What happens if your financial advisor retires? Can you be confident your investments and retirement plan will stay on track? Why do so few advisors plan ahead? What should you be asking now to avoid costly surprises later? These are the questions we answer in today’s episode.

Hosts Keith Matthews and Lawrence Greenberg dive into a crucial but often overlooked challenge for Canadian investors: advisor succession planning. You’ll get a clear breakdown of why so few advisors have a transition plan in place, what happens when they don’t, and how to protect yourself from service disruptions. The hosts share Tulett Matthews & Associates succession strategy and provide a checklist of actionable questions every investor should ask their advisory team.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone approaching retirement or depending on a financial advisor for multi-decade guidance. Whether you’re worried about losing continuity, want to avoid the stress of change, or simply want to make sure your hard-earned assets are looked after, you’ll walk away more empowered and better prepared. Tune in to get straightforward advice and ask the right questions before it’s too late.

Key Topics:

● Why advisor succession is a growing concern for investors (0:55)

● The surprising shortage of formal succession plans among Canadian advisors (3:05)

● Average age and retirement timelines for industry professionals (3:26)

● How investor surveys reveal major worries about advisor retirements (3:56)

● What happens when your advisor retires or leaves suddenly (5:30)

● Risks of losing investment philosophy or quality service in transitions (5:59)

● Common reasons advisors don’t create timely succession strategies (6:22)

● The financial, mentoring, and training hurdles to building a strong advisory team (7:00)

● How coasting and semi-retirement can erode client service (8:07)

● Real-life case study: building a multi-decade succession plan at Tulett, Matthews & Associates (8:46)

● Lessons learned from navigating health scares and planning for continuity (10:33)

● Designing a client-centered team: hiring, training, and mentoring next-gen advisors (11:23)

● The importance of consistent investment and planning philosophies (12:24)

● Building a multi-generational advisory firm vs. Solo practitioners (13:07)

● Communicating succession plans proactively with clients (13:15)

● How team processes and departments improve service quality and continuity (14:02)

● Keys to successful transition: early communication, multi-year handoffs, shared philosophy (16:30)

● Must-ask questions for your advisory team about retirement and succession (18:02)

● How to assess your advisor’s plan and protect yourself as a client (18:43)

● The long-term benefits of choosing a firm with a real succession strategy (19:20)

● Quick recap of actionable lessons and advice (20:01)

And much more!

Mentioned in this Episode:

● Tulett,Matthews & Associates

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How much money do you really need for retirement? Is your current plan actually aligned with your future spending habits, or are you at risk of falling short? When should you start planning and what are the biggest financial mistakes people make before and after they stop working? These are the questions we answer in today’s episode.

Hosts Keith Matthews and Lawrence Greenberg break down the three distinct phases of retirement spending: the “Go-Go” years, the “Slow-Go” years, and the “No-Go” years. You’ll learn how spending patterns evolve, why most people underestimate costs, and how to avoid common pitfalls by making smarter assumptions.

This episode is ideal for pre-retirees, retirees, and anyone who wants to get ahead of retirement planning. Find out how to calculate your real spending needs, make confident projections, and adjust your strategy with each stage of life. Tune in to get practical advice and clear strategies for a successful and fulfilling retirement.

Key Topics:

● Why retirement spending deserves dedicated attention (1:41)

● Calculating your retirement spend rate - the key to peace of mind (2:55)

● The three phases: Go-Go, Slow-Go and No-Go years explained (4:12)

● What drives up spending in the Go-Go years - travel, home upgrades, gifting (4:39)

● Home maintenance vs. Home upgrades: what to include in your budget (6:05)

● The 1% rule for annual home maintenance - how to apply it (6:40)

● Why attitudes toward homeownership and downsizing keep shifting (8:33)

● Gifting and supporting adult children - new trends and how to plan responsibly (9:18)

● The #1 mistake pre-retirees make: underestimating spending (10:55)

