What if the hardest part of retirement isn't money, markets, or even health but your identity?

In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry talks with Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, retirement transition expert and author of Encore: A High Achiever's Guide to Thriving in Retirement.

Elizabeth shares her own story of leaving a demanding law career, struggling with a loss of purpose, and rebuilding her identity in a way that now helps others do the same. Together, Joe and Elizabeth talk about why retirement is more than a finish line, it's a reinvention.

Check out the show notes for EP161 HERE.

What happens when someone finally retires only to pass away months later?

In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe talks about the surprising connection between retirement, health, and longevity. This isn't doom and gloom, it's a wake-up call to design a retirement that's not just long-lasting, but meaningful.

Check out the show notes for EP160 HERE.

In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry talks with Dr. Meghaan Lurtz, a financial psychology professor at Kansas State University. They explore why money decisions in retirement are often driven by emotions, not just numbers.

You'll learn how to handle common retirement worries, manage money disagreements with your spouse, and build healthier money habits through intentional spending. She also explains "money scripts",the hidden beliefs shaping your financial behavior, and how financial planners can support more than just investments.

Check out the show notes for EP159 HERE.

Most people think money problems are about numbers but what if the real obstacle is us?

In this episode, Joe sits down with Carl Richards, author, speaker, and creator of The Sketch Guy column in The New York Times, to explore why simplicity is so powerful in financial planning. Carl explains how his famous sketches reveal money for what it really is, a tool to live the life you want, and why the best advice isn't about picking investments, but aligning your money with your values.

Check out the show notes for EP158 HERE.

Most Canadians take CPP early, but delaying until 70 can boost your pension by up to 78% - a guaranteed, inflation-protected income for life.

In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry explains how to cover your income needs while waiting for CPP so you don't sacrifice your lifestyle.

You'll learn about the Bond Bridge (flexible, liquid income) and the Annuity Bridge (simple, guaranteed income) as strategies to fill the gap. Joe shares how to manage your portfolio to reduce risk and keep your retirement spending on track.

Check out the show notes for EP157 HERE.

What if you could add a million dollars to your business without selling a single extra unit or finding new clients?

In this episode of Business and Exit Planning Simplified, Joe talks about the profit gap, the silent drain that lowers your business value.

He explains what the profit gap is, how to measure it, and simple steps you can take to close it. You'll learn why buyers care about profit more than revenue, how higher margins increase both your income today and your future sale price, and why cleaning up your finances makes your company more attractive.

Whether you're planning to exit in 1 year or 10 years, closing the profit gap is one of the fastest ways to increase business value and secure your retirement.

Here's what you're in for:

00:00 Identifying the profit gap 02:57 How to close the profit gap 06:36 Why normalizing financials matters 10:21 Strategies to increase profitability 14:27 Final thoughts and next steps

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ABOUT JOE CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.

You can reach out to Joe through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

https://matthewsandassociates.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

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Disclaimer:

Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

How do you build a retirement portfolio that works in the real world and not just on paper?

In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry speaks with Wes Crill from Dimensional Fund Advisors about evidence-based investing and how it can help retirees reach their goals.

Wes explains why beating the market is harder than most think, why diversification is one of the most powerful tools for retirees, and the pros and cons of relying on dividends for income. He also shares how Dimensional uses decades of research to create smarter, long-term investment strategies.

Check out the show notes for EP156 HERE.

How to Achieve Financial Independence and Retire Early?

In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry talks with Chris Mamula, who retired at 41, about the Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) movement. Chris shares how living simply, saving aggressively, and making intentional choices helped him reach financial freedom.

They cover how to balance saving for the future with enjoying life now, spend wisely in retirement, and find purpose beyond work. Chris also explains how part-time work or side hustles can boost both income and fulfillment. Whether you want to retire early or just have more control over your time, you'll get practical tips to make it happen.

Check out the show notes for EP155 HERE.

Are you sure your business is set up to fund the retirement you want and leave the legacy you've worked so hard to build?

In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry and Lindsay talk with Bob Gauvreau, a successful entrepreneur who built an eight-figure professional services firm.

You'll hear practical advice on tax strategies, maximizing your business value, and how to prepare your business for sale. He also explains the benefits of family trusts, how to handle family business succession, and why early planning is the key to a smooth transition.

Here's what you're in for: 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome 00:45 – Bob Gauvreau's Entrepreneurial Journey 02:01 – Building an Eight-Figure Firm 03:38 – Retirement Planning for Business Owners 06:13 – Structuring a Business for Sale 09:51 – Family Trusts & Tax Planning 13:41 – Increasing Business Value Before Sale 18:26 – Family Business Succession Strategies 27:45 – Conclusion & How to Connect

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ABOUT BOB GAUVREAU

Bob Gauvreau is an entrepreneur, CPA, and founder of Gauvreau, an award-winning advisory firm dedicated to helping business owners thrive. Since 2008, he has redefined the traditional accounting model—offering tax strategy, compliance, legal services, bookkeeping, coaching, and financial planning—to empower entrepreneurs to use their finances as a true growth engine. Author of The Wealthy Entrepreneur and host of The Wealthy Entrepreneur Podcast, Bob is committed to reducing stress, increasing clarity, and helping business leaders build profitable, purposeful businesses they can be proud of.

You can reach out to Bob through: LinkedIn: https://www.https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-gauvreau

Website: https://www.GauvreauCPA.ca (Company)

https://www.robertgauvreau.com (Personal)

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ABOUT JOE CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.

You can reach out to Joe through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

https://matthewsandassociates.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

—-------------------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer:

Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

Is Your Retirement Portfolio Ready for the Red Zone?

In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe explains how to protect your investments when it matters most right before and just after you retire. This period, often called the "retirement red zone," comes with big risks if markets take a dip.

Joe walks through a powerful strategy called the "bond tent" and explains why loading up on bonds early in retirement can shield your nest egg. He also shares how the rising equity glide path which increases your stock exposure later in retirement can actually lower your long-term risk.

Check out the show notes for EP154 HERE.