Unconventional Wisdom

Last week, I revealed my longevity journey, introduced some of the explosive developments, and why we may be able to start living significantly longer within the next 10–20 years. Living with health and vitality past age 100 could become common. What happens to your money if that happens? If we live 20 more years, can we actually be retired for those 20 years? How much more would we need to save—or how much longer would we need to work? In my latest video and blog post, you'll learn: Why would we want to live decades longer? Would it be good for society? How much more would you have to save to be retired 20 more years? How many more years would you need to work? How are these different depending on the allocation of your portfolio? What is likely to happen to CPP, OAS, company pensions and annuities? What is likely to happen to life insurance?

Is it really possible to live with health & vitality past age 100? I am on a longevity journey to try to achieve it. In my latest video and blog post, I will explain what I have learned & experienced so far and why I believe humans routinely being healthy past 100 is in our near future. You will learn: How did Ed's journey get started? How did Ann passing away ignite it? What is Ed's journey since then? What is the core focus of the longevity program Ed joined? What can we do today to be healthy longer? Why is it likely humans will live significantly longer in the future? When are we expected to start living much longer? What is an exceptional introduction to longevity video by longevity leaders? Next week's post is about what happens to your money if you are healthy decades longer.

Taxes are far more complex today than they were 10 years ago — and 2026 adds another layer. There were not many headline changes this year, but several could meaningfully affect your retirement plan, home buying strategy, and long-term tax planning. Complexity is becoming the real story. In this post and video, you'll learn: What's new & relevant for you in tax for 2026? How will the changes affect your life? How will the changes affect your retirement plan? What is Ed's advice on the FHSA vs Home Buyers' Plan? What is the latest on ITF accounts & joint name principal residences? What is Ed's view on these changes? Why were they done?

Should you really reduce stocks and increase bonds as you get older? That's been conventional wisdom for decades. A new international study using long-term data from 39 developed countries challenges both of those assumptions. The researchers found that a globally diversified all-equity strategy outperformed traditional stock-bond portfolios not only for growth, but even for retirement income reliability and capital preservation. I presented this research at the Canadian Financial Summit because it directly questions the foundation of conventional wisdom on investing as you age. In this post and video, you'll learn: Is this new study a high-quality study? What does the study prove? What is the effective way to diversify? In what 2 ways is diversifying with international stocks better than with bonds? Why should investors keep the same allocation to stocks as they get older? Is the all-equity strategy safe? Should we actually invest 67% into international stocks? What studies already on my blog agree with this study? The debate: What questions did readers ask?

What Canadians Are Really Asking About Money Right Now In this one-off episode, I reflect on the topics listeners have engaged with most over time, and what that reveals about the financial decisions people are really grappling with. From retirement timing and government benefits to understanding risk, evidence-based investing, and long-term tax strategies, these themes point to a clear desire for clarity over hype. I also take a moment to say thank you to you the listeners and invite your input on what questions or challenges you'd like addressed in future episodes. This podcast works best when it reflects what people are actually dealing with, not just what sounds good in theory. Thank you for listening! Ed

Ever wondered how you can get the money out of your RRSP with a minimum of tax? RRSP/RRIF Meltdown Strategies can allow you to withdraw from your RRSP or RRIF with little or no tax. However, there are some tricky complications, several options, and these strategies are not for everyone. In my latest video for the Canadian Financial Summit you'll learn: How does the RRSP/RRIF meltdown strategy help you withdraw from your RRSP with minimum tax? What does the traditional RRSP/RRIF Meltdown Strategy look like? Why should it be called the RRIF Meltdown Strategy, not the RRSP Meltdown Strategy? Why are self-made dividends the secret to an effective RRIF Meltdown Strategy? What are the 4 tricky complications? Why does the traditional RRIF Meltdown not melt your RRIF down? What is the problem with starting it before you retire? What is the problem with starting it when you retire? What are the 3 main RRIF Meltdown Strategies? What are the 4 issues for implementing the RRSP/RRIF Meltdown Strategy effectively? What are the 6 steps to implementing the RRSP/RRIF Meltdown Strategy effectively?

