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

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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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

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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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!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at lawrence@tma-invest.com or 514-695-0096 ext.112.

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

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