Ep 169: Beneficiaries, Successors & Your Retirement Accounts: How to Get It Right Before You Retire
Naming beneficiaries and successors might seem simple, but one wrong designation can lead to tax headaches, probate delays, or unfair outcomes for your heirs. In this episode, Joe Curry explains how to properly name beneficiaries across your RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs, and non-registered accounts — and how to avoid common estate planning pitfalls that could cost your family thousands.
Ep 168 - Plugging the Leaks: How to Free Up Hidden Cashflow Before Retirement
Even in retirement, small expenses can quietly drain your income — until you take a closer look. In this episode, Joe Curry shares how a simple personal cashflow audit saved him over $2,000 a year and outlines practical steps retirees can use to find — and fix — their own hidden money leaks. Perfect for Canadians focused on tax-efficient retirement income planning and smarter spending.
Ep 167 - Retirement Planning Simplified — Why Simplicity is the Ultimate Strategy
Even high-net-worth retirees can fall into the trap of financial complexity, with multiple accounts, different advisors, and no clear strategy. In this episode, Joe Curry explains why simplifying your financial life can create more control, smarter tax planning, and greater peace of mind. Learn how coordination, clarity, and a single cohesive plan can strengthen your retirement income strategy.
Ep 166 - Cybersecurity for Retirees: Protecting Your Digital Wealth
In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry unpacks essential cybersecurity lessons for retirees, based on insights from expert Darren Mar, Director of Client Solutions at NPC Dataguard, who recently led an informative cybersecurity webinar for clients of Joe’s firm, Matthews + Associates. Learn how to protect your retirement savings, personal data, and peace of mind from online threats with simple, practical steps that safeguard your digital and financial life.
Ep 165 - Why You Might Want to Take CPP at 60 (Even If the Math Says Otherwise)
When it comes to CPP timing, the math often says “wait until 70” - but life isn’t lived in a spreadsheet. In this episode, Joe Curry explores why taking your Canada Pension Plan early—sometimes even at 60—can be a smart, meaningful choice for your lifestyle, legacy, and peace of mind.
Ep 164 - How to Evaluate Investment Performance in Retirement
Wondering if your retirement portfolio is really performing well? In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry explains why comparing your portfolio to indexes like the TSX or S&P 500 can be misleading. Learn how to evaluate investment performance based on your personal goals, asset mix, and income needs — not on market headlines.
Ep 163 – The 5.5 Guaranteed Retirement Income Sources Every Canadian Should Understand
In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe breaks down the five and a half guaranteed retirement income sources every Canadian should understand—from CPP and OAS to pensions and annuities. Learn how to build a dependable retirement income floor so you can retire with confidence and weather any market conditions.
Ep 162 - Understanding RRIF Withdrawal Rules and Building a Tax-Smart Retirement Plan
Most retirees view mandatory RIF withdrawals as a tax trap—but what if they’re actually a strategic advantage? In this episode, Joseph Curry explains how smart RIF planning can reduce lifetime taxes, protect OAS and government benefits, and even help grow wealth. Learn how to use income smoothing, tax brackets, and the three-bucket strategy to master retirement income planning.
Ep 161 - Redefining Retirement for High Achievers: Identity, Purpose, and Structure After Work
Joe meets with retirement transition expert and author Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons to explore why retirement is less about money and more about identity. Together, they discuss how high achievers can thrive by reframing retirement as reinvention, embracing a creator’s mindset, and designing a meaningful next chapter. Packed with inspiring stories and practical insights, this conversation challenges the old idea of retirement as “the end” and shows how it can become a powerful new beginning.
Ep 160 - Retirement and Sudden Death: Psychological and Physical Risks to Know
Retirement should be the start of a fulfilling new chapter, not an early end. In this episode, Joe sheds light on the often-overlooked link between retirement, sudden health decline, and mortality. He shares research, insights, and practical steps to help retirees build purpose, connection, and vitality for a long, meaningful retirement.