In a recent video for the Canadian Financial Summit I talk about who the poor and wealthy are and how they got there. Today, we're diving deeper into one crucial aspect: how the wealthy became wealthy? Can their strategies work for you? Over the years, I've seen the full financial picture of thousands of Canadians and read countless studies on wealth building. While my clients are generally higher-income, growth-focused individuals who work with a financial plan, I've also spoken to countless others—through my blog, in-person, and within my network of wealthy individuals. These insights have given me a clear understanding of who achieves financial success and the steps they took to get there. You will learn: How much do you need to be "wealthy"? What types of people have high net worth? What is a "productive growth asset"? How much do you need to save to become wealthy? Do you have to borrow to invest to become wealthy? What does the Lifecycle Investing study tell us about growing wealth? How can you become wealthy?

Imagine checking your investments after a brutal market crash like during Covid with the March 16-20, 2020: -18% week. Your balance is down 32%, and panic sets in. But what if I told you the biggest rebounds, like the +12% surge the very next week almost always follow? This isn't luck; it's a pattern that makes stocks more predictable (and rewarding) than the 'random walk' myth suggests. For the average investor saving for retirement, understanding this could mean thousands more in your pocket annually—without switching to boring bonds. Just change your outlook and use a simple method to beat the market. In my latest podcast episode you will learn: What is the "Random Walk Theory"? Why is the stock market not a "random walk"? How can you use this to your advantage? An easy way to beat the market. This is for investors who prefer evidence, clarity, and disciplined strategy over speculation or hype.

You've probably heard the conventional wisdom about retirement stages: the "go-go" years right after you clock out, full of adventure and travel; then the "slow-go" phase where things wind down due to age and aches; and finally, the "no-go" period of quiet homebound days. It's a neat little narrative, peddled by financial planners and lifestyle gurus alike. But what if I told you it's mostly a myth? That "slow-go" isn't about creaky knees or fading energy - it's usually just code for "didn't save enough". Today, we're busting that myth wide open with hard data, real surveys, and some eye-opening figures. Stick around, because if you save like you mean it, your 80s could look more like Ibiza than a rocking chair. In my latest podcast episode you will learn: Why the traditional "Go-Go, Slow-Go, No-Go" retirement stages are largely a myth That retirees with strong finances and good health often keep travelling well into their 80s How average retirees see only a modest drop in travel spending between ages 75–84 Why wealthier retirees typically maintain high travel spending with little slowdown That many retirees don't save enough — making them vulnerable to even small cost increases Why reduced travel is usually caused by money concerns, not inevitable aging How financial stress shows up in every "stage" of retirement — including the so-called "No-Go" years Why overly conservative investing can reduce retirement income dramatically compared with growth portfolios How better financial planning can help you stay active, independent, and engaged longer

Ever been terrified by those retirement calculators showing a scary chance of running out of money? That's Monte Carlo simulations at work—spinning wild "what-if" scenarios that often paint a doom-and-gloom picture far worse than reality. In my latest video, we'll debunk why most of these simulated failures could never happen in real life, how they push you toward boring bond-heavy portfolios that slash your retirement lifestyle by an average of 15-35% in annual spending, and why simply planning flexible actions during market dips is a game-changer for staying wealthy without the fearmongering. Ignore Monte Carlo panic porn for empowered planning. Focus on adaptability over probabilities. Retirement isn't about avoiding every storm—it's about sailing through them smarter. You will learn: What are Monte Carlo Simulations? Why most simulated failures are myths that can't happen in real life. Why the stock market is not a "random walk". How the solution of more bonds can make your retirement miserable. Why action plans for market downturns are a better solution. Why failures are not catastrophic – just temporary lifestyle adjustments. Retirement isn't about avoiding every storm—it's about sailing through them smarter.

Your investments may grow a bit each year, but have you wondered about how some people grow major wealth? Instead of growing 10%, how can they be 10 times larger? Many ordinary people build up millions of dollars, without having a high income or inheritance. How does that happen? It's because real wealth doesn't grow linearly. It grows exponentially — through compounding, smart investing, and a different way of thinking about progress. In my latest video, podcast episode, and blog post you'll learn: What is exponential thinking? What are some real life examples? How does the "Rule of 72" help you? Why is exponential growth all around us today when it wasn't decades ago? Why does investing for growth give you many times more than investing for income? Why is borrowing to invest so effective? Why should you learn to think exponentially? Once you start thinking exponentially, you'll see opportunities for wealth and growth everywhere.

