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Retiring Canada episodes
- FRP Step # 1 - Investment Allocation (EP 59)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Most retirees do not actually have a retirement plan. They simply have a collection of investment accounts without a clear strategy tying everything together.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we introduce Step 1 of the Fundamental Retirement Plan: Investment Allocation.
You will learn why investment allocation is the foundation of every successful retirement plan and how the decisions made inside your portfolio impact retirement income, taxes, health care planning, and your estate. We also discuss risk adjusted returns, portfolio diversification, hidden concentration risk, investment costs, and why many Canadian retirement portfolios may not be properly structured for long term retirement success.
We also explain how we analyze retirement portfolios using metrics such as Sharpe ratio, drawdown, standard deviation, diversification, portfolio overlap, and cash drag to determine whether investors are truly being compensated for the level of risk they are taking.
This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want a deeper understanding of how proper investment allocation can help create a more sustainable and confident 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-newsletterAs 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
17 min - Too Much Cash Could Cost You Millions in Retirement (EP 58)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Holding cash may feel safe, but too much idle cash can quietly erode long term retirement wealth through inflation, missed growth, and inefficient portfolio construction.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss how “cash drag” impacts retirement portfolios and why many investors may be holding significantly more cash than they actually need.
You will learn about the three major areas where excess cash commonly builds up, including bank accounts, investment accounts, and hidden cash positions buried inside mutual funds and ETFs. We also explain why many investors unintentionally reduce long term returns by trying to predict market downturns or maintain excessive “dry powder” on the sidelines.
We also walk through several real world retirement planning examples that illustrate how optimizing excess cash holdings can potentially add hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars in additional long term retirement value.
This episode is for retirees and Canadian investors who want to better understand how portfolio structure, cash management, and long term investing discipline can impact retirement success.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the Retiring Canada Newsletter.
https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletterAs 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
19 min - Giving Your Kids an Early Inheritance (EP 57)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Many retirees eventually reach a point where they begin asking an important question: should I wait to pass wealth on through my estate, or help my family financially while I am still alive to see the impact?
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss the financial and emotional considerations involved with gifting money to family during retirement.
You will learn how retirees can determine whether they truly have excess capital available to gift, the importance of securing your own retirement first, and how different gifting strategies can affect both family dynamics and long term financial outcomes. We also walk through real world examples involving significant gifts, expectations attached to those gifts, and practical ways adult children may use inherited money responsibly.
We also discuss tax considerations, intergenerational wealth transfer, trusts, and why thoughtful communication around money can help strengthen family relationships over time.
This episode is for retirees and financially successful Canadians who want to explore how gifting money during retirement may help support their family while still protecting their own long term financial security.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the Retiring Canada Newsletter.
https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletterAs 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
17 min - Should You DIY Your Retirement Investments (EP 56)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Many successful DIY investors feel confident managing their own portfolios during their working years, but retirement introduces a completely different set of financial challenges and decisions.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down the pros and cons of DIY investing in retirement and discuss when working with a full service advisory team may begin to add meaningful value.
You will learn about the typical traits and concerns of retirement DIY investors, including tax efficient decumulation strategies, CPP and OAS timing, estate planning complexities, and retirement income design. We also discuss the major advantages of DIY investing such as lower costs and full control, along with several hidden risks that become increasingly important later in life.
We also outline 10 things retirees should expect from a high quality advisory relationship, including tax planning, estate coordination, behavioral coaching, personalized service, and long term retirement strategy integration.
This episode is for DIY investors, retirees, and pre-retirees who want to better understand the tradeoffs between managing retirement independently and partnering with a professional advisory team.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the Retiring Canada Newsletter.
https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletterAs 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
Value of Personalized Advice
21 min - How Investment Fees Quietly Destroy Retirement Wealth (EP 55)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Most investors understand they pay fees, but very few realize how dramatically investment costs can reduce long term retirement wealth.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down the different types of investment fees Canadians may be paying and how these costs quietly erode portfolio growth over time.
You will learn the difference between advisory fees and investment fees, how MERs and trading expense ratios work, and several hidden costs investors rarely see or fully understand. We also discuss cash drag, securities lending, taxable fund distributions, and how certain fund structures can create unexpected tax consequences for retirees.
We also walk through real world examples showing how even a 1% difference in investment fees can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars of lost wealth over a long retirement.
This episode is for Canadian investors and retirees who want a clearer understanding of investment costs and how to better protect the long term growth of their retirement portfolio.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the Retiring Canada Newsletter.
https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletterAs 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
SPIVA Canada
Luck Vs Skill in the Cross-Section of Mutual Fund Returns
19 min - The $3 Million TFSA Retirement Strategy (EP 54)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
The TFSA may be the most valuable investment account available to Canadian retirees, yet many investors are unknowingly using it in a way that limits its long term potential.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss how retirement investors can optimize their TFSA strategy and why investment decisions inside the account can have an enormous impact over time.
