What global trends are reshaping the way Canadians invest and plan for their financial future? How can you avoid paying unnecessary fees and take advantage of smarter ways to grow your wealth? What changes are coming in investor protection, and how will they impact your bottom line? These are the questions we answer in today’s episode.

Join Keith Matthews and co-host Marcelo Taboada as they break down the four major global trends transforming wealth management: the rise of index funds, the shift toward independent financial firms, the growing importance of retirement planning, and enhanced investor protection and transparency.

This episode is packed with practical insights for Canadians who want to take control of their investments, minimize costs, and secure a confident retirement. Tune in to get up to speed on the biggest trends, avoid costly mistakes, and make better financial decisions for your future.

Key Topics:

● Why paying attention to industry trends matters for investors (1:31)

● Trend #1: The rise of index funds and what it means for Canadians (2:08)

● Comparing index funds and active management - global stats and myths debunked (2:14)

● Why Canada lags in index fund adoption and the cost to Canadians (3:10)

● The high cost of management fees in Canada vs. the world, and why it matters (3:55)

● How index funds and transparency help you retire sooner (5:11)

● Common misperceptions about investment fees and value (5:33)

● Worldwide acceleration of index investing and growing investor awareness (6:12)

● Trend #2: The rise of independent financial firms (7:08)

● What makes independent advisors different from big bank brokerage models (7:56)

● How the U.S., U.K., and Australia are outpacing Canada in independent advice (8:00)

● CBC and OSC investigative reports shine a light on conflicts of interest at banks (9:57)

● The reality of sales culture vs. client-focused advice (11:08)

● Trend #3: Retirement planning as a growing priority for Canadians (14:46)

● Demographic shifts and the end of “one-size-fits-all” investment advice (15:03)

● Why thorough retirement planning is essential, not optional (15:39)

● Trend #4: New investor protection and transparency rules (16:18)

● What you’ll see on fee reports as CRM3 rolls out in Canada (17:56)

● How total cost reporting will empower Canadians to make smarter choices (18:05)

● The bottom-line value of understanding fees and service (19:17)

● Final advice for taking action in today’s changing landscape (19:42)

And much more!

Mentioned in this Episode:

● Sales Culture Concerns at Five of Canada’s Bank-Affiliated Dealers | OSC

● Hidden cameras reveal how big banks are upselling you (Marketplace)

● Canadian Retirement: Myths, Realities, and Smart Planning Strategies   |  The Empowered Investor Podcast

● Tulett,Matthews & Associates

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What does a “comfortable” retirement look like today, and how much do you actually need to fund it? Are you underestimating your spending levels, or overestimating what you can count on from savings & government pensions? Why are so many Canadians feeling less optimistic about retirement than they did 20 years ago? These are the questions we answer in today’s episode.

Hosts Keith Matthews and Marcelo Taboada break down new data from Fidelity’s 2025 Retirement Report to show how retirement expectations, lifestyle costs, and income needs have shifted in the last 20 years. You’ll hear a clear, actionable framework for retirement planning, learn why old assumptions often fall short, and discover the real risks, from retirement lifestyle creep to helping adult children.

If you’re thinking about retirement, whether it’s years away or just around the corner, this episode is for you. Tune in to get actionable tips and clarity on what it takes to retire securely in Canada’s changing landscape.

Key Topics:

● The new complexity of retirement today (1:00)

● Why more people are worried, and less confident about retirement (2:07)

● How expectations for “comfortable” retirement income have changed (3:43)

● The impact of lifestyle creep and social media on retirement standards (4:28)

● How the average retirement age has shifted (5:58)

● The growing wave of retirees: one in four Canadians by 2035 (6:38)

● The disappearance of defined benefit pensions and what it means for you (8:01)

● Delaying retirement: myth or necessity? (8:21)

● Why current savings rates may not be enough (8:58)

● The rising trend of helping adult children financially and the hidden risks (9:25)

● Common extra expenses for retirees: day-to-day support, weddings, down payments (10:30)

● Liquidity traps and tough choices around housing wealth (12:05)

● The three stages of retirement expenses: Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go years (13:13)

● Calculating your true “burn rate” for retirement (15:12)

● Tracking and projecting all sources of retirement income (16:53)

● Using smart, realistic assumptions in your projections (17:05)

● The power of stress testing your retirement plan (18:18)

● Why ongoing review and adjustments are essential (20:24)

● The value of advice beyond just investment returns (21:05)

● Key takeaways and real action steps to start your own plan (22:17)

And much more!

