Your Retirement Planning Simplified

In this mailbag edition, Joe Curry answers five of the most common retirement planning questions Canadians ask—covering retirement income planning, target asset allocation, RRSP-to-RRIF withdrawal strategies, and tax-efficient investing. You'll learn how to estimate what you actually need in retirement, avoid rules-of-thumb mistakes, and make smarter choices about withdrawals, taxes, and where you...

If your retirement plan feels boring, that might actually mean it's working. In this episode, Joe Curry explains why disciplined, boring retirement planning leads to better long-term outcomes — and how chasing excitement, headlines, or FOMO can quietly derail your retirement income strategy.   Thank you for listening! You can get a full breakdown of each episode on our blog:  https://www.retiremen...

Knowledge alone won't get you through retirement — action will. In this New Year's episode, Joe Curry explains why clarity, testing assumptions, and taking intentional steps matter more than consuming endless retirement content, and how you can turn 2026 into a year of momentum and confidence.   Thank you for listening! You can get a full breakdown of each episode on our blog:  https://www.retirem...

In this special year-end episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified , Joe Curry breaks down the five biggest retirement lessons listeners cared about most in 2025. From tax-efficient retirement income planning to mindset, health, and purpose after work, this episode highlights what truly matters for a confident Canadian retirement.   Resources Retirement Planning Simplified Blog   Thank you fo...

In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified , Joe Curry breaks down the 10 assets successful Canadian retirees almost never buy - and why avoiding these common wealth traps can dramatically improve retirement income and peace of mind. You'll learn how high fees, complexity, lifestyle liabilities, and poor planning quietly erode retirement wealth, and what disciplined retirees do instead...

Learn what more than 100 successful Canadian early retirees did differently to make life after work sustainable. Joe Curry breaks down the income systems, bridge strategies, CPP and OAS timing, and flexible RRSP/RRIF withdrawal strategies that turn a portfolio into a reliable retirement paycheck—especially if you're thinking about retiring before 60.   Resources Original YouTube video: I Analyzed...

In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, you will gain insight into the optimal withdrawal order for Canadian retirement accounts — RRSP first, CPP/OAS later, TFSA last. This sequencing can save you tens of thousands in taxes. Joe explains how strategic timing creates more flexible, tax-efficient income and a more secure retirement plan.   Resources YRPS Blog: What Should You Withdr...

Naming beneficiaries and successors might seem simple, but one wrong designation can lead to tax headaches, probate delays, or unfair outcomes for your heirs. In this episode, Joe Curry explains how to properly name beneficiaries across your RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs, and non-registered accounts — and how to avoid common estate planning pitfalls that could cost your family thousands.   Key Takeaways Ben...

Even in retirement, small expenses can quietly drain your income — until you take a closer look. In this episode, Joe Curry shares how a simple personal cashflow audit saved him over $2,000 a year and outlines practical steps retirees can use to find — and fix — their own hidden money leaks. Perfect for Canadians focused on tax-efficient retirement income planning and smarter spending.   Key Takea...

Even high-net-worth retirees can fall into the trap of financial complexity, with multiple accounts, different advisors, and no clear strategy. In this episode, Joe Curry explains why simplifying your financial life can create more control, smarter tax planning, and greater peace of mind. Learn how coordination, clarity, and a single cohesive plan can strengthen your retirement income strategy.  ...

In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified , Joe Curry unpacks essential cybersecurity lessons for retirees, based on insights from expert Darren Mar, Director of Client Solutions at NPC Dataguard, who recently led an informative cybersecurity webinar for clients of Joe's firm, Matthews + Associates.   Learn how to protect your retirement savings, personal data, and peace of mind from...

When it comes to CPP timing, the math often says "wait until 70" - but life isn't lived in a spreadsheet. In this episode, Joe Curry explores why taking your Canada Pension Plan early—sometimes even at 60—can be a smart, meaningful choice for your lifestyle, legacy, and peace of mind. Key Takeaways from this Podcast CPP timing isn't just about math — it's about meaning. The "optimal" financial cho...

