Retiring Canada

By Michael Isbister, CFP®

The Retiring Canada Podcast helps Canadians make smarter retirement, investing, tax, and financial planning decisions so they can retire with confidence. Hosted by Certified Financial Planner and reti... more

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FAQs about Retiring Canada:

How many episodes does Retiring Canada have?

The podcast currently has 85 episodes available.

Retiring Canada episodes:

July 07, 2026 The Financial Shock Many Widows and Widowers Never See Coming (EP 83)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: http://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Most couples spend years planning for retirement together. Far fewer spend time planning for the financial reality that may follow when one spouse passes away.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss seven financial challenges that can impact the surviving spouse, and the strategies couples can implement today to help reduce those future risks.
You will learn how the loss of CPP and Old Age Security benefits can affect retirement income, why pension income splitting disappears, how RRSP and RRIF assets can create future tax problems, and why many surviving spouses face higher marginal tax rates and potential OAS claw-backs. We also discuss property decisions, estate planning considerations, tax efficient drawdown strategies, and the importance of coordinated retirement planning.
We also explain why some of the most valuable retirement planning decisions are made years before they are ever needed and how proactive tax planning can help create more flexibility and peace of mind for both spouses.
This episode is for Canadian retirees, pre-retirees, widows, widowers and couples who want to better understand the financial realities that often emerge after the loss of a spouse and how to prepare for them today.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the Retiring Canada Newsletter.
http://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter
As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!
EPISODE RESOURCES:
📊 Work with Michael: ⁠https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started⁠
💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: ⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter⁠
👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: ⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide⁠
✏️ Submit Your Question: ⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question⁠
🌐 Retiring Canada Website: ⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca⁠

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16min
June 23, 2026 How to Protect an Inheritance from a Child’s Spouse (EP 82)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

Many parents and grandparents want to help their children financially during their lifetime or thorough their estate. But what happens when concerns arise about a child's spouse, marriage or potential future relationship breakdown?

In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss several planning strategies families may consider when gifting money to children while attempting to protect those assets from unintended outcomes.
You will learn the difference between gifting and loaning money, why documentation matters, how separate property rules may apply, and the role domestic contracts can play in protecting family wealth. We also discuss trusts, estate planning considerations, declarations of gift, promissory notes and why these conversations often require both financial and legal guidance.
We also explore the emotional side of family wealth planning and why some of the most important financial conversations are often the most uncomfortable to have.
This episode is for Canadian retirees, parents, grandparents, business owners, and families who want to better understand how gifting and inheritance strategies can impact future generations and family wealth preservation.

WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?

Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠ ⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter⁠
As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latestRetirement Guide AND MORE!
EPISODE RESOURCES:
📊 Work with Michael: ⁠https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started⁠
💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: ⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter⁠
👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: ⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide⁠
✏️ Submit Your Question: ⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question⁠
🌐 Retiring Canada Website: ⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca⁠

...more
14min
June 09, 2026 The 5 Retirement Planning Mistakes DIY Investors Make (EP 81)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Many DIY investors do an excellent job building wealth during their working years. But retirement introduces a new set of challenges that go far beyond choosing investments and managing a portfolio.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss the five most common retirement planning mistakes we see DIY investors make as they approach retirement.
You will learn how overconfidence can create blind spots, why dividend focused portfolios may not be as efficient as many retirees believe, and how excessive cash holdings can quietly impact long term retirement outcomes. We also discuss retirement income planning, tax efficient withdrawal strategies, decumulation planning, any why many successful investors wait too long to seek professional advice.
We also compare fee-based and fee-only financial planning models, outlining the strengths, tradeoffs and ideal use cases for each approach so you can better understand which model aligns with your retirement goals.
This episode is for DIY investors, retirees and pre-retirees who want to better understand the retirement planning gaps that can emerge when managing retirement independently and how to avoid costly mistakes along the way.

WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the Retiring Canada Newsletter.
https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter
As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!

