track, your debt is under control, and your financial plan is stable. Tré and Sierra unpack the next stage of wealth building: turning a strong foundation into long-ter...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Plain English Finance , Tré Bynoe, CFP®, CIM® breaks down the foundations of smart investing. Joined by Sierra, he walks through the same conversation he has with every new client — what “risk” really means, why most people misunderstand it, and how to build a portfolio that matches both your goals and your comfort level. Tré explains how to think about equity v...

Send us Fan Mail Some financial planners still use the same flat “4% return” rate for every client’s retirement plan. Tré and Sierra explain why that’s not just inaccurate—it’s unprofessional. In this candid episode, Tré shares what happened at a due diligence event that left him frustrated with the industry’s bad habits. You’ll learn why using made-up assumptions leads to misleading plans, what F...

Send us Fan Mail Should you incorporate your business, or stick with a sole proprietorship? In this episode, Tré and Sierra unpack what a corporation really is, how it works, and why it’s one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available to Canadians. Tré explains the real advantages—legal protection, tax efficiency, and control over income timing—while also calling out the pitfalls that si...

Send us Fan Mail Most people think insurance is for “what if I die?” scenarios—but that’s not the real risk. In this episode, Tré and Sierra break down how smart families and business owners actually manage risk. From life insurance to disability and liability coverage, Tré explains how to identify what’s truly at stake —your ability to earn, live, and protect your family’s future—and how to match...

Send us Fan Mail “Buy now, pay later” sounds harmless. Four easy payments, no interest, and you’re done. But in this episode, Tré and Sierra Bynoe break down why services like Klarna are anything but free. They uncover how BNPL programs encourage overspending, trap users in hidden fees, and target the most financially vulnerable. From financing groceries to making payments on a coffee, this trend...

Send us Fan Mail “Tax-Free Savings Account” is a bad name. It’s an investment account, not a savings jar.  In this episode, Tré explains what the TFSA really is, how to use it properly, and how it fits with your RRSP. You’ll learn the real contribution rules (including why withdrawals don’t reset until January 1), why TFSA room is more valuable than a one-time tax break, and the estate move that c...

Send us Fan Mail Want a $40,000 car but only pay $10K out of pocket? That’s the power of understanding time, interest, and inflation. In this episode, Tré and Sierra are joined by his in-laws to break down the basics of financial math using an online calculator and show how these “boring” numbers can radically change your financial future. This real conversation about how money grows, why debt cos...

Send us Fan Mail Most wills don’t plan for reality. They ignore messy family dynamics, future kids, or the financial chaos that hits when parents die unexpectedly. In this episode, Tré Bynoe, CFP, CIM, shares how he and his wife structured their own estate plan — trusts, wills, tax strategy, and all — with ruthless clarity and long-term thinking. This is what real estate planning looks like when y...

Send us Fan Mail Most Canadians treat RRSPs like a retirement silver bullet, and most are using them wrong. In this episode, Tré explains why Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) are powerful tools only when used strategically . He breaks down what RRSPs actually are, how they affect your taxes, and why the way most people use them could hurt their retirement. This episode is essential if y...

Send us Fan Mail Want to support a cause and cut your tax bill? This episode is for you. Tré explains how to give to charity in a smarter, more tax-efficient way — without spending more out of pocket. Whether you're tithing, giving to local rescues, or donating to major organizations, there’s a better way than cash or cheques. The key? Donating appreciated investments. You’ll learn: Why givin...

Send us Fan Mail https://www.rdsp.com/calculator/ - Link Most Canadians eligible for the RDSP have never opened one . That’s a costly mistake. In this episode, Tré breaks down why the Registered Disability Savings Plan is one of the most powerful but underused tools available to Canadians with disabilities. If you or someone you care about qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit, this account coul...

Send us Fan Mail Most Canadians think investing is about picking the right stock, timing the markets, or chasing returns. It’s not. In this episode, Tré breaks down exactly how he manages his own investment portfolio, and why simplicity, tax-efficiency, and a clear philosophy matter far more than hot tips or flashy products. If you're a DIY investor, a skeptical professional, or someone overw...

Send us Fan Mail Earning over $400,000 a year puts you in a privileged position, but it also comes with bigger decisions, bigger risks, and bigger tax bills. In this episode, Tré breaks down how high earners can avoid the most common financial pitfalls and finally shift from focusing on income to building lasting wealth. This episode is for professionals, business owners, and executives who are in...

Send us Fan Mail Most people “budget” by looking backward at what they’ve spent. That's reactive. In this episode, Tré walks through the exact system he and his family use to manage their money proactively — with multiple accounts, a clear spending structure, and zero guilt. Whether you’re a couple or managing solo, this framework gives you total control without obsessing over receipts. You’l...

Send us Fan Mail Investing Simulator : https://buildyourstax.com/ Most people think bonds are “safe” and stocks are “risky.” But what if that’s exactly backward, especially over the long term? In this episode, Tré breaks down the real meaning of asset allocation and why traditional advice like “add more bonds as you age” may be setting you up for failure. Backed by research, Tré explains why a 100...

Send us Fan Mail If you’re torn between paying off your mortgage or investing, you’re not alone, and there’s a lot of bad advice out there. This episode breaks it down with facts, not feelings. Tré uses real planning software to run side-by-side comparisons and shows why—mathematically—investing often comes out ahead. But psychology, discipline, and risk tolerance matter just as much. Whether you&...

Send us Fan Mail Earning six figures used to mean financial security. Now? That mindset could be a trap. In this episode, Tré tackles the hidden risks for Canadian households earning between $100,000 and $200,000. This range feels comfortable, but it’s where lifestyle inflation, car loans, and poor planning quietly eat away at your financial future. Tré offers a practical, no-fluff guide to budget...

Send us Fan Mail Most Canadians treat debt as a burden and taxes as a given. But what if you could flip that thinking and turn your debt into a tax advantage? In this episode, Tré breaks down how to structure debt so the interest becomes tax-deductible. He outlines strategies that can save you tens of thousands over time, especially if you’re a business owner, landlord, or hold non-registered inve...