Ep. 26 | Investing Basics: Understanding Risk

In this episode of Plain English Finance, Tré Bynoe, CFP®, CIM® breaks down the foundations of smart investing. Joined by Sierra, he walks through the same conversation he has with every new client — what “risk” really means, why most people misunderstand it, and how to build a portfolio that matches both your goals and your comfort level.

Tré explains how to think about equity versus fixed income, why the U.S. still dominates global markets, and how to stay calm through inevitable market drops. If you’ve ever wondered how to invest confidently without losing sleep, this episode gives you the clarity and structure you need.

Key Topics:

• How to define and measure investment risk
• Why education increases your tolerance for volatility
• The importance of matching investments to time horizons
• Global diversification and Canada’s small slice of the world market
• Why big market drops are normal — and what to do when they happen