What is the meaning of life? What truly makes it worth living? How can having a meaningful life help you become financially independent? It comes down to responsibility. Choosing what you want to be responsible for gives your life structure, direction and purpose. It's also the same mindset that can help you become financially independent. In my latest podcast episode you'll learn: What is the meaning of life? What makes life worth living? How do many people avoid taking responsibility for their life? How can having a meaningful life help you become financially independent? How can you become wealthy? If you've ever wondered how to align your deeper "why" with your financial success, this post is for you.

Being worried about a market crash right after retiring is a major fear for many people both before and after taking the plunge. I often hear these anxieties: "I'm scared to retire even though I have enough money in every projection. What happens if there is a market crash right after I retire?" "We just retired, but are hesitant to spend money in case we have a market crash." You're not alone—thousands of people have had the same worry. But does the data actually support this fear? In my latest podcast episode you'll learn: Do we need to worry about a market crash right after retiring? Should we have the same worry in future years? Can I really be financially independent for life? How can I confidently take the plunge and retire when the market might crash? What should you do when the market crashes during retirement? Should I go back to work? What has happened in history with market crashes during retirement? What types of investments most reliably provide a solid income for a 30-year retirement? How can you let go of the fear?

♦Go Big or Go Slow: Why 10x Wealth Is Easier Than 2x♦ This title may be hard to believe, but it is a common theme in coaching for small business entrepreneurs. The concept is from the popular book "10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less" by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. Most of us think about incremental improvements in our lives, not dramatic life-changing improvements. That would require a completely different way of thinking. The 10X concept works for entrepreneurs. You can also use the 10X concept to dramatically improve your finances. In my latest podcast episode you'll learn: Why does this concept work for world class entrepreneurs? Stories of how and why it worked. Why can becoming 10 times wealthier be easier than 2 times? How can this idea be used for your finances? What specific concepts can give you 10X wealth? How can you figure out what 10X concepts might be right for you? This is a unique post that is a completely new way of thinking. It includes some insight into my mind and my life.

Owning a home is unaffordable for many people today. Here is some good news! If you rent, you can grow your wealth as fast or faster using the same 2 ideas that benefit homeowners. Tenants have several major advantages over homeowners for wealth building. Many homeowners think their home is their best investment. But that is unfortunate. It is easy to find better investments with dramatically higher long-term returns. Despite the lower returns, homeowners on average are wealthier for 2 non-investment reasons. Tenants can use the same 2 ideas to grow as much or more wealth. In my podcast episode you'll learn: How do homes compare to other growth investments for rate of return? Why is it unfortunate for people if their home is their largest investment? Why do they call home equity "dead equity"? What are the 2 non-investment reasons homeowners tend to be wealthier? Why do homes start being a great investment but then stop? What are the advantages tenants have over homeowners for wealth building? How can you make renting your secret to smart wealth building? What are 3 effective strategies to grow wealth faster without owning a home? Many people feel they are missing out because they cannot afford to buy a home or choose not to buy a home. They may think that owning a home is the cornerstone to building wealth and eventually being financially independent.

Wait. Don't people say, "Your home is your best investment? For many people, their home may be their only major investment. For them, that old conventional wisdom might be true. But that is unfortunate. It is easy to find better investments with dramatically higher long-term returns. Despite the lower returns, homeowners on average are wealthier for 2 non-investment reasons. In my latest podcast episode you'll learn: How do homes compare to other growth investments for rate of return? Why is it unfortunate if your home is your largest investment? What are the 2 non-investment reasons homeowners tend to be wealthier? Why does your home start being a great investment but then stop? Can your home be your retirement plan? Is home equity the key to wealth or is it "dead equity"? How can you make your home a good investment? What are the 2 best strategies to make your home a great investment?

