Business & Exit Planning Simplified

How to Calculate Your Wealth Gap and Retire on Your Terms

If you sold your business tomorrow, would it fund your retirement? In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry breaks down how to calculate your “wealth gap”, the difference between what you need for financial independence and what you already have saved outside your business and home.

You’ll learn why this number is the foundation for both retirement and exit planning, how to use the 4% rule for back-of-the-napkin math, and what business owners can do today to close that gap and retire with confidence.

Here’s what you’re in for:

00:00 The Big Question About Retirement

01:50 Calculating Your Wealth Gap

02:07 Retirement Lifestyle Goals

02:52 Income from Investments: The 4% Rule

03:33 Considering Taxes in Your Wealth Gap

03:57 Assets and the Wealth Gap

04:45 Closing the Wealth Gap with Your Business

05:12 Financial Independence vs. Retirement

05:31 Reverse Engineering Your Business Sale

06:56 Example Walkthrough

08:13 The Importance of Early Exit Planning

09:50 Conclusion: Bridging Business and Retirement       

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ABOUT JOE  CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.

You can reach out to Joe through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

  https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

                https://matthewsandassociates.ca/ 

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

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Disclaimer:

Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

How Should Business Owners Pay Themselves? Salary vs. Dividends

In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry sits down with financial expert Aravind Sithamparapillai to talk about how business owners should structure their compensation. They break down the pros and cons of salary versus dividends, how CPP (Canada Pension Plan) fits into retirement planning, and what business owners need to know about tax integration.

You’ll also hear about:

• When paying into CPP can actually help you in retirement
• How RRSPs compare to CPP as retirement tools
• How to avoid OAS clawbacks
• What to consider when clearing out notional accounts

Whether you’re a small business owner or incorporated professional, this episode helps you make informed decisions about your compensation and long-term financial goals.

Here’s what you’re in for:

00:00 – Intro

00:07 – Common business owner compensation strategies

01:09 – How tax integration works

03:28 – When to choose dividends vs. salary

07:01 – Is CPP a cost or a future benefit?

09:25 – Understanding employee vs. employer CPP contributions

20:42 – RRSPs vs. CPP for retirement planning

27:29 – How taxes and government benefits affect your strategy

30:24 – Wrap-up and where to learn more

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ABOUT ARAVIND SITHAMPARAPILLAI 

Aravind Sithamparapillai is a motivated and collaborative professional who brings a competitive edge, a team-first mindset, and a strong belief in the value of authentic relationships. He’s driven not just to succeed, but to support those around him and create a positive, lasting impact. Known for his dedication and integrity, Aravind approaches every challenge with energy, empathy, and a commitment to excellence.

You can reach out to Aravind through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sithamparapillai

https://calendly.com/aravind-sithamparapillai-ironwoodcanada/30min

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ABOUT JOE  CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.

You can reach out to Joe through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

  https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

               https://matthewsandassociates.ca/ 

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

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Disclaimer:

Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

In this quick but powerful episode of  Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry explains what every small business owner needs to know before selling a business, especially if retirement is getting close.

Joe breaks down two important terms you always hear:

• EBITDA — used for bigger companies with management teams.
• 
  
• SDE (Seller’s Discretionary Earnings) — used for most owner-operated businesses under $5 million in revenue.

You’ll learn what buyers really look for, how to tell which number fits your business, and why it matters so much for your selling price.

Joe also shares the 8 big things that can increase your multiple — like having a good team, clear financial records, steady growth, happy customers, and not being too dependent on you as the owner.

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ What EBITDA and SDE mean (00:01)

✔️ Which one fits your business (01:20)

✔️ 8 ways to boost your value before you sell (02:27)

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ABOUT JOE  CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.

You can reach out to Joe through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

  https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

               https://matthewsandassociates.ca/ 

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

 —-------------------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer:

Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

Are you a business owner approaching retirement or just starting to think about a future sale?

In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe sits down with Matt Holmes, partner at Homes Riseleys CPA, to uncover the biggest mistakes business owners make when it comes to succession planning and selling their business and how to avoid them. He explains new tax rules for 2024 and how they can affect business sales, including updates to the capital gains exemption, AMT, and anti-avoidance legislation. 

Matt brings decades of tax and structuring experience to this conversation covering everything from tax-saving strategies to real-life horror stories of owners who waited too long to plan. 

Here’s what you’re in for:

00:00 Common Mistakes in Business Value Creation

04:26 Importance of Planning for Unexpected Sales

07:28 Successful Business Transitions

11:07 Structuring and Tax Advisory for Business Owners

20:34 Nuances of Selling to Family vs. Third Parties

25:30 New Rules and Legislation for 2024

32:48 Conclusion

ABOUT MATT HOLMES

Matt Holmes is a seasoned tax advisor with over 25 years of experience helping small to medium-sized business owners achieve their goals through tailored business, tax, and accounting strategies. A Chartered Accountant and graduate of Ryerson University, Matt specializes in corporate reorganizations, estate planning, and succession strategies for owner-managed businesses across industries like healthcare, real estate, and tech. His expertise lies in tax minimization and wealth maximization, particularly during business transitions, sales, and generational transfers.

