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:

March 19, 2024 Alternative Investments in Canada: What to Know (EP 24)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Alternative investments are becoming more common in retirement portfolios, but many Canadians are unsure how they work or whether they should use them.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down the basics of alternative investments and how they may fit into your overall financial plan.
You will learn the different types of alternative investments, including private equity, private credit, and real estate, along with how they can impact diversification, risk, and long term returns. We also cover the potential risks involved and who may be a good fit for these types of investments.
This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want a clearer understanding of how alternative investments may play a role in their 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

SOURCE:
McKinsey and Company, Oct. 20, 2021. Reports of corporates’ demise have been greatly exaggerated; ICSID.org, Nov. 6, 2021, How many private businesses are there in the United States?
CPP 2022 Annual Report
...more
17min
March 05, 2024 Beneficiary Designations: Avoid Costly Mistakes (EP 23)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Naming a beneficiary on your accounts may seem simple, but the wrong decision can create serious tax issues and family conflict.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through the key do’s and don’ts of beneficiary designations in Canada.
You will learn when naming a direct beneficiary can make sense and when it can create unintended consequences. We also cover important scenarios involving minor children, disabled beneficiaries, blended families, and multiple beneficiaries.
We also explain how probate planning decisions can backfire and how taxes can create unexpected problems for both your estate and your beneficiaries.
This episode is for Canadians who want to ensure their estate plan reflects their true intentions and avoids costly mistakes.
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
16min
February 20, 2024 Make your Retirement Plan (Almost) Indestructible (EP 22)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
The biggest question most Canadians have before retiring is simple. Will I run out of money?
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down how to build a retirement plan designed to give you a clear answer to that question.
You will learn the difference between asset allocation and income allocation, and how combining the two can create a more reliable and understandable retirement plan. We also walk through a simple seven step process to help match your income sources to your expenses and identify any potential shortfalls.
We also explain how small assumptions can have a major impact over time and why clarity and simplicity are key when making long term financial decisions.
This episode is for Canadian pre-retirees and retirees who want a clearer answer to whether their retirement plan will truly hold up over time.
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

LINKS:
Income Allocation Example – Credit Jim Otar
...more
19min
February 06, 2024 Get Organized Before You Retire (EP 21)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
One of the most common challenges Canadians face before retirement is simply getting organized.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through why organizing your finances is one of the most important steps you can take before retiring.
You will learn how simplifying your financial life can lead to better decisions, lower taxes, and a clearer understanding of your overall plan. We also cover the risks of staying disorganized and the gaps that can go unnoticed without a structured approach.
We also share practical tools and steps to help you get started, along with the key benefits of having everything clearly mapped out for both you and your family.
This episode is for Canadian pre-retirees who want more clarity, less stress, and a higher likelihood of long term success in 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

LINKS:
Clean Your Room
Get Organized With US
Map Your Finances
Wealth Plan Worksheet
...more
13min
January 23, 2024 Being The Executor of a Will: What You Need to Know (EP 20)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Being named the executor of a will is an important responsibility. Many Canadians do not fully understand what is involved until the time comes.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through the key steps and responsibilities of acting as an executor in Canada.
You will learn the first actions to take after someone passes, the essential documents you will need, and the common pitfalls that can create stress, delays, or unexpected tax consequences.
We also cover how to manage estate assets, communicate with beneficiaries, and protect yourself when settling the estate.
This episode is for Canadians who have been named as an executor or expect to be and want a clearer understanding of what to expect.

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
January 09, 2024 Inheritance Planning: 7 Crucial Steps (EP 19)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Receiving an inheritance can be life-changing... but without a plan, it can also lead to costly mistakes.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through seven crucial steps to help Canadians make smart financial decisions after receiving an inheritance.
You’ll learn how to manage the emotional side of receiving money, why the first decision you make is so important, and how to build the right team to guide you through the process.
We also cover key considerations for married and common-law couples, along with a practical framework to help prioritize what to do next.
This episode is for Canadians who want to protect and make the most of an inheritance while avoiding common pitfalls.
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
16min
December 28, 2023 Retirement Planning in Canada: Beyond the Numbers (EP 18)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
A successful retirement plan is about more than just numbers—it’s about purpose, lifestyle, and how you want to spend your time.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we take a different approach to retirement planning by exploring both the financial and emotional sides of the transition into retirement.
You’ll learn why focusing only on investments and income can fall short, and how factors like purpose, lifestyle, and personal values play a critical role in long-term fulfillment.
We also introduce a practical framework to help you think about retirement more holistically, along with insights from real client experiences.
This episode is for Canadian pre-retirees and retirees who want to build a retirement plan that goes beyond the numbers.
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

DOWNLOAD NOW - ⁠Navigating Retirement: Integrating Emotional Well-Being with Smart Financial Decisions.

...more
10min
December 12, 2023 First Home Savings Account: Help Your Kids Buy a Home (EP 17)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Helping your kids buy their first home is becoming more common—but there’s a new strategy many Canadians are overlooking.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down how the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) works and how it can be used to support your children’s path to homeownership.
You’ll learn how the FHSA compares to the RRSP and TFSA, who qualifies, and why opening an account early can create valuable tax advantages—even if a home is never purchased.
We also cover contribution limits, key rules to be aware of, and practical ways parents can help fund the account while staying on track with their own retirement plan.
This episode is for Canadian retirees and families who want to support the next generation while making smart financial decisions.
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:
Comparing RRSP, TFSA and FHSA

...more
16min
November 28, 2023 Pension Style Investing (EP 16)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
Most Canadians invest in public markets—but some of the largest pension funds in the world take a very different approach.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down what pension-style investing is and how it may apply to individual investors in Canada.
You’ll learn how large institutions like the Canadian Pension Plan invest across private equity, real estate, and private credit, and why these types of investments can help improve diversification and reduce volatility.
We also discuss how this approach may create a smoother investment experience, especially for retirees who are drawing income and want to avoid large market swings.
This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want to better understand how alternative investments may fit into their 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
📄 CPP Investments Overview: https://www.cppinvestments.com
📘 CPP Annual Report: https://www.cppinvestments.com/the-fund/financial-results/
📥 Watermark Private Portfolio Guide: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/WPP
...more
15min
November 14, 2023 10 Ways to Reduce OAS Clawbacks (EP 15)
Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started
The Old Age Security (OAS) clawback can quietly add a 15% tax to your retirement income, but with the right planning, it can often be reduced or avoided.
In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down how the OAS clawback works in Canada and share 10 practical strategies to help you keep more of your retirement income.
You’ll learn how income thresholds impact your benefits, how different types of investment income affect your tax return, and how strategies like pension splitting, TFSA use, and timing withdrawals can make a meaningful difference.
We also walk through real examples of how the clawback is calculated and what steps you can take to manage high-income years more effectively.
This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want to reduce taxes and optimize their government benefits in 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
18min

FAQs about Retiring Canada:

How many episodes does Retiring Canada have?

The podcast currently has 85 episodes available.