Are you ever confused by all the different titles that financial planners and advisors use? What types of advice and services do they offer? Which one offers what you are looking for? When you have real worries or questions about your money, "who you gonna call?" Who is the super-hero of advice? In my podcast episode you'll learn: When you want real advice, what are the most valuable types of advice to help you? What are the main titles planners & advisors use? What services and advice does each typically offer? Which type is the best to create a professional Financial Plan and confidence in your future? Which type offers on-going Full Service to be your financial guru and help you in all areas of your finances? Which types are unbiased, fee transparent, and have a fiduciary duty to you? Which types can help you with a wide range of investments and the best ones for you? Which ones are "Old Bay Street" and which are "New Bay Street? What would you look for to find your financial planner super-hero? Quick disclaimer: Terms like financial planner and financial advisor are broad and often used interchangeably. What I'm sharing reflects common patterns I've seen, not a blanket description of every professional using these titles. There are lots of exceptions!

Most seniors start their CPP and OAS when they retire or at age 65, without evaluating the options. But many would benefit from delaying CPP until age 70. Here's how to figure out what's best for you. CPP and OAS offer cool opportunities to increase after-tax income, because seniors often have flexibility in choosing taxable vs. non-taxable income, and OAS comes with several "clawbacks" beyond regular tax. To spot these opportunities, you need to think creatively about pensions, tax, and investments. After 65, the biggest factors in deciding whether to delay CPP are whether you'll need to withdraw more from your investments, and whether you're a growth investor, as this decision looks very different for growth-focused portfolios. In my latest podcast episode you'll learn: Why should you ignore "CPP breakeven" calculations? Why are life expectancy stats understated? What is the best way to estimate your life expectancy? What happens if you are still working? How does your tax bracket each year affect your CPP & OAS & GIS? How can you qualify for the maximum GIS? How does your CPP & OAS fit into your overall retirement income? Who should take CPP & OAS early and contribute it to RRSP? How do CPP & OAS affect the estate you leave for your kids? Who should delay their CPP to age 65? Real life examples.

The most common CPP question I am asked is: "Is it smart to take my CPP early?" The answer to this question is different for investors than non-investors, especially growth-focused investors like most of our clients. In my latest podcast episode you'll learn: Why should you ignore "CPP breakeven" calculations? Why are life expectancy stats understated? What is the best way to estimate your life expectancy? What happens if you are still working? How does your tax bracket each year affect your CPP? How does your CPP fit into your overall retirement income? Who should take CPP early and contribute it to RRSP? How does CPP affect the estate you leave for your kids? Who should delay their CPP to age 65? Real life examples. This is an updated post based on 2025 CPP amounts and expectations, and my latest insights.

What do you call a financial planner that does not plan finances? I know that sounds funny. But it is an important topic to understand. Most people assume that when they hire a financial planner, they're getting a personalized roadmap for their financial life. Yet surprisingly, that's often not the case, and it can have a huge impact on your future. In my latest podcast episode you'll learn: Why don't most financial planners plan finances? What does Ed's team see with the public? What is a financial plan? What difference does a Financial Plan make in your life?

You want to retire soon. What is the best way to set up your retirement income to give you the maximum cash flow that will reliably last the rest of your life? Many financial planners use the "4% Rule", which says that you can, for example, withdraw $40,000/year rising by inflation for life from a $1 million portfolio. Is that safe? I studied 146 years of investment history. The conclusions are surprising: 1. Most of the advice seniors are given is not supported by history. 2. I found what really works to give you the maximum reliable retirement income – both how to set up your portfolio and manage your income. In my podcast episode you'll learn: What is the typical advice given to seniors and does it work? What does Ed's study of 146 years of history show about the 4% Rule? Which asset allocations provide the most reliable retirement income? What is the main risk to your retirement for any asset allocation? Is it safer to hold some cash to use during market downturns? What are the reasons that the actual results of history are surprising? How can you manage "sequence of returns risk"? What is the impact of inflation? How does your risk tolerance affect your retirement income? What is Ed's rule of thumb for a safe withdrawal rate? Are there advanced methods to manage a higher retirement income with 100% success?