You can reach out to Matt through:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-holmes-15294b14

Website: https://www.holmescpa.ca (Company)

ABOUT JOE  CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.

You can reach out to Joe through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

  https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

               https://matthewsandassociates.ca/ 

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

—-------------------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer:

Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

Thinking about selling your business? In this pilot episode, Joe Curry explains why many Canadian business owners struggle to sell—and how understanding the four main types of buyers can help you plan a smoother, more successful exit.

Joe breaks down the key differences between individual buyers, strategic buyers, financial buyers, and internal buyers (like family or employees). Each type of buyer comes with their own goals, expectations, and ways of doing deals. 

Whether you're planning to retire soon or just thinking ahead, this episode will help you understand who your ideal buyer might be and how to prepare your business to sell for the best possible price.

Here’s what you’re in for:

00:49 – Why many businesses don’t sell

01:07 – The 4 types of business buyers

01:57 – Individual buyers: pros & cons

04:21 – Strategic buyers: pros & cons

07:32 – Financial buyers: pros & cons

10:04 – Internal buyers: pros & cons

13:11 – Why it’s important to know your buyer

14:16 – Wrap-up and next steps

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ABOUT JOE  CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.

You can reach out to Joe through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

  https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

               https://matthewsandassociates.ca/ 

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

 —-------------------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer:

Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

Thinking of selling your business as part of your retirement plan? Don’t list it like a house and hope for the best.

In this episode, David Barnett is back on the show. He's a business consultant, author, and former business broker. He breaks down exactly what it takes to prepare, structure, and sell a business successfully.

David shares the full process, from business valuation and preparing financials to crafting a buyer-ready business profile and navigating due diligence.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why you can’t just “decide to sell” overnight

✅ The documents and systems buyers need to see

✅ How to prepare for due diligence and increase sale value

Here's what you're in for:

0:17 Understanding the Business Selling Process

01:33 Preparing Your Business for Sale

03:55 Creating a Business Profile

06:15 Due Diligence Explained

13:50 Timeline and Planning for Sale

17:33 Transferring Goodwill and Delegation

22:59 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Learn why most businesses aren’t ready to sell, how to transfer goodwill from yourself to the company, and why exit planning is just good business strategy.

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ABOUT DAVID BARNETT

David Barnett is a seasoned expert in small and medium-sized enterprises, with a business degree from Bishop’s University and a background in e-commerce management. He has built a career spanning business brokerage, commercial finance, and consulting, helping entrepreneurs buy, sell, and grow their businesses. An Amazon best-selling author, Barnett continues to advise clients globally through his writing and advisory work.

You can reach out to David through:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbarnettmoncton

Website: https://www.DavidCBarnett.com (Blog)

                https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com (Other)

ABOUT JOE  CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.

You can reach out to Joe through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

  https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

               https://matthewsandassociates.ca/ 

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

 —-------------------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer:

Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

In this episode, Joe is joined by David Barnett, a seasoned expert in buying and selling small businesses. If you’re thinking about selling your business—now or in the future—this one’s for you.

David shares the biggest slip-ups owners make when trying to sell, like overpricing based on emotion instead of cash flow, and not realizing what buyers actually look for. They also talk about ways to boost your business’s value before selling—like reducing owner dependence, managing customer concentration, and keeping your equipment in good shape.

Here’s what you’re in for:

00:00 Selling Your Business? Avoid These Costly Mistakes First

00:24 Meet Our Guest + What You’ll Learn in This Episode

02:13 The Most Common Pitfalls Owners Regret Too Late

08:36 What Buyers Really Want — And How to Use It to Your Advantage

12:44 Simple Ways to Boost Your Business’s Value Before Selling

20:33 Final Tips + Where to Learn More Before You Sell

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ABOUT DAVID BARNETT

David Barnett is a seasoned expert in small and medium-sized enterprises, with a business degree from Bishop’s University and a background in e-commerce management. He has built a career spanning business brokerage, commercial finance, and consulting, helping entrepreneurs buy, sell, and grow their businesses. An Amazon best-selling author, Barnett continues to advise clients globally through his writing and advisory work.

You can reach out to David through:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbarnettmoncton

Website: https://www.DavidCBarnett.com (Blog)

                https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com (Other)

ABOUT JOE  CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.

You can reach out to Joe through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

  https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

                https://matthewsandassociates.ca/ 

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

—-------------------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer:

Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom.

Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement.

The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.