Unconventional Wisdom

What Canadians Are Really Asking About Money Right Now

What Canadians Are Really Asking About Money Right Now In this one-off episode, I reflect on the topics listeners have engaged with most over time, and what that reveals about the financial decisions people are really grappling with. From retirement timing and government benefits to understanding risk, evidence-based investing, and long-term tax strategies, these themes point to a clear desire for clarity over hype. I also take a moment to say thank you to you the listeners and invite your input on what questions or challenges you'd like addressed in future episodes. This podcast works best when it reflects what people are actually dealing with, not just what sounds good in theory. Thank you for listening! Ed

RRSP/RRIF Meltdown Strategies Explained (Canadian Financial Summit 2025)

Ever wondered how you can get the money out of your RRSP with a minimum of tax? RRSP/RRIF Meltdown Strategies can allow you to withdraw from your RRSP or RRIF with little or no tax. However, there are some tricky complications, several options, and these strategies are not for everyone. In my latest video for the Canadian Financial Summit you'll learn: * How does the RRSP/RRIF meltdown strategy help you withdraw from your RRSP with minimum tax? * What does the traditional RRSP/RRIF Meltdown Strategy look like? * Why should it be called the RRIF Meltdown Strategy, not the RRSP Meltdown Strategy? * Why are self-made dividends the secret to an effective RRIF Meltdown Strategy? * What are the 4 tricky complications? * Why does the traditional RRIF Meltdown not melt your RRIF down? * What is the problem with starting it before you retire? * What is the problem with starting it when you retire? * What are the 3 main RRIF Meltdown Strategies? * What are the 4 issues for implementing the RRSP/RRIF Meltdown Strategy effectively? * What are the 6 steps to implementing the RRSP/RRIF Meltdown Strategy effectively?

How Did the Wealthy Get Wealthy — and Can I Copy Them? (Canadian Financial Summit 2025)

In a recent video for the Canadian Financial Summit I talk about who the poor and wealthy are and how they got there. Today, we're diving deeper into one crucial aspect: how the wealthy became wealthy? Can their strategies work for you? Over the years, I've seen the full financial picture of thousands of Canadians and read countless studies on wealth building. While my clients are generally higher-income, growth-focused individuals who work with a financial plan, I've also spoken to countless others—through my blog, in-person, and within my network of wealthy individuals. These insights have given me a clear understanding of who achieves financial success and the steps they took to get there. You will learn: * How much do you need to be "wealthy"? * What types of people have high net worth? * What is a "productive growth asset"? * How much do you need to save to become wealthy? * Do you have to borrow to invest to become wealthy? * What does the Lifecycle Investing study tell us about growing wealth? * How can you become wealthy?

Random Walk Theory Debunked: The Best Market Gains Follow the Worst Crashes – And One Easy Rule to Beat the Market

Imagine checking your investments after a brutal market crash like during Covid with the March 16-20, 2020: -18% week. Your balance is down 32%, and panic sets in. But what if I told you the biggest rebounds, like the +12% surge the very next week almost always follow? This isn't luck; it's a pattern that makes stocks more predictable (and rewarding) than the 'random walk' myth suggests. For the average investor saving for retirement, understanding this could mean thousands more in your pocket annually—without switching to boring bonds. Just change your outlook and use a simple method to beat the market. In my latest podcast episode you will learn: * What is the "Random Walk Theory"? * Why is the stock market not a "random walk"? * How can you use this to your advantage? * An easy way to beat the market. This is for investors who prefer evidence, clarity, and disciplined strategy over speculation or hype.

The Fake Stages of Retirement: Why 'Slow-Go' Is Really About Money — Not Age

You've probably heard the conventional wisdom about retirement stages: the "go-go" years right after you clock out, full of adventure and travel; then the "slow-go" phase where things wind down due to age and aches; and finally, the "no-go" period of quiet homebound days. It's a neat little narrative, peddled by financial planners and lifestyle gurus alike. But what if I told you it's mostly a myth? That "slow-go" isn't about creaky knees or fading energy - it's usually just code for "didn't save enough". Today, we're busting that myth wide open with hard data, real surveys, and some eye-opening figures. Stick around, because if you save like you mean it, your 80s could look more like Ibiza than a rocking chair. In my latest podcast episode you will learn: * Why the traditional "Go-Go, Slow-Go, No-Go" retirement stages are largely a myth * That retirees with strong finances and good health often keep travelling well into their 80s * How average retirees see only a modest drop in travel spending between ages 75–84 * Why wealthier retirees typically maintain high travel spending with little slowdown * That many retirees don't save enough — making them vulnerable to even small cost increases * Why reduced travel is usually caused by money concerns, not inevitable aging * How financial stress shows up in every "stage" of retirement — including the so-called "No-Go" years * Why overly conservative investing can reduce retirement income dramatically compared with growth portfolios * How better financial planning can help you stay active, independent, and engaged longer