Wondering if your retirement portfolio is really performing well? In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified , Joe Curry explains why comparing your portfolio to indexes like the TSX or S&P 500 can be misleading. Learn how to evaluate investment performance based on your personal goals, asset mix, and income needs — not on market headlines.   Key Takeaways from this Episode   Stop Comp...

In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified , Joe breaks down the five and a half guaranteed retirement income sources every Canadian should understand—from CPP and OAS to pensions and annuities. Learn how to build a dependable retirement income floor so you can retire with confidence and weather any market conditions.     Key Takeaways from this Episode Defined Benefit Pensions – A dis...

  Most retirees view mandatory RIF withdrawals as a tax trap—but what if they're actually a strategic advantage?  In this episode, Joe Curry explains how smart RIF planning can reduce lifetime taxes, protect OAS and government benefits, and even help grow wealth. Learn how to use income smoothing, tax brackets, and the three-bucket strategy to master retirement income planning. Key Takeaways ·    ...

What if the hardest part of retirement isn't money, markets, or even health but your identity?  In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry talks with Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, retirement transition expert and author of Encore: A High Achiever's Guide to Thriving in Retirement. Elizabeth shares her own story of leaving a demanding law career, struggling with a loss of purpose, an...

What happens when someone finally retires only to pass away months later? In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe talks about the surprising connection between retirement, health, and longevity. This isn't doom and gloom, it's a wake-up call to design a retirement that's not just long-lasting, but meaningful. Check out the show notes for EP160  HERE .

  In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry talks with Dr. Meghaan Lurtz, a financial psychology professor at Kansas State University. They explore why money decisions in retirement are often driven by emotions, not just numbers. You'll learn how to handle common retirement worries, manage money disagreements with your spouse, and build healthier money habits through intentional...

Most people think money problems are about numbers but what if the real obstacle is us? In this episode, Joe sits down with Carl Richards, author, speaker, and creator of The Sketch Guy column in The New York Times, to explore why simplicity is so powerful in financial planning. Carl explains how his famous sketches reveal money for what it really is, a tool to live the life you want, and why the...

Most Canadians take CPP early, but delaying until 70 can boost your pension by up to 78% - a guaranteed, inflation-protected income for life.  In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry explains how to cover your income needs while waiting for CPP so you don't sacrifice your lifestyle. You'll learn about the Bond Bridge (flexible, liquid income) and the Annuity Bridge (simple, gu...

What if you could add a million dollars to your business without selling a single extra unit or finding new clients?  In this episode of Business and Exit Planning Simplified, Joe talks about the profit gap, the silent drain that lowers your business value. He  explains what the profit gap is, how to measure it, and simple steps you can take to close it. You'll learn why buyers care about profit m...

How do you build a retirement portfolio that works in the real world and not just on paper? In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry speaks with Wes Crill from Dimensional Fund Advisors about evidence-based investing and how it can help retirees reach their goals. Wes explains why beating the market is harder than most think, why diversification is one of the most powerful tool...

How to Achieve Financial Independence and Retire Early? In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry talks with Chris Mamula, who retired at 41, about the Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) movement. Chris shares how living simply, saving aggressively, and making intentional choices helped him reach financial freedom. They cover how to balance saving for the future with enj...

Are you sure your business is set up to fund the retirement you want and leave the legacy you've worked so hard to build? In this episode of  Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry and Lindsay talk with Bob Gauvreau, a successful entrepreneur who built an eight-figure professional services firm.  You'll hear practical advice on tax strategies, maximizing your business value, and how to prepare...

Is Your Retirement Portfolio Ready for the Red Zone? In this episode of  Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe explains how to protect your investments when it matters most right before and just after you retire. This period, often called the "retirement red zone," comes with big risks if markets take a dip. Joe walks through a powerful strategy called the "bond tent" and explains why loading up on...