Mentioned in this Episode:

● 2025 Fidelity Retirement Report

● Retirement Financial Guide: Ages 65+

● Pre-Retirement Financial Guide: Ages 50-65

● Tulett, Matthews & Associates

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Mid-Year Review 2025: Markets Weather Geopolitical Storms: In this episode, Keith Matthews and Marcelo Taboada dive into the first half of 2025, unpacking a period marked by global political turbulence, trade wars, and significant market volatility. They review how markets responded to headline-grabbing events like the U.S. and Canadian elections, dramatic tariff announcements, and ongoing geopolitical conflicts, reminding listeners that, despite the noise, portfolios have shown remarkable resilience.

As always, their advice is to stay disciplined, diversified, and focused on long-term plans, not the headlines.

Key Topics:

● 2025’s biggest events: U.S. and Canadian elections, ongoing conflicts (00:01)

● How Trump’s tariff policies triggered global market sell-offs (02:00)

● Magnitude of the April market drop - returns by region (02:49)

● The rapid market rebound: what sparked the 9% one day gain? (03:37)

● Year-to-date review: asset class performance after the volatility (04:36)

● Surprising strength: which regions and asset classes outperformed? (05:12)

● Diversification wins: why globally balanced portfolios did well (05:46)

● The forced productivity push for Canada and Europe (06:33)

● Defensive investing: military spending’s effect on European stocks (08:39)

● 10-year returns show stocks’ edge over bonds - by a wide margin (09:33)

● Why bonds lagged: rising rates, debt, and returns explained (11:23)

● Implications of higher government debt and interest rates (12:44)

● Understanding valuations: Why the U.S. is “expensive” and what this means (13:01)

● Future expected returns by region - a case for global diversification (14:16)

● The AI effect: How technology optimism is lifting markets (15:08)

● Real lessons from volatility: why patience and discipline pay off (17:56)

● Closing takeaways: tune out noise, stick to the plan, and stay diversified (18:26)

Thanks for Listening!

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Host Keith Matthews welcomes David Andrew, founder of Capital Partners in Australia, for a discussion on global trends in independent advice and wealth management. Capital Partners is a leading edge independent Australian wealth management firm under David’s stewardship, Capital Partners was named Best Professional Practice in Australia by the Financial Advice Association of Australia in 2017, 2019 and 2024; the only firm to have received this award more than once.

Together, David and Keith break down what Australian, Canadian and global investors have in common, the real-world dangers of conflicted advice, actionable ways to foster trust and transparency, and how family-focused planning creates lasting results.

This discussion highlights how similarly investors think, feel, and behave - regardless of geographic location. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes view of how leading advisory firms build portfolios, guide client decisions and help clients spend smarter - without sacrificing peace of mind.

“Across the globe, people seek the same fundamentals in wealth management: simplicity, transparency, alignment with their goals, and lasting peace of mind”.

Key Topics:

● Welcome and why independent advice matters (0:00)

● Australia vs. Canada: The rise of fee-only advisory firms (6:46)

● Breaking the commissions trap: How regulation changed everything (8:04)

● What happens when big banks lose client trust and what’s replaced them (10:06)

● Real meaning of independence: Separating advice from product sales (10:53)

● The “iceberg” of financial advice - what clients truly need vs. what’s usually sold (11:20)

● The power of long-term planning: Helping clients retire earlier and happier (14:03)

● Building trust and transparency in a modern firm (16:00)

● How Capital Partners conducts discovery and values-based planning (17:14)

● How fee-for-service models protect client interests (22:59)