● Lifestyle creep and aspirational spending - how it affects your plan (12:00)

● Why retirement spending often exceeds inflation and what that means for your budget (12:18)

● What changes in the Slow-Go years: health span, routine, and local living (13:02)

● No-Go years: planning for unpredictability and healthcare costs (14:24)

● Assisted living vs. Nursing homes - realistic cost estimates and strategies (16:29)

● Getting detailed: How to build a line-by-line retirement budget (17:44)

● What expenses disappear (mortgage, work, insurance) and what new costs arise (18:32)

● Factoring in large purchases and aspirational spending to avoid shortfalls (20:28)

● How clients feel after using this three-stage budgeting approach (21:01)

● Why rules of thumb like “the 70% rule” often miss the mark (22:07)

● Personal experiences and lessons learned from early planning (23:37)

● Takeaways: Why starting early and revisiting your plan pays off (25:13)

And much more!

Mentioned in this Episode:

● Canadian Retirement: Myths, Realities & Planning Guide

● Pre-Retirement Financial Guide: Ages 50-65

● Retirement Financial Guide: Ages 65+

● Tulett,Matthews & Associates

Thanks for Listening!

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Join host Keith Matthews and co-host Marcelo Taboada as they take a fascinating deep dive into the origins and rise of index funds, inspired by the documentary “Tune out the Noise.” In this episode Keith and Marcelo explore how index and passive investing has evolved from a radical idea in the 1960s to today’s gold standard for simplified, cost-effective, and evidence-based portfolio management.

Go behind the scenes of “Tune Out the Noise” as they break down how the index fund revolution began in academia, overcame huge resistance from Wall Street, and ultimately changed the way everyday investors build wealth. Discover the pivotal roles played by innovators like David Booth, Jack Bogle, and Eugene Fama in shaping the landscape of modern investing.

Along the way, Keith and Marcelo share real-world stories from investors who changed their fates by adopting indexing, plus their own “lightbulb” moments in navigating the shift from active to passive investing.

For listeners feeling lost in the noise of investment advice, Keith and Marcelo offer clear perspective: focus on simplicity, discipline, and a long-term evidence based approach. Their message is a reminder that successful investing isn’t about chasing returns or complicated strategies, it’s about building a confident plan that empowers you to tune out the distractions and stay the course.

Key Topics:

● “Tune Out the Noise” a documentary on the dramatic rise and value of index investing (0.00)

● Why index funds have “taken over” & what sets it apart from active management (3:11)

● Real-life case studies: portfolios in 2004 vs. portfolios today (3:52)

● The shifting habits of new generations of investors (5:03)

● How and why the index fund revolution began in the 1960s–1970s (6:17)

● The “data explosion,” academic research, and the birth of efficient market theory (7:00)

● Overcoming resistance: why “settling for average” actually beats chasing returns (8:01)

● How the first institutional and retail index funds launched (9:23)

● The impact of Jack Bogle, David Booth, and other key figures (9:32)

● Academic breakthroughs: Efficient Market Hypothesis and the power of data (9:40)

● Demonstrating grit: the personal stories of index investing’s pioneers (10:28)

● Dimensional’s early culture and how “shoe-selling morals” influenced business ethics (10:36)

● Surprising backgrounds of industry icons: farming, family hardships, and more (11:34)

● From active investor to passive advocate: why even industry insiders switched sides (14:06)

● What simplicity really looks like in a successful investment portfolio (14:53)

● The importance of low fees, broad diversification, and ignoring the noise (15:47)

● Personal “aha moments”: how Keith and Marcelo embraced index investing (17:50)

● Final takeaways: markets work, costs matter, and diversification is your friend (24:00)

And much more!

Mentioned in this Episode:

● Tune Out the Noise | Documentary Film

● Canadian Wealth Management Is Changing: 4 Trends Investors Can’t Ignore

● 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 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.

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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 lawrence@tma-invest.com 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 lawrence@tma-invest.com 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.