Retirement isn’t just about saving enough. It’s about avoiding the hidden risks that can quietly undo everything you’ve built.

In this episode of Retirement Straight Talk, Paul and William unpack 6 retirement risks most Canadians miss and how to plan smarter so you can protect your freedom and peace of mind.

What you’ll learn:

• Why taxes may rise, not fall, in retirement - and what you can do about it

• Why dividends can mislead you

• Market timing almost always backfires

• How playing it “safe” too early costs you later

• How diversification is resilience

• And why purpose is as vital as money

👉 Protect your retirement. Download your free guide here: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement

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Have questions after today's episode? Book a call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall?month=2025-08

“Trademarks owned by Investment Planning Counsel Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Investment Planning Counsel is a fully integrated wealth management company. Mutual funds available through IPC Investment Corporation and IPC Securities Corporation. Securities available through IPC Securities Corporation, a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Insurance products available through Tribar Financial Inc.

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Businesses rarely fail for lack of ambition. More often, it’s the hidden gaps in strategy that quietly lead to their downfall.

In this episode, William and Paul share six strategic reasons even successful businesses fail. Plus, the two often-overlooked personal traits that can make or break you over the long run.

You’ll learn:

✅ The 6 most common strategic gaps that quietly put businesses at risk

✅ Why passion and persistence matter just as much as your business plan

✅ How to protect both your company and your personal financial future

Don't forget to check out our free guide: How to Build Your Dream Retirement Plan—and Avoid 7 Pitfalls That Can Derail It

📥 Download here: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement

🔔 Like, subscribe, and share!

Have questions after today's episode? Book a call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall?month=2025-07

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You’ve seen it on your paycheque your whole life - Canada Pension Plan (CPP). But when it comes to actually drawing on it, the decision is far from simple.

In this episode of Retirement Straight Talk, William and Paul break down everything you need to know about CPP:

• What it is, how it works, and when you can start collecting

• How timing affects your monthly income

• Why most Canadians take it too early (and what it costs them)

• Real-life factors to consider before you make a move

• Why deferring might be one of the best financial decisions you can make

Tune in for clarity, real talk, and advice that could save you thousands.

👉 Download our free guide: “How to Build Your Dream Retirement Plan—and Avoid 7 Pitfalls That Can Derail It” [https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement]

📅 Book a call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall?month=2025-07

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!

“Trademarks owned by Investment Planning Counsel Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Investment Planning Counsel is a fully integrated wealth management company. Mutual funds available through IPC Investment Corporation and IPC Securities Corporation. Securities available through IPC Securities Corporation, a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Insurance products available through Tribar Financial Inc.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you your own worst investing enemy?

In this episode, Paul and William explore the surprising ways investor behaviour - more than market performance or stock selection - can hurt long-term returns.

From caveman instincts to market headlines that trigger emotional decisions, this episode will help you understand:

• Why you're wired to react emotionally—and how that costs you.

• How major events like COVID-19 and the Ukraine / Russia war triggered poor investor timing.

• The top 3 behavioural biases investors fall victim to.

• Simple, proven strategies to close the “behaviour gap” and stay on track.

🎯 Want to apply what you heard?

We created a whitepaper that builds on this exact topic.

Download your free copy: How to Build Your Dream Retirement Plan—and Avoid 7 Pitfalls That Can Derail It → https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement

Connect with Paul & William:

Book a free call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall

LinkedIn: Paul Barreca

LinkedIn: William Barreca

Facebook: West End Wealth Planning

X: William Barreca

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Retirement Straight Talk, Paul and William unpack the one question every retiree and near-retiree should be asking: Is your retirement income plan built to withstand market volatility, inflation, and unexpected life events?

They break down why most plans fall short: linear assumptions, outdated numbers, and lack of stress testing. Plus, dive in to how tools like Monte Carlo analysis can help you build a plan that’s actually resilient. From understanding the sequence of returns risk to the power of scenario planning, this is a must-listen if you want real clarity and control over your financial future.

Resources:

📥Free Download: How to Build Your Dream Retirement & Avoid 7 Common Mistakes That Can Derail It: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement

Connect with Paul & William:

Book a free call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall

LinkedIn: Paul Barreca

LinkedIn: William Barreca

Facebook: West End Wealth Planning

X: William Barreca

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people avoid the topic of estate planning until it is too late, especially when it comes to their parents' affairs.

