Ep 177 - The Real Struggle: Spending in Retirement
Many high-net-worth Canadians discover that spending money in retirement is harder than saving it. In this episode, Joe Curry explores the psychology behind underspending, the risks of overspending, and how a personalized retirement income plan can give you the confidence - and permission - to enjoy the life you worked so hard to afford.
Ep 176 – Mailbag Edition: Answering Your Top 5 Retirement Questions
In this mailbag edition, Joe Curry answers five of the most common retirement planning questions Canadians ask—covering retirement income planning, target asset allocation, RRSP-to-RRIF withdrawal strategies, and tax-efficient investing. You’ll learn how to estimate what you actually need in retirement, avoid rules-of-thumb mistakes, and make smarter choices about withdrawals, taxes, and where your investments are held.
Ep 175 - If Your Retirement Plan Feels Boring, You’re Probably Doing It Right
If your retirement plan feels boring, that might actually mean it’s working. In this episode, Joe Curry explains why disciplined, boring retirement planning leads to better long-term outcomes — and how chasing excitement, headlines, or FOMO can quietly derail your retirement income strategy.
Ep 174 - Your Retirement, Your Terms – Make 2026 the Year You Take Intentional Action
Knowledge alone won’t get you through retirement — action will. In this New Year’s episode, Joe Curry explains why clarity, testing assumptions, and taking intentional steps matter more than consuming endless retirement content, and how you can turn 2026 into a year of momentum and confidence.
Ep 173 - The 5 Retirement Lessons You Loved Most in 2025
In this special year-end episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry breaks down the five biggest retirement lessons listeners cared about most in 2025. From tax-efficient retirement income planning to mindset, health, and purpose after work, this episode highlights what truly matters for a confident Canadian retirement.
Ep 172 - 10 Common Wealth Traps Smart Canadian Retirees Avoid
In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry breaks down the 10 assets successful Canadian retirees almost never buy — and why avoiding these common wealth traps can dramatically improve retirement income and peace of mind. You’ll learn how high fees, complexity, lifestyle liabilities, and poor planning quietly erode retirement wealth, and what disciplined retirees do instead.
Ep 171 - What I Learned From 100 Early Retirees in Canada
Learn what more than 100 successful Canadian early retirees did differently to make life after work sustainable. Joe Curry breaks down the income systems, bridge strategies, CPP and OAS timing, and flexible RRSP/RRIF withdrawal strategies that turn a portfolio into a reliable retirement paycheck—especially if you’re thinking about retiring before 60.
Ep 170 - What Should You Withdraw First: RRSP, CPP, or TFSA?
In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, you will gain insight into the optimal withdrawal order for Canadian retirement accounts — RRSP first, CPP/OAS later, TFSA last. This sequencing can save you tens of thousands in taxes. Joe explains how strategic timing creates more flexible, tax-efficient income and a more secure retirement plan.
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.

