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Most Canadians think retirement is about hitting a number but on today's episode, Darren and Christina break down why that mindset can quietly destroy your plan. They expose the biggest retirement lies in Canada: "I'll be in a lower tax bracket," "CPP/OAS will cover me," "inflation won't be that bad," and why the 4% rule can lead to underspending (or worse). You'll learn the five retirement risks that can cut retirement income in half — and what a "volatility buffer" can do to protect your withdrawals in down markets.

Most retirement plans ignore the exact risks that show up when it matters most. If you want a plan that's built for real Canadian retirement math — start here.

Show notes:

00:00 - Introduction

01:19 – Key question: If your retirement beliefs weren't true, when would you want to know?

01:46 – The real driver: retirement success is withdrawal strategy, not just the number

02:33 – The retirement illusion: why "hit $1M" and "pick the right investments" fails

03:18 – 4 misconceptions: lower tax bracket, CPP/OAS/RRSP will cover you, inflation won't hurt

05:07 – The 5 retirement risks that cut income in half

05:36 – Sequence of returns risk (market volatility): why selling in a down year is deadly

08:15 – Inflation math: what 2% vs 5% inflation does to buying power

11:07 – The tax trap: RRIF minimums, future tax brackets, and OAS clawbacks

12:15 – Longevity risk: why planning to 85 isn't enough

13:53 – Health & lifestyle costs: the "unknown expenses" problem

16:06 – The safe withdrawal rate problem: why the 4% rule is under pressure

18:36 – The spending lie: retirement spending isn't flat — "every day is Saturday"

19:59 – Go-go / Slow-go / No-go years: how spending actually changes

23:45 – The cash wedge strategy: good idea, questionable product choices

25:45 – Proposed solution: adding an uncorrelated "volatility buffer" bucket

32:24 – Wrap: reduce stress, increase retirement income, protect against risks

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Thank you for tuning in to this episode. The information contained in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and is separate and apart from the wealth coach services provided by Darren Mitchell and Associates, Inc. To its qualified clients, Control and Compound Financial expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental or any other damages arising out of any individual's use of this podcast or the information in it.

The views expressed here are those of each participant and guests, and not necessarily those of or endorsed by Control and Compound Financial, its affiliates, subsidiaries, and their respective directors, shareholders, officers, or employees. For full disclosure, visit controland compound.com/podcast-media.