You will learn why many retirees may be investing their TFSA too conservatively, how different account types should work together within a retirement plan, and how compounding can create dramatically different outcomes over a 20 to 30 year retirement. We also walk through real examples comparing balanced portfolios versus globally diversified equity portfolios using historical return assumptions.
We also discuss four major mistakes that can derail long term TFSA growth, including high investment fees, poor investment decisions, emotional reactions during market volatility, and working with advisors who fail to provide meaningful planning value.
This episode is for Canadian investors and retirees who want to better understand how to maximize the long term value of their TFSA and integrate it properly into a broader retirement strategy.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the Retiring Canada Newsletter.
https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletterAs 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
Dimensional 60/40 Portfolio
Dimensional Global Equity Portfolio
17 min - Retirement Scams You Need to Watch Out For (EP 53)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Scams and fraud attempts are becoming more sophisticated, more emotional, and more dangerous, especially for retirees and older Canadians.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss several common scams retirees need to be aware of and the warning signs that can help protect your money and identity.
You will learn how investment scams, CRA impersonation scams, and grandparent scams typically work, along with the emotional tactics fraudsters use to manipulate victims into making quick decisions. We also explain why urgency and emotional reactions are often the biggest red flags when it comes to fraud attempts.
We also discuss practical ways to protect yourself, including scam call filters, trusted contact people, and why getting a second opinion before sending money or sharing information can make all the difference.
This episode is for retirees, pre-retirees, and families who want to better protect themselves and their loved ones from increasingly sophisticated scams and fraud schemes.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the Retiring Canada Newsletter.
https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletterAs 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
Government of Canada A-Z Fraud Index
16 min - Your Retirement Portfolio May Be Exposed to US Estate Tax (EP 52)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Many Canadians are surprised to learn that owning certain U.S. assets could expose their estate to U.S. estate tax filing requirements and potentially significant taxes.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss how U.S. estate tax works, which assets may create exposure, and the planning strategies Canadians should consider to help reduce potential risks.
You will learn how U.S. real estate and directly held U.S. stocks are treated for estate tax purposes, the two key questions that determine potential exposure, and why upcoming changes to U.S. estate tax exemptions in 2026 may impact more Canadian families than many realize. We also explain how Canadian listed ETFs and mutual funds are treated differently than directly held U.S. securities.
We also cover several planning strategies that may help mitigate exposure, including ownership structuring, tax treaty considerations, insurance solutions, and ongoing estate monitoring.
This episode is for Canadians who own U.S. property, directly held U.S. investments, or substantial worldwide assets and want a better understanding of potential cross-border estate planning risks.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the Retiring Canada Newsletter.
https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletterAs 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
US Estate Tax Calculator More Information on US Estate Tax
13 min - Does Your Will Match Your Intentions (EP 51)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Many Canadians assume their Will and estate plan are in good order, but small mistakes or outdated wording can create major problems for beneficiaries, executors, and families.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss how to review your Will to ensure it actually aligns with your intended wishes and estate goals.
You will learn about several real world estate planning scenarios involving executor liability, unequal inheritances, beneficiary designations, and large inheritances being distributed to minors. We also explain how RRIFs, TFSAs, probate, and taxes can interact in ways many families do not fully understand.
We also discuss why reviewing your Will regularly and coordinating with legal, tax, and financial professionals can help avoid costly mistakes and unintended outcomes for your heirs.
This episode is for Canadians who want greater confidence that their estate plan, beneficiary designations, and retirement assets will ultimately pass according to their true intentions.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the Retiring Canada Newsletter.
https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletterAs 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
12 min - How to Retire During Uncertain Times (EP 50)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Economic uncertainty, market volatility, political tension, and negative headlines can create significant stress for retirees and those approaching retirement.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss how retirees can navigate uncertain times while protecting their retirement income, investments, and long term financial security.
You will learn the key planning questions retirees should ask themselves during periods of uncertainty, how to protect retirement cash flow, and why managing emotions may be just as important as managing investments. We also discuss sequence of return risk, portfolio positioning, guaranteed income strategies, and the importance of having a flexible retirement plan that can adapt to changing conditions.
We also cover the dangers of fear-based decision making, why doing nothing can sometimes be the biggest risk of all, and how prudent retirement planning can help investors stay disciplined during difficult periods.
This episode is for retirees and pre-retirees who want greater confidence navigating uncertain markets and building a retirement plan designed to withstand volatility over the long term.
WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the Retiring Canada Newsletter.
https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletterAs 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
📘 RETIRING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES - EBOOK
15 min
About Retiring Canada
From the publisher's feed
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…
retirement planner Michael Isbister, the show covers retirement income planning, CPP and OAS strategies, RRSP and TFSA optimization, investing, estate planning, tax reduction strategies, and retirement lifestyle planning designed specifically for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees.
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