EPISODE RESOURCES:
📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter
👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide
✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question
🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca
...more
19min
May 26, 2026 Why Even Wealthy Canadians Feel Nervous About Retirement (EP 80)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Many Canadians spend decades building significant wealth for retirement, only to discover that financial success alone does not automatically create confidence, clarity, or peace of mind.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss why even financially successful retirees with substantial savings can still feel nervous, uncertain, or overwhelmed as retirement approaches.
You will learn the two major reasons retirees commonly struggle with retirement anxiety, how emotions often influence retirement decisions more than numbers alone, and why true retirement planning extends far beyond simply managing investments. We also discuss the major gaps that exist in much of the wealth management industry, the importance of coordinated tax, income, health care, and estate planning, and how thoughtful retirement planning can help create both financial confidence and personal freedom.
We also explore the emotional side of retirement, including purpose, identity, relationships, and the challenge many highly driven professionals and business owners face when stepping away from their career or life’s work.
This episode is for Canadian retirees, business owners, and pre-retirees who want greater confidence not only in their finances, but also in the next chapter of their life.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠ ⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter⁠
As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!
EPISODE RESOURCES:
📊 Work with Michael: ⁠https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started⁠
💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: ⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter⁠
👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: ⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide⁠
✏️ Submit Your Question: ⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question⁠
🌐 Retiring Canada Website: ⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca⁠

...more
14min
May 12, 2026 Using Trusts In Retirement: What You Need to Know (EP 79)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Trusts can be powerful planning tools, but they are alsocomplex, expensive, and often misunderstood.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break downhow trusts work, when they may make sense, and when they probably do not.
You will learn the difference between trusts establishedduring your lifetime and trusts created through your will, along with commonuses for business owners, high net worth families, blended families, andfamilies with minor children. We also discuss family trusts, testamentarytrusts, Henson trusts, and key tax considerations that can create unintendedconsequences if not structured properly.
We also explain why most people may not actually need atrust and why a proper cost benefit analysis is essential before moving forwardwith these strategies.
This episode is for Canadians who want a clearerunderstanding of trusts and how they may fit into an estate or retirement plan.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠
https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter
As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latestRetirement Guide AND MORE!
EPISODE RESOURCES:
📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter
👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide
✏️ Submit YourQuestion: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question
🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca

