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:

August 06, 2024 Big Tax Vs Little Tax (EP 34)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
When it comes to estate planning, most Canadians focus on saving small amounts in probate fees, while overlooking the much larger tax bill that can impact their estate.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down the difference between the “big tax” and the “little tax” and why focusing on the wrong one can lead to costly mistakes.
You will learn how income tax at death can significantly impact your estate, along with common probate planning strategies such as joint ownership and naming direct beneficiaries. We also walk through the potential risks and unintended consequences that can arise from these decisions.
We also introduce several strategies to help reduce your overall tax burden, including managing withdrawals in retirement, income splitting, and maximizing tax efficient accounts.
This episode is for Canadians who want to better understand estate planning and make more informed decisions about how their wealth is passed on.
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
July 23, 2024 Asset Location Explained (EP 33)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Two investors can earn the same return and end up with very different results after tax. The difference often comes down to where their investments are held.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down asset location and how placing the right investments in the right accounts can improve your after tax returns.
You will learn the difference between asset allocation and asset location, how different accounts are taxed, and how to structure your portfolio across RRSPs, TFSAs, and non-registered accounts. We also walk through a real example to show how this strategy can be implemented in practice.
We also cover important considerations such as liquidity, tax consequences, and why a perfectly optimized portfolio may not always be the best approach.
This episode is for Canadian investors who want to improve tax efficiency and get more out 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-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
July 09, 2024 Typical Investor Vs Transformed Investor (EP 32)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Most investors believe they are making the right decisions, but many are following a path that leads to unnecessary stress, higher costs, and lower long term results.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we compare the typical investor with the transformed investor and highlight the key differences in how they think and make decisions.
You will learn why relying on predictions, short term thinking, and high cost strategies can work against you. We also walk through the traits of a transformed investor, including having a clear plan, focusing on the long term, and using an evidence-based approach.
We also share three key principles all investors should understand to improve their chances of long-term success.
This episode is for pre-retirees and retirees who want to rethink their investment approach and build a more disciplined and effective 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
...more
17min
June 25, 2024 How to Destroy Your Retirement (And How to Avoid It) (EP 31)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
No one sets out to destroy their retirement, but without a plan, it can happen faster than you think.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down two major risks that can derail your retirement and the strategies you can use to protect yourself.
You will learn how sequence of returns risk and reverse dollar cost averaging can impact your portfolio, especially in the early years of retirement. We also walk through practical strategies such as diversification, income planning, asset location, and maintaining a disciplined withdrawal strategy.
We also cover how having a clear plan in place can help you stay on track during market volatility and avoid costly mistakes that could force you back to work.
This episode is for pre-retirees and retirees who want to better understand the risks to their retirement and how to build a more resilient 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
...more
20min
June 13, 2024 5 Steps to a Secure Retirement Plan (EP 30)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
A successful retirement is not built on one decision. It is the result of a clear plan where every piece works together.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through five essential steps to building a secure retirement plan.
You will learn how investment allocation, income planning, tax strategy, health care planning, and estate planning all work together to shape your retirement. We also explain why making decisions in isolation can lead to unintended consequences over time.
This episode introduces a structured framework to help you understand where you stand today and how to stay on track as life changes.
This episode is for pre-retirees and retirees who want more clarity, better decision making, and a more complete approach to retirement planning.
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
May 28, 2024 15 Retirement Mistakes You Will Regret (EP 29)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Retirement is one of the biggest transitions in life, and the mistakes you make along the way can have long lasting consequences.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through 15 common retirement mistakes that Canadians should avoid.
You will learn how poor financial decisions, lack of planning, and emotional blind spots can impact your retirement. We also cover key areas such as investment decisions, government benefits, estate planning, health, and how you choose to spend your time.
This episode goes beyond the numbers and highlights the real life decisions that can shape your retirement experience.
This episode is for Canadian pre-retirees and retirees who want to avoid costly mistakes and build a more confident and fulfilling retirement.
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
26min
May 14, 2024 Hiring a Financial Advisor: 10 Questions to Ask(EP 28)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Choosing a financial advisor is one of the most important decisions you will make, but many Canadians rely too heavily on referrals without doing their own due diligence.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through 10 key questions you should ask before hiring an advisor or evaluating your current relationship.
You will learn how to assess whether an advisor is acting in your best interest, what level of service to expect, how they are compensated, and whether their approach is comprehensive or limited to one area. We also cover important considerations such as custody of your assets, team structure, experience, and long term succession planning.
This episode is for Canadians who want to make a more informed decision when choosing a financial advisor and ensure they are receiving real value.
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
April 30, 2024 Spousal Loan Strategy to Reduce Taxes (EP 27)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
The spousal loan strategy is one of the most effective ways for Canadian couples to reduce taxes, but it only works in the right situation.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down how the spousal loan strategy works and who it may be a good fit for.
You will learn how income splitting can shift investment income from a higher income spouse to a lower income spouse, how to properly set up the strategy, and the importance of the CRA prescribed interest rate. We also walk through a real example to show how the tax savings can add up over time.
We also cover key considerations, including required interest payments, investment returns, and when this strategy may not make sense.
This episode is for Canadian couples with significant non-registered investments who want to explore advanced tax planning strategies.
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

Resources:
Spousal Loan Example
...more
14min
April 16, 2024 Non-Registered Account Tax Strategies (EP 26)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Non-registered accounts are one of the most flexible investment tools in Canada, but they are also one of the most misunderstood.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down how non-registered accounts work and how they are taxed.
You will learn the three types of taxable income inside these accounts, including interest, dividends, and capital gains, and how each one impacts your after tax return. We also cover planning strategies such as asset location, spousal loans, and how to structure your investments to reduce taxes over time.
We also explain how non-registered accounts can impact your government benefits and highlight a common mistake that can increase your tax bill if not planned for properly.
This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want to better understand how to use non-registered accounts as part of a tax efficient 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 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

****The 2024 Federal Budget released a day after this episode went live impacts some of the content, specifically regarding Capital Gains Inclusion Rates. Click here to learn more***
...more
17min
April 02, 2024 Advisor Fees in Canada: What Are You Really Paying (EP 25)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
How much are you really paying your financial advisor and are you getting value for it?
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down how advisory fees work in Canada and what you should expect in return.
You will learn the difference between commission based and fee-based models, the typical range of fees, and how investment costs factor into your overall plan. We also walk through what real advisory value looks like beyond investments, including tax planning, retirement income, estate planning, and ongoing guidance.
We also share a real-world example of how strong financial advice can add significant long-term value and why focusing only on cost can lead to poor decisions.
This episode is for Canadians who want to better understand what they are paying for and how to evaluate the value of financial advice.
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

FAQs about Retiring Canada:

How many episodes does Retiring Canada have?

The podcast currently has 85 episodes available.