Ep 159 - Financial Psychology for Retirees, with Dr. Meghaan Lurtz
Discover how to overcome emotional roadblocks and build confidence in your financial decisions during retirement. In this episode, Joe speaks with Dr. Meghaan Lurtz, a professor at Kansas State University, researcher, speaker, and contributor to Kitces.com. They discuss financial behavior in retirement, spending psychology, and how to align your money habits with your values for a more fulfilling retirement lifestyle. Learn practical strategies to shift from saving, to intentional spending—without fear or regret.
Ep 158 - Aligning Money + Values. The Key to Retirement Confidence, with Carl Richards.
In this fascinating conversation, Joe sits down with financial thought leader Carl Richards to discuss why simplicity is the secret to powerful financial planning. They explore the real value of advice, how to align money with life goals, and why what’s more important than money is often overlooked. With insights from Carl’s iconic sketches and his upcoming book Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in Simple Sketches, this episode is a must-listen for anyone approaching retirement.
Ep 157 - How to Delay CPP to Age 70 Without Sacrificing Retirement Income
Delaying taking Canada Pension Plan (CPP) to age 70 can supercharge retirement income, offering a guaranteed, inflation-adjusted 8.4% annual return that is backed by the government. In this podcast, Joe Curry explores how high-net-worth Canadians can bridge the income gap through smart strategies like the bond bridge and annuity bridge, ensuring financial security today while maximizing CPP for life.
Ep # 156 - Outperform Without the Guesswork: A Conversation with Wes Crill
Joe interviews Wes Crill, Senior Client Solutions Director & VP at Dimensional Fund Advisors, they explore how evidence-based investing can help retirees avoid costly mistakes. This is a must-listen for anyone near retirement looking to build a smarter, tax-efficient portfolio rooted in academic research.
Ep 155 - Applying FIRE Strategies to Traditional Retirement, with Chris Mamula
In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry sits down with FIRE movement expert and early retiree Chris Mamula to explore how Financial Independence principles can transform retirement planning at any age. From boosting your savings rate to designing a life you love today - not just in the future - Chris shares actionable strategies to build wealth, reduce expenses, and find fulfillment beyond work. Whether you’re 40 or 60, this conversation is packed with practical tips to accelerate your path to financial freedom.
Ep 154 - Understanding the Bond Tent Strategy for Retirement Portfolio Protection
The first five years of retirement — the “Retirement Red Zone” — can make or break your financial future. In this episode, Joseph Curry reveals how the Bond Tent strategy and a Rising Equity Glide Path can protect your portfolio from sequence of returns risk, keep income flowing, and help your money last. Learn how smart rebalancing, risk management, and strategic asset allocation can safeguard your nest egg for the long haul.
Ep 153 - How Women Can Take Control of Their Retirement Finances with Rachael Burns
In this empowering episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Certified Financial Planner Rachael Burns shares expert strategies for women navigating retirement and building financial strength following widowhood or divorce. Joe and Rachael explore key financial planning steps, emotional pitfalls to avoid, and how women can gain confidence, control, and clarity in their finances during these pivotal life transitions.
Your Guide to Staying Active, Social, and Engaged in Retirement
Retirement goes well beyond financial planning. Staying mentally, physically, and socially active is a pivotal aspect of retirement. Luckily, you have access to a plethora of resources that can provide social connections.
Ep # 152 - Retire with Purpose: The Power of Art, Identity & Joy After 60 with Danny Gregory
Joe hosts Danny Gregory—author, artist, and co-founder of Sketchbook School—to explore how creativity can bring purpose and joy in retirement. Danny shares how drawing became a powerful tool for mindfulness, self-discovery, and emotional wellness after major life transitions. Discover how embracing art at any age can help retirees reconnect with their identity and live more fully beyond their working years.
Ep 151 - Planning Once Isn’t Planning: Why Retirement Requires Ongoing Strategy
In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry debunks the myth of the “set-it-and-forget-it” financial plan, emphasizing the power of dynamic, ongoing retirement planning. Learn why static retirement strategies fall short and how regularly updated financial plans - that incorporate real-time tax optimization, portfolio adjustments, and shifting life goals - can empower you to retire with confidence and clarity.