...more
21min
April 28, 2026 How the Primary Residence Exemption Really Works (EP 78)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
For many Canadians, their home and vacation property have become some of their largest financial assets. But when it comes time to sell, transfer, or settle an estate, many families are shocked to discover the potential tax consequences attached to those properties.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss how the Canadian Primary Residence Exemption works and the planning strategies retirees and families should understand when multiple personal use properties are involved.
You will learn what qualifies as a principal residence, why only one property per family unit can generally be designated in a given year, and how choosing the wrong property could result in unnecessary capital gains tax. We also walk through a detailed example involving a family home and vacation property, explain the “plus one” rule, and discuss several overlooked planning considerations involving properties owned before 1972, 1982, and 1992.
We also explore the importance of tracking capital improvements, coordinating with accountants and executors, and why proactive estate and tax planning can help preserve more family wealth over time.
This episode is for Canadian retirees, cottage owners, executors, and families who want to better understand how to minimize taxes and optimize the use of the Primary Residence Exemption.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠
https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter
As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!
EPISODE RESOURCES:
📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter
👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide
✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question
🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca
...more
17min
April 14, 2026 The Canadian Retirement Tax Trap (EP 77)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Many Canadians spend decades building their retirement savings but unknowingly walk into a major tax trap once retirement income, RRIF withdrawals, and government benefits all begin colliding later in life.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss how thoughtful tax planning can help retirees create more flexibility, reduce lifetime taxes, and avoid common retirement income pitfalls.
You will learn how RRSP and RRIF withdrawals impact taxation, why many retirees lose control of their income after age 71, and how OAS clawbacks and income-tested benefits can quietly erode retirement cash flow. We also discuss dividend income, marginal tax rates, the “tax valley” strategy, partial RRIF conversions, TFSA optimization, and why retirement tax planning should be reviewed and adjusted every single year.
We also walk through our year end tax planning process and explain how coordinated planning between investments, taxes, retirement income, and estate goals can help Canadians spend, gift, and donate more confidently throughout retirement.
This episode is for Canadian retirees, pre-retirees, and business owners who want to better understand how proactive retirement tax planning can improve long term retirement outcomes and help avoid unnecessary taxes later in life.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠
https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter
As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!
EPISODE RESOURCES:
📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter
👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide
✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question
🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca
...more
17min
March 31, 2026 Most Canadians Miss These 2 Estate Documents (EP 76)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Many Canadians believe their estate plan is complete once they have a Will and Powers of Attorney in place. But during difficult times, families and executors often discover important details and instructions are still missing.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss two commonly overlooked estate planning documents that can help bring clarity, organization, and peace of mind to your family and executor.
You will learn why estate planning should be viewed as part of a broader coordinated financial strategy, when you should review your estate documents, and how a Letter of Instruction and Executor Checklist can help simplify the estate administration process. We also discuss common estate planning gaps, executor considerations, blended family complexity, beneficiary coordination, and why many Canadians unknowingly leave behind confusion despite having legal documents in place.
We also explore the emotional side of estate planning and why thoughtful preparation today can dramatically reduce stress, uncertainty, and conflict for the people you care about most.
This episode is for Canadian retirees, families, and executors who want to better organize their estate plan and ensure their wishes are carried out clearly and efficiently.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠
https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter
As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!
EPISODE RESOURCES:
📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter
👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide
✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question
🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca
📄 Executor Checklist
📝 Letter of Instruction
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13min
March 17, 2026 Should You Spend Everything Before You Die (EP 75)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Not every retiree wants to leave behind a large estate. For some Canadians, the goal is to fully enjoy retirement, spend confidently, and maximize experiences during their lifetime while leaving a minimal inheritance behind.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss five key planning considerations for retirees whose goal is to intentionally spend down their retirement savings over time.
You will learn how longevity assumptions dramatically impact retirement planning, why retirement spending often changes through the “go-go,” “slow-go,” and “no-go” years, and how dynamic retirement income strategies may help support higher spending earlier in retirement. We also discuss inflation, long term care costs, housing decisions, home equity planning, and why tax efficient decumulation becomes critically important when the margin for error is smaller.
We also explore the emotional side of retirement planning, including purpose, flexibility, adapting to change, and the deeper question of what it truly means to live well throughout retirement.
This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want to better understand how to confidently spend and enjoy their retirement years while still maintaining a sustainable long term financial plan.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠
https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter
As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!
EPISODE RESOURCES:
📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter
👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide
✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question
🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca
🔗 2025 Projection Assumption Guidelines - FP Canada
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19min
March 03, 2026 3 Ways to Make Tax Season Less Stressful (EP 74)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Tax season can be stressful enough without late slips, CRA reassessments, missing documents, and unnecessary surprises creating even more frustration for retirees and investors.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss three practical ways Canadians can streamline their tax filing process and reduce the likelihood of errors, reassessments, and missed tax planning opportunities.
You will learn why creating a CRA My Account can simplify your financial life, how a personalized tax slip checklist can help reduce filing mistakes, and why rushing to file your taxes too early may actually increase the risk of reassessments and interest charges. We also discuss common tax filing problems that impacted Canadians in 2025, including delayed T3 and T5 slips, CRA processing issues, and the importance of coordinating with accountants and advisors during tax season.
We also explore how thoughtful tax planning extends beyond simply filing a return and why a proactive retirement planning team should help coordinate taxes, investment accounts, retirement income, and long term planning together.
This episode is for Canadian retirees, investors, and business owners who want to better organize their tax filing process while reducing stress and improving long term tax efficiency.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠
https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter
As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!
EPISODE RESOURCES:
📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter
👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide
✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question
🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca

📄Your Tax Strategies 2025 Tax Letter - SAMPLE
📝 Spring Tax Slip Checklist - SAMPLE
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17min

FAQs about Retiring Canada:

How many episodes does Retiring Canada have?

The podcast currently has 85 episodes available.