Plain English Finance

Send us Fan Mail How do you know when you've saved enough? And what happens when your habit of saving starts getting in the way of enjoying your money? In this episode, Tré and Sierra explore financial goal setting and why a good financial plan needs to start with something more meaningful than an investment target or retirement number. Using a practical goal-setting exercise, they discuss how to identify what matters most, distinguish between financial security and financial independence, an...

Send us Fan Mail How much investment risk can you really handle? In this episode of the Plain English Finance Podcast, Tré and Sierra go through a risk tolerance questionnaire together and use it as a way to talk about the psychology behind investing, how advisors measure risk, and why risk tolerance is only one part of the picture. Tré explains that risk tolerance is more about the emotional and behavioural side of investing, while risk capacity is more about the objective ability to handl...

Send us Fan Mail How do you know if a financial planner is actually the right fit for you? In this episode of the Plain English Finance Podcast, Tré and Sierra talk through what it is like to work with Tré, who he does his best work with, who may not be a good fit, and what he believes a financial planner is supposed to do. This episode is designed to help potential clients understand the way Tré thinks, how he approaches financial planning, and whether his process fits the way they want to...

Send us Fan Mail Cash feels safe, but too much cash can become a problem. In this episode of the Plain English Finance Podcast, Tré and Sierra discuss why successful savers often end up hoarding cash in savings accounts or short-term GICs instead of putting their money to work. The issue is not that cash is bad. The issue is that cash needs a clear job, a clear ceiling, and a system that keeps the rest of your money moving toward something useful. The episode argues that money not needed with...

Send us Fan Mail Should you contribute to your RRSP just because tax season is coming? In this episode of the Plain English Finance Podcast, Tré and Sierra discuss how to think about RRSP contributions more deliberately, especially if your goal is wealth creation rather than simply retirement savings. An RRSP can be a useful tool, but it is not automatically the right place for every available dollar. The key idea is that an RRSP moves income from one year into another. That can be valuable w...

Send us Fan Mail If you are making financial decisions for someone else, the bar is higher. In this episode of the Plain English Finance Podcast, Tré and Sierra discuss what it means to manage other people’s money responsibly. This can show up when you are acting as power of attorney, sitting on a condo board, serving on a not-for-profit board, or acting as executor of an estate. The common issue is simple: the money is not yours, but your decisions can still create serious consequences for s...

Send us Fan Mail You cannot judge the quality of a decision based only on the outcome. In this episode of the Plain English Finance Podcast, Tré and Sierra discuss how to make better financial decisions by focusing on the information you had, the range of possible outcomes, and whether the decision would still make sense if you repeated it many times under similar circumstances. The episode starts with a simple illustration: one person drinks and drives but gets home safely, while another tak...

Send us Fan Mail Why do couples keep having the same money arguments? In this episode of the Plain English Finance Podcast, Sierra and Tré talk about the money conversations couples avoid and why many financial arguments are not really about the dollars. They're often about safety, security, freedom, control, fairness, guilt, or feeling unheard. The conversation touches on money scripts, financial infidelity, hidden accounts, different upbringings, perpetual relationship problems, and w...

Send us Fan Mail What is it actually like to be married to a financial planner? In this episode of the Plain English Finance Podcast, Sierra and Tré talk about the pros, cons, myths, and awkward social dynamics that come with being married to someone who works in financial planning. The conversation covers financial literacy, complacency, money mistakes, judgment, family expectations, lending money, and the pressure people sometimes feel when money comes up socially. One of the biggest ...

Send us Fan Mail What retirement decisions should you make if you don't know where to start? In this episode of the Plain English Finance Podcast, Tré and Sierra discuss a “default decision” framework for retirement planning. The goal is not to pretend there is one perfect answer for everyone. The goal is to start with a reasonable default, then ask: why might this not apply to me? This episode focuses on several major retirement decisions: when to withdraw from RRSPs, when to take CPP and Ol...

Send us Fan Mail Does your financial advisor have a clear investment philosophy? In this episode of the Plain English Finance Podcast, Tré and Sierra discuss why your investment strategy should not be treated as a random collection of products, funds, trends or one-off opinions. The way you invest affects the rest of your financial plan, including tax planning, retirement income, corporate investing, asset location and how much risk you are actually taking. The key idea is that there ar...

Send us Fan Mail Markets do not wait until investors feel comfortable again. In this Q2 2026 market review, Tré Bynoe, CFP®, CIM®, looks at what happened across Canadian stocks, U.S. stocks, international stocks and bonds from mid-2025 to mid-2026, then focuses on the more important lesson: long-term returns are never experienced in a smooth straight line. The past year showed why reacting emotionally to market declines can be costly. Canadian stocks returned approximately 32%, U.S. stocks ap...