● Serving families: Approaches for business owners, professionals, and women in transition (21:47)

● Exiting commissions: The step-by-step shift to true independence (22:58)

● The role of trusts, estate planning, and multi-generational wealth (23:31)

● Family meetings, stewardship, and transferring financial values (26:26)

● Preparing kids and aging parents for financial transitions (27:55)

● Investment philosophy: From failed active management to evidence-based portfolios (31:06)

● How to weather market turbulence - advisor strategies that keep clients on track (35:33)

● The logic of global diversification vs. home bias (37:08)

● Tax efficiencies in the Australian system, and why they influence portfolio design (38:08)

● Lessons learned from building a multi-decade advisory firm (42:11)

● How to vet and select a truly client-centric, independent advisor (44:06)

Mentioned in this Episode:

● Tulett, Matthews & Associates

● Capital Partners

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] or 514-695-0096 ext.112.

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What exactly is an RESP and how can it be used to fund your child’s post-secondary education? What are the key rules around contributions, grants, and withdrawals? What should you do if your child doesn’t pursue higher education?

In today’s episode, Laurence Greenberg and Jackson Matthews break down everything Canadian parents need to know about RESPs — from contribution limits and government grants, to withdrawal strategies and tax-efficient planning. Whether you’re opening your first account or optimizing an existing one, this episode offers clear answers and practical guidance.

Don’t miss this essential overview that could help you unlock thousands in free education funding and avoid costly RESP mistakes. Tune in and feel more confident managing your child’s future education savings.

Thank you for tuning in!

● Introduction and post-tax season context (0:39)

● What is an RESP? (0:56)

● Contribution rules and lifetime limits (1:35)

● Tax treatment of contributions and growth (1:42)

● RESP grants: CESG, QESI, and CLB (2:25)

● How much you can earn in grants (3:10)

● What qualifies as post-secondary education (4:19)

● What RESP funds can be used for (4:30)

● Family plans vs. individual plans (5:11)

● RESP withdrawal rules and tax treatment (6:00)

● EAP withdrawals and tax planning strategies (6:52)

● Common RESP mistakes (8:51)

● What happens if a child doesn’t go to school (10:24)

● RRSP rollover and penalty tax explanation (11:36)

● Early lump sum contribution strategy (13:12)

● Investing RESP funds over the time horizon (14:26)

● Asset allocation by time horizon (16:15)

● Tips to optimize RESP usage (16:38)

● Importance of early planning and advisor support (17:39)

● Episode closing thoughts (18:00)

And much more!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Tulett, Matthews & Associates

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] or 514-695-0096 ext.112.

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What role do expectations and consumer culture play in shaping our financial well-being? How can we make smarter, long-term decisions that align with a meaningful life rather than short-term gratification? What lessons can we draw from those who’ve found financial independence through simplicity and intentionality? These are just a few of the powerful questions explored in today’s episode.

Marcelo Taboada sits down with acclaimed La Presse journalist Nicolas Bérubé to explore the deeper intersection between money, happiness, and our daily decisions. They examine popular topics from Nicolas’ widely read weekly financial columns, challenging us to think critically about how we spend, save, and define success.

This episode offers grounded wisdom for both younger listeners and seasoned professionals, covering everything from car buying habits and Uber Eats culture to the importance of gratefulness and long-term planning.

Thank you for tuning in!

● Introduction and guest background on Nicolas Bérubé (0:00)

● Nicolas’ early journey into journalism and passion for financial writing (3:50)

● The clarity and communication style that sets Nicolas apart (7:41)

● The origins and purpose of his column “L’argent et le bonheur” (11:32)

● How Canadians are reacting economically and emotionally to the US political climate (15:23)

● Choosing Canadian goods and reflecting on local economic impacts (19:14)

● On gratitude, health, and redefining wealth (23:05)

● The paradox of modern abundance and mental health struggles (26:56)

● Uber Eats, luxury spending, and opportunity cost in everyday life (30:47)

● Personal finance through the lens of real choices and trade-offs (34:38)

● Hedonic vs. eudemonic happiness and the pull of social media (38:29)

● What today’s habits reveal about future financial independence (42:20)

● Creating a meaningful life through intentional daily actions (46:11)

● Lifestyle inflation, children’s expenses, and thoughtful consumption (50:02)

● The power of compound interest and long-term financial vision (53:53)

And much more!

