Your Retirement Planning Simplified

Joe 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 explore how the Rock Retirement Club helps retirees...

In 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 of tax credits for retirees, and avoid costly e...

Ever 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 lifetime tax bill and keep more of your savings working...

Joe speaks with journalist and economist Chris Farrell to challenge traditional retirement thinking. They examine working in retirement, the purpose and payche que 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 employers are adapting to an aging workforce, and...

W e 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 provides valuable insights to help you navigate you...

We 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 optimize your retirement strategy. Tune in for...

Discover 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 budgeting, income planning, and key deadlines like t...

Joe 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 integrating CPP into retirement income planning, this episod...

We 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 financial fraud, and why working with a trusted fi...

Joe 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 health issues. He reflects on the financial lessons he...

Joe 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 d iscuss the importance of guaranteed income, social connections, and maintaining health as key pillars of retirement happiness. Michael shares actionable strategies for overcoming emotional barrier...

Joe interviews Benjamin Brandt, CFP, the retirement expert behind Retirement Starts Today . T o gether they explore the non-financial aspects of retirement planning. T opics 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 topics include overcoming spending anxiety, i...

Joe 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 practical tips on income splitting, leveraging the...

Joe 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 withdrawals to maximize tax efficiency. Joe also emphasi...

Joe and Regan examine the essentials of long-term care planning in retirement . They emphasize the importance of proactive strategies to manage future healthcare expenses . T hey 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 using long-term care insurance. They highlight th...

Start 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 their Strategy Session offers tailored insight...

In 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 understanding TFSA rules, this roundup delivers action...

Joe 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 will discover tips for managing cash flow, under...

In 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 prepare for them. Learn how strategic planning, such a...

This 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 retirees need a plan that accounts for inflation-a...

Joe 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 shares a compelling story about poor client service...

In 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-picking, highlighting Warren Buffett's advocacy f...

In 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 caregiver support, emotional and spiritual guid...

Joe 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 of opportunities—like meal delivery for seniors, as...

Joe 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 reduce anxiety from market fluctuations by segmenting...