How can you tell whether financial advice you receive is real financial advice or financial quackery? Much of what happens in the financial industry is financial quackery, but because the common methods are familiar to most of us, they appear normal. You can't really see how inadequate and funny many financial procedures are until you compare them to other fields. "Quackery" is a fun word that normally refers to medicine. It is a type of health fraud that promotes products and services that have questionable and unproven scientific bases. In my latest podcast episode you'll learn: What is financial quackery? Why is it a major problem for Canadians? How can it ruin your retirement plan? What is "risk" in financial planning? How can you make informed decisions about your risk tolerance AND your goal? If you've ever been handed a generic investment recommendation after a fifteen-minute chat and a "risk tolerance questionnaire," you may have met a financial quack. Just like in medicine, real advice requires a proper diagnosis—and skipping that step can be costly. 🦆 Discover how to spot the quackery, protect your retirement, and make decisions that actually align with your life goals.

This is a personal post and my first post with a request. My wife, life partner and business partner, Ann Hetram, passed away unexpectedly from cancer 2 months ago. She received excellent care at Princess Margaret Hospital, which is the best cancer hospital in Canada. In her honour, I am co-captain of a team in the Journey to Conquer Cancer walk to support research at Princess Margaret Hospital. My team is the Harbour Square Team for my condo building. The walk is on Sunday, June 15 at 9 AM. It starts at the University of Toronto, Varsity Stadium, 299 Bloor Street West, Toronto. Donations support breakthrough research, supporting over 1,600 researchers and scientists working on innovative projects, such as early detection methods, personalized cancer treatments, and immunotherapy advancements. Ann's cancer was classified as an "unknown tumor". She received a personalized cancer treatment including immunotherapy. I'm hopeful that with your support, research will advance to help others facing rare cancers like hers. Whether you walk with us, join virtually, or donate — every step and every dollar counts. Thank you, Ed

How can your life really be different if you focus on maximum wealth-building principles? It's not about the money. It's about your life. This story is an extreme version of the life of an ordinary person managing his money exceptionally. The concepts are in my last post, "Rempel Maximum – 5 Steps to Becoming a Multi-Millionaire". We often hear that building wealth is just about numbers. But here's the truth: the numbers are just the tools. What really matters is what those numbers do for your life. In this article, you'll see the stark contrast between two ordinary guys—Joe and Rich—who made radically different financial choices. One followed conventional advice. The other followed a plan most Canadians don't even know exists. In my latest podcast episode you'll learn: Why conservative investing may quietly sabotage your retirement, and what you can do instead. How aggressive (but smart) leverage can massively increase your net worth. The truth about long-term stock returns compared to balanced portfolios. How the Smith Manoeuvre can create wealth without using your cash flow. What "last decade risk" is, and how to avoid it derailing your retirement. The power of tax-efficient investing and how to compound your tax refunds. How building wealth gives you more than luxury — it gives you freedom, confidence, and impact. Why hardly anyone should actually follow these principles to the maximum. What living an "exceptional life" actually looks like when you manage your money exceptionally.

Remember the show "Who wants to be a millionaire?" Are you the kind of person that wants to build some serious wealth? Live an exceptional life? Be financially free? I don't mean just a comfortable amount. I mean a lot – like being a multi-millionaire. The truth is, average people can become very wealthy just by managing their money for maximum growth. I'm not talking about a "get rich quick scheme". I'm talking about a solid, reliable way to become wealthy over time. The Rempel Maximum is the most aggressive of the 8 Smith Manoeuvre strategies. In my latest podcast episode you'll learn: What is the Rempel Maximum? What is your motivation? Where does this idea come from? What are the 5 steps to building maximum wealth? What are the 5 power principles it is based on? What are the risks? What tax & investment strategies can be part of the Rempel Maximum? Some examples of the Rempel Maximum concept vs. conventional wisdom.