Mentioned in this Episode:

• From Zero to Millionaire by Nicolas Bérubé
• Les millionnaires ne sont pas ceux que vous croyez by Nicolas Bérubé
• La Joie et le Bonheur by Nicolas Bérubé
• Podcast: Maximizing Life Satisfaction and Happiness with Author Andrew Hallam
• Millionaire Teacher by Andrew Hallam
• Tulett, Matthews & Associates

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] or 514-695-0096 ext.112.

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What sparked the most dramatic stock market volatility in recent memory? Why did tariffs suddenly become the centerpiece of U.S. economic policy? How should investors respond when uncertainty hits at lightning speed? We explore all of this—and more—in today’s deep dive on market turmoil triggered by Trump’s sweeping tariff announcements.

Keith Matthews and Marcelo Taboada break down the global shockwave of “Liberation Day,” explain how markets and investors reacted, and offer critical lessons on staying invested when storms hit. From VIX surges to record—setting daily returns, they connect the dots between policy, volatility, and long-term perspective.

If you’ve ever felt anxious during a market correction - or wondered if “this time is different”—this episode will guide you through the recent market turbulence with evidence-based insight and calm.

Thank you for tuning in!

● Today's show focuses on recent market volatility and U.S. tariff policy (0:55)

● Marcelo introduces the geopolitical backdrop and tariff volatility (1:34)

● Liberation Day and Trump’s tariff announcement explained (2:56)

● Historical impact and global scale of the tariffs (3:30)

● VIX and other measures of market fear during this period (3:48)

● S&P 500 drops 10% in two days after Liberation Day (4:13)

● Market expectations before the announcement were wrong (4:59)

● Global reach and economic shock of the announced tariffs (5:20)

● Canada, EU, Japan, China: Who was affected and how (5:38)

● VIX compared to past crises like COVID and 2008 (6:06)

● How the bond market reacted and its deeper message (6:33)

● Reversal of tariffs and a 90-day pause sparks 9.5% S&P rebound (7:55)

● Lessons on timing the market and importance of staying invested (16:58)

● Performance failures of tactical asset allocation strategies (19:13)

● How markets recover after recessions and bear markets (24:03)

● Evidence-based investment philosophy and long-term planning (28:22)

And much more!

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Dimensional Report: Navigating Market Volatility
• TMA Report: Shifting Allocations is the Wrong Strategy
• Tulett, Matthews & Associates

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] or 514-695-0096 ext.112.

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Are you ready for tax season? Do you know the key deadlines and the essential documents you need to file your 2024 tax return? Have you explored all the deductions and tax relief options available to you?

In this episode, Keith Matthews and Andrea LeRoyer guide you through a structured approach to preparing your taxes efficiently. From crucial deadlines to tax-saving opportunities, they cover everything you need to stay compliant and optimize your return. They also discuss major changes for the 2024 tax season, including updates on the capital gains inclusion rate, home flipping rules, and the latest home buyer plan withdrawal limits.

Whether you’re a salaried employee, self-employed, a retiree, or a parent, this episode provides a simple and practical framework to handle your taxes effectively. Don't miss this essential conversation to help you file your 2024 return with confidence!

Thank you for tuning in!