Send us Fan Mail Does it feel like staying safe online is getting harder? In this episode of the Plain English Finance Podcast, Tré and Sierra talk about one simple digital safety step that more people need to understand: using an authenticator app for two-factor authentication. This is especially important for bank accounts, email accounts, MyCRA, investment accounts, shopping accounts, and anything else that could cause serious problems if someone gained access. Scammers are getting b...

Send us Fan Mail How do you know if the way you are managing wealth inside your corporation is actually working? In this episode of the Plain English Finance Podcast, Tré and Sierra discuss three warning signs that a corporation owner may not have a real financial plan: too much idle corporate cash, an advisor who is not discussing taxes, and no clear exit strategy for the business. The episode also includes a bonus red flag: using the exact same investments across your TFSA, RRSP, and corpor...

Send us Fan Mail Should you use your TFSA to buy a home, or leave it invested and use a different strategy? In this episode of the Plain English Finance Podcast, Tré and Sierra work through a real planning puzzle: someone wants to buy a home, has money in both a non-registered investment account and a TFSA, and needs to decide whether using the TFSA creates a better long-term outcome. The answer depends on tax deductibility, investment returns, taxable income, how quickly the TFSA can be repl...

Send us Fan Mail Investing gets more complicated once you move beyond RRSPs, TFSAs and simple registered accounts. For Canadian corporation owners, incorporated professionals, and investors with taxable accounts, the type of income your investments generate can matter almost as much as the return itself. In this episode of the Plain English Finance Podcast, Tré and Sierra discuss three core investment concepts that help explain how financial planning, tax planning and portfolio construction f...

Send us Fan Mail Do you know someone who keeps saying they’ll start investing “later”? This episode is for the person who knows investing is important but feels overwhelmed by where to begin. Tré and Sierra talk through the simplest possible starting point for a young Canadian or beginner investor: understand compound interest, stop waiting to learn everything, open a TFSA, start investing, and learn more as you go. The point is not to build the perfect investment strategy on day one. The poi...

Send us Fan Mail RRSPs are not a scam, but using one without a withdrawal plan can create an avoidable tax problem. In this episode, we explain when RRSP contributions help, when they don't, and why retirement withdrawals need to be planned years in advance. What I cover: • Why an RRSP is best understood as a tool for moving income between years • The mistake people make when they spend their RRSP tax refund • How one client’s decision may have cost approximately $12,000 • Why taking no RRS...

Send us Fan Mail Paying more for investing does not automatically mean you are getting better advice, better products, or better returns. In this episode, Tre breaks down what Canadians should understand about investment fees, advice fees, product costs, commissions, and the difference between active and passive investing. He explains why new fee disclosures matter, how fees can quietly drag down returns, and why investors need to know exactly what they are paying for. This episode is especia...

Send us Fan Mail What changes when a financial planner becomes a parent? More than you think—and less than you might expect. In this episode, Tre shares the practical money moves he made after having a child, from updating the family will to reviewing life insurance, adjusting cash flow, and setting money aside early for future needs. He also talks about the bigger parenting challenge: teaching kids how money works without spoiling them, scaring them, or making money the centre of everything....

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever looked at an investment and wondered if it was too good to be true? In this episode, we walk through the red flags that can show up in private investments, real estate deals, mortgage funds, and other “exclusive” opportunities. What I cover: Why high returns with low risk should immediately raise questions The problem with returns that look too smooth or consistent How urgency can push people into poor investment decisions ...

Send us Fan Mail Your calm self is not always a good judge of what your stressed self will do. In this episode, we talk about why smart people still make poor financial decisions under pressure. What I cover: Why good intentions do not guarantee good financial decisionsHow hot-cold empathy gaps affect investing, retirement, and estate planningWhy people misjudge how they will feel during market crashesThe difference between risk capacity and emotional willingnessHow too many options can cr...

Send us Fan Mail Most money advice is popular because it’s easy to follow — not because it’s right. In this episode, I break down what academic research says about personal finance versus what popular financial books and gurus recommend. What I cover Why “save 10–15%” is simple, but not always optimal The difference between smooth consumption and rule-of-thumb saving Why dividend investing is often overrated How to think about portfolio risk based ...

Send us Fan Mail Q1 2026 was volatile, but the headlines weren’t the real story. Here’s what actually happened in the markets, and what long-term investors should take from it. What I cover What happened in Canadian, U.S., international, and bond markets in Q1 2026 Why short-term market drops can look worse than they really are Why crash predictions are easy to make