The Smith Manoeuvre is an efficient strategy to use equity in your home to invest for your future without using your cash flow. It converts your mortgage over time into a tax deductible investment credit line. Most Canadians are searching for a feeling of financial security, but all the bills & life expenses mean they never build up enough of a nest egg to be secure. The Smith Manoeuvre is a strategy that can help you build your nest egg and help you achieve the retirement you want without using your cash flow. We have become known as experts in the Smith Manoeuvre, having helped hundreds of Canadian families implement it. It is one of the most effective wealth-building strategies when done by the right people in the right way over the long term. In my latest podcast episode you'll learn: What is the Smith Manoeuvre? What are the benefits? What are the risks? How do you manage the risks? How do you implement it? How do you avoid having to use your cash flow? How long should you ideally do the Smith Manoeuvre? Are there really 8 Smith Manoeuvre strategies? Is it legal? What is the best way to invest with the Smith Manoeuvre? How can I learn more and find out whether the Smith Manoeuvre is right for me?

Are you one of those investors for whom things just seem to always work out well? Getting superior long term returns seems to take little effort. Whatever strategy you use seems to eventually work. You don't spend much time or effort, yet most of the time you are feeling quite confident about your investments. Or are you the type of investor who always seems to struggle? It seems everything you buy goes down right after you buy. When you finally sell, they take off. And the investments you hold long term mostly underperform. We have often encountered both these types of investors. Struggling investors are far more common. They usually have trouble believing that many investors outperform with little effort. Those that find investing effortless just shake their heads at the frantic activity of struggling investors. This applies to both professional and amateur investors. Why is investing so easy for some and for others it is always a struggle? In my podcast episode you'll learn: The real reason some investors succeed with ease while others constantly struggle — and it's not about picking the right stock. The 3 core beliefs that define successful investors: Faith, Patience, and Discipline — and how each one dramatically impacts your long-term returns. Why faith in the market and humanity is more important than trying to outguess short-term movements. The staggering cost of impatience: how chasing performance can quietly erase up to 75% of your lifetime returns. Why fewer transactions = better results, and how overtrading (especially by DIY investors) sabotages success. The #1 mistake most investors make — and how having a long-term financial plan keeps you grounded and growing.

When can I retire with the lifestyle I want? That's the #1 priority for our clients—based on my experience creating thousands of financial plans over the last 25+ years. They want financial freedom. It's what we all really want. But you need a retirement plan to get there. It won't happen on its own. Creating your retirement plan is fun. It's not about the money. It's all about your life. Your retirement plan is the GPS for your life. It makes you wealthier, because it gets you to your goal the quickest and most effective way. In my latest podcast episode you'll learn: What types of financial questions do people most ask about? Is it worth the effort to create your retirement plan? What insights from experience have I learned about financial freedom? Can your house be your retirement plan? What is the good news and bad news about retirement planning? How does your retirement plan make you wealthier? What are the steps to creating your Retirement Plan? How can you think through the retirement lifestyle you will want? How does interactive retirement planning help you make your plan personal? How should you invest effectively to become financially free?

Have you ever wondered how much your donation really helps the poor? Or how much it really helps find cures? Which charities help the poor the most for each dollar donated? You can now donate to the most cost-effective charities in the world with Ed & Ann's charitable foundation "Best Things First". In my latest podcast episode you'll learn: How did Ed & Ann get started looking for cost-effective charities? Why is a cost-effective charity important? How did they learn about GiveWell? Why did Ed & Ann create a foundation? How can you support the world's top charities? Enjoy! Ed

I am heartbroken. My wife, life partner & business partner Ann Hetram passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 30. Ann was truly one of a kind — wise, intuitive, endlessly generous, and the heart of everything we built together. We shared our life, our work, our friends, and our dreams. We were together 35 years, and many years together 24/7, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I've created this tribute — a YouTube video, podcast episode, and blog post to honour Ann's incredible life. Our life together and what she means to me. Her unique qualities. Some of the excessively generous acts she has done. I call them "Ann's Acts of Kindness". If you have a story about Ann, your relationship with her, or you have an example of Ann's Acts of Kindness, I want to hear these stories. They are my most treasured thoughts about Ann. If you want to share them at her Celebration of Life, please tell me so we can put you on the list. You could also just tell me at the reception, or email me the story so I have it forever. We will have a Celebration of Life reception in Ann's honour on Thursday, April 17. The actual gathering to share stories about Ann is at 3 PM, followed by an informal reception until 8 PM. Bring your stories with Ann. It's casual dress. Here's a link to my special post about Ann: https://edrempel.com/celebrating-the-life-of-ann-hetram/ With love, Ed