But failing to have this conversation can lead to family conflict, avoidable taxes, and costly legal messes.

In this episode, we tackle one of the most overlooked responsibilities of Gen X: helping your parents get their estate plan in order.

We break down the most common mistakes, such as outdated wills, joint accounts gone wrong, poor executor choices, and unequal inheritances that create family tension.

We also share practical steps for starting the conversation and helping your parents avoid the pitfalls that can unravel even the best-laid plans.

Resources:

📥Free Download: How to Build Your Dream Retirement & Avoid 7 Common Mistakes That Can Derail It: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement

Connect with Paul & William:

Book a free call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall

LinkedIn: Paul Barreca

LinkedIn: William Barreca

Facebook: West End Wealth Planning

X: William Barreca

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Funding a child’s education is one of the biggest financial goals for Canadian families. And the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is best tool to get there.

In this episode, Paul and William break down everything you need to know about RESPs. This episode will help you avoid costly RESP mistakes and take full advantage of this powerful, tax-efficient account.

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ The amazing tax benefits of RESPs

✔️ How to earn $7,200 in free government grants

✔️ Why group or scholarship RESPs are a bad idea

✔️ Smart RESP contribution strategies

✔️ What to do if your child doesn’t go to college or university

✔️ The best way to draw down the RESP and minimize taxes

✔️ Family vs. individual RESPs

Resources:

📥Free Download: How to Build Your Dream Retirement & Avoid 7 Common Mistakes That Can Derail It: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement

Connect with Paul & William:

Book a free call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall

LinkedIn: Paul Barreca

LinkedIn: William Barreca

Facebook: West End Wealth Planning

X: William Barreca

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thinking about selling your business?

Passing it on to the kids?

Or just want to make sure you’re not leaving money (or a giant tax bill) on the table?

This week, Paul and William walk through the smart steps every business owner should take before exiting their business.

They cover:

- Why most family business transitions fail (and how to avoid it)

- How to use the lifetime capital gains exemption and potentially save millions in tax

- What an “estate freeze” is and how it helps pass the business to your kids

- Why planning years in advance can save you a fortune

Resources:

📥Free Download: How to Build Your Dream Retirement & Avoid 7 Common Mistakes That Can Derail It: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement

Connect with Paul & William:

Book a free call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall

LinkedIn: Paul Barreca

LinkedIn: William Barreca

Facebook: West End Wealth Planning

X: William Barreca

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could your estate plan cost your family money and stress?

This week, Paul and William talk with Jandy John, Estate and Trust Director at Concentra Trust, about common estate planning errors.

You’ll learn:

- How to properly choose your executor

- The hidden traps of joint accounts and beneficiary designations

- Why clear communication can save your family from conflict

- Essential estate planning strategies for business owners

- How to manage digital assets in your estate

Resources:

📥Free Download: How to Build Your Dream Retirement & Avoid 7 Common Mistakes That Can Derail It: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement

Connect with Paul & William:

Book a free call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall

LinkedIn: Paul Barreca

LinkedIn: William Barreca

Facebook: West End Wealth Planning

X: William Barreca

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Running a business takes everything you’ve got—but if you’re not also planning for the future, you could be leaving serious money on the table.

This week, Paul and William break down seven essential (and often missed) tax and retirement strategies tailored specifically for incorporated Canadian business owners.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to structure your compensation to keep more money in your pocket

✅ Why many business owners misunderstand RRSPs—and what that mistake could cost

✅ A powerful retirement savings tool most entrepreneurs have never heard of

✅ How to sell your business in a tax-efficient way (and potentially save millions)

✅ Estate planning moves that can help you protect your legacy—and avoid family conflicts

Resources:

📥Free Download: How to Build Your Dream Retirement & Avoid 7 Common Mistakes That Can Derail It: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement

Connect with Paul & William:

Book a call with William: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall?back=1&month=2025-03

LinkedIn: Paul Barreca

LinkedIn: William Barreca

Facebook: West End Wealth Planning

X: William Barreca

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.