• Overview of the 2024 tax season (0:39)
• Introducing co-host Andrea LeRoyer and her background in tax and finance (1:47)
• Five key points covered in this episode (2:02)
• April 30: General filing deadline (3:21)
• June 16: Self-employed individuals’ deadline (4:19)
• Income slips (T4, T4A, T3, T5, etc.) (4:50)
• Notice of Assessment: Why it matters (5:35)
• Installment payment summaries (6:58)
• Childcare and activity credits (8:42)
• Tuition and education-related deductions (9:43)
• Medical expenses and insurance coverage (11:01)
• Charitable donation changes and extended deadline (13:36)
• Home office deductions: Employees vs. self-employed (14:28)
• Tax credits for home support services (16:45)
• Caregiver tax credits (17:19)
• Multigenerational renovation tax credit (17:44)
• Disability tax credit and eligibility (20:08)
• Changes in relationship status (22:09)
• Moving, renting, or selling property (23:02)
• Foreign asset ownership and T1135 requirements (24:03)
• Capital gains inclusion rate update (25:48)
• Short-term rental compliance rules (26:47)
• Home Buyers’ Plan withdrawal increase (27:57)
• New tax rules for property flipping (29:10)
• Crypto asset reporting for Quebec residents (30:26)
• Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) updates (31:26)
• Final tax season tips & best practices (32:20)
• Closing thoughts & embracing tax season (32:51)

And much more!

• Tulett, Matthews & Associates

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] or 514-695-0096 ext.112.

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Have you ever wondered if moving your portfolio allocations around can lead to better returns? To help answer this question, one just needs to look at how tactical asset allocation (TAA) funds have performed over time. Have these TAA funds really helped investors navigate market uncertainty?

In today’s episode, Keith and Marcelo break down a compelling new study from Morningstar that examines the long-term performance of tactical asset allocation funds. With a data-driven approach, they discuss how these funds performed over different market cycles, what role predictions play in their effectiveness, and how investors should think about market timing or shifting allocations.

What can individual investors and advisors learn from the poor performance to TAA funds on how they manage their own or clients accounts? Join us as we analyze the risks, returns, and emotional biases behind tactical asset allocation, and reveal why a structured, long-term investment strategy may be the best approach for most investors.

Thank you for tuning in!

• Introduction to tactical asset allocation funds (3:19)
• How these funds differ from strategic asset allocation (5:15)
• Morningstar’s latest research on performance (7:06)
• The underperformance of tactical funds over time (9:00)
• Examining risk: More volatility, lower returns (15:17)
• Why market predictions often fail (22:16)
• Major firms' incorrect forecasts for 2024 (25:23)
• The psychological traps that cause investors to underperform (20:17)
• Lessons from history on the unpredictability of events (27:17)
• Key takeaways: Why "doing nothing and staying the course" is often the best move (28:28)
• Closing thoughts on long-term investment success (29:59)

And much more!

• Tulett, Matthews & Associates
• Why Tactical-Allocation Funds Failed—Again | Morningstar

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] or 514-695-0096 ext.112.

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What role does psychology play in financial decision-making? How can behavioral biases influence your investment success? And what does it truly mean to find purpose and meaning in wealth?

Marcelo Taboada welcomes Daniel Crosby, a renowned behavioral finance expert and author. Together, they explore the psychology of investing, how money and happiness intersect, and the core principles behind his latest book, The Soul of Wealth. Join us as we uncover how your mindset impacts financial success, the biggest behavioral biases to avoid, and the philosophical shift needed to make wealth truly meaningful.

Thank you for tuning in!

• Introduction to Daniel Crosby and his work (0:00:00)
• The intersection of psychology and finance (0:02:07)
• Daniel’s career shift from psychotherapy to finance (0:04:00)
• Behavioral biases that impact investing (0:07:32)
• The inspiration behind The Soul of Wealth (0:10:45)
• Can money buy happiness? A research-backed answer (0:14:23)
• The importance of social connections in wealth and happiness (0:17:56)
• How hedonic adaptation affects our financial decisions (0:20:35)
• Why experiences often provide more joy than material goods (0:24:10)
• The role of generosity in wealth fulfillment (0:27:45)
• The biggest financial regrets people have (0:30:33)
• How the PERMA model applies to financial well-being (0:33:29)
• The shifting perspectives of younger generations on wealth (0:38:10)
• Practical strategies for a meaningful financial life (0:41:30)

And much more!

• Tulett, Matthews & Associates
• The Soul of Wealth by Daniel Crosby

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] or 514-695-0096 ext.112.

Follow Tulett, Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more!

Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.