Which is true? 1.The stock market is a gamble. Decent investment, but it may or may not make money for you. 2.The stock market is a reliable long-term investment. It should be the core of your long-term investments. To invest effectively for your future, it is vital to be confident in your investments. Here is the historical data to give you a clear picture of what long-term investors can expect. By the end, you'll have a clearer answer to the big question: Is the stock market the best way to build wealth over time? This is an updated post with new insights. Here's what I'll cover: How does the investment industry see risk? How do financial planners see risk? What is the highest return asset class? Why does the stock market rise? What is the most reliable asset class after inflation? How large and how long are stock market declines? How long is "long-term"? What exactly is risk tolerance? How should long-term investors invest?

Last year, I did a video on How to Donate Effectively, where we explored the idea that one of the ultimate status symbols is creating your own charitable foundation—and how to make a real impact with your giving. In my latest video I interview John Bromley, the Founder and CEO of Charitable Impact, the platform we personally use to make giving easier and more effective. John has dedicated his career to helping Canadians maximize their impact through strategic giving. His company has proudly facilitated over $1.5 billion in donations, empowering tens of thousands of people to tap into their generosity, pursue their vision for change, and develop meaningful giving habits. Beyond his work in philanthropy, John is a two-time TEDx speaker, a recipient of Business in Vancouver's 40 Under 40 award, a soccer coach, and a doting father of two. In this podcast episode you'll discover: Why Charitable Impact was created. How Charitable Impact works for donors. Why open a personal charitable foundation? Donor-advised funds vs. private foundations. Should you involve your family in charitable giving? What happens to your foundation after you pass away? Does Charitable Impact help you find the right charity? Why donate? What is a proactive donor? Should you have a donation plan? Can others contribute to your foundation? The future of charitable giving. Biggest challenges & focus areas for charitable giving. What larger donors need to know. How to choose the right cause for your values.

Every year, tax rules change. For 2025 there are six main tax changes that you'll want to know about. And there's good news: two major uncertainties are finally gone! No more reporting requirements for "bare trusts"—saving many Canadians unnecessary paperwork and fees. The proposed capital gains tax hike? Likely off the table. In my latest podcast episode you'll learn What are the 2 big uncertainties that are gone now? What are the 6 main tax changes for 2025? What is the new picture for saving for your first home? Enjoy! Ed

I often talk with people who realize—almost by surprise—that they've become wealthy. They never really thought of themselves as wealthy, but after years of saving and investing effectively, it hits them: I'm actually wealthy. And let me tell you—being wealthy feels different In my latest podcast episode, I talk about: How do you become wealthy slowly? How do you know if you are financially independent? How do you know if you are "wealthy"? How does the mind shift feel? What mind shifts usually happen? What are typical mind shifts about how you spend your money? What are typical mind shifts about weekends & free time? What are typical mind shifts about vacations? What are typical mind shifts about friends & family? What negative feelings sometimes happen? Does the mind shift start when you realize you'll be wealthy in retirement? Rethinking your values as a wealthy person. What is your legacy? How do you want to be remembered?

Bloggers and advisors constantly warn about the "Sequence of Returns Risk"—the fear that retiring right before or during a market crash will drain your savings too quickly. This fear often leads retirees to make poor investment choices, resulting in: 🚨 Inferior portfolios 📉 Lower returns ❌ A less reliable retirement But how real is this risk? And do the conventional solutions—like investing in bonds or following the 4% Rule—actually work? Is it true that "sequence of returns risk" has been debunked for long-term equity investors? In my latest podcast episode you'll learn What is "Sequence of Returns Risk"? What solutions are typically recommended? What is the actual risk of running out of money with a bad sequence of returns? Why don't the typical solutions work? How long did it take to recover from the biggest crashes? How can you get the maximum reliable retirement income? What should you do if your risk tolerance is lower? What is "Your Personal Rule" for you to use instead of the "4% Rule"? What solution to "Sequence of Returns Risk" actually works? What dynamic spending rules are suggested by actuaries & advisors? What is Ed's dynamic spending rule? How is it customized for you?

Recently, I posted a video "New Study Supports 100% Equity Investing for Life" that went semi-viral with 14,000 YouTube views & 1,000 podcast downloads. There is an interesting active debate mainly on YouTube, and a bit on my blog with a lot of comments and questions. Let's look at them and join the debate. The evidence from the study to invest 100% in equities for life is certainly unconventional, so the comments revealed interesting insights. This is an important topic. I have many posts on my blog over almost 20 years about how much better your Financial Plan and retirement income are with a high equity allocation. I have posts about other studies, including my own. I believe people with a high enough risk tolerance who will stay invested through market crashes should invest 100% in equities. This is unconventional wisdom – but studies show it works! In my latest podcast episode and blog post you'll discover: What did the study actually say? What did most of the comments agree on? Does the study support 100% equities right through retirement? Won't many people panic and sell? How does the recommendation of 67% international look for US vs. non-US investors? Do international stocks provide good diversification? Would this work in some time periods but not others? Would it work for narrower equity indexes, such as the NASDAQ? Is this study new? Isn't the risk of running out of money in retirement similar for 100%, 80% & 60% equities? Isn't it better to keep some cash?

Why do so many Canadians struggle to achieve financial freedom, even with a solid financial plan? Why do they retire with less than they hoped for, despite diligently saving and investing? The answer often boils down to two things: suboptimal investments and a misguided focus on risk. In my latest podcast episode, we'll uncover why good investment performance is essential for your financial success and show you how to take control of your portfolio. We'll also address common misconceptions about risk in the investment industry and uncover the secrets to thinking like a successful investor. You'll learn: Why is good performance important for your life? What rate of return do you need to become financially independent? What are the 4 performance drags that reduce investment returns? What is the Asset Allocation Loss Ratio (AALR)? Why is it easy to outperform financial advisors? What is wrong with the investment industry definition of "risk"? Why is it easy to outperform robo-advisors? Why is it easy to outperform index investors? How can you learn to think properly about investing? What are the secrets to outperforming?

With its quirky name, the Smith Manoeuvre might sound unconventional, but it's a strategy that truly works—when done by the right people, in the right way, over the long term. From crafting over 1,000 professional Financial Plans, I've seen firsthand how the Smith Manoeuvre can transform your finances, helping Canadians use their home equity to invest for their future without impacting their cash flow. When included as part of a comprehensive financial plan, this strategy can empower you to achieve the life you've always envisioned. But optimizing the Smith Manoeuvre requires more than just the basics—it's about mastering the practical details and understanding how to maximize its benefits. In my latest podcast episode you'll learn: What is the right reason to do the Smith Manoeuvre? How do you know if you are the right person for the Smith Manoeuvre? What is the right mortgage? How can you keep it 100% tax deductible? Which of the 8 Smith Manoeuvre strategies is right for you? Why is it critical that the Smith Manoeuvre is a long-term strategy? What is the right mindset to minimize the risk & maximize the benefits?

For years, conventional wisdom has preached the benefits of diversifying between stocks & bonds and gradually shifting to safer investments as we age. But what if these widely accepted strategies are fundamentally flawed? A newly published, high-quality study is flipping the script on traditional investment advice, making a compelling case for a 100% equity strategy throughout life. This research, backed by robust data from 39 developed countries and spanning long-term investment horizons, challenges two key conventional wisdoms: That savers should diversify between stocks and bonds. That young people should invest more heavily in stocks than when they are older. Instead, the study reveals that an all-equity portfolio—with a notable tilt toward international stocks—outperforms traditional stock-bond strategies in building wealth, ensuring reliable retirement income, and preserving capital. In my latest podcast episode you'll discover: Is this new study a high-quality study? What does the study prove? What is the effective way to diversify? In what 2 ways is diversifying with international stocks better than with bonds? Why should investors keep the same allocation to stocks as they get older? Is the all-equity strategy safe? Should we actually invest 67% into international stocks? What studies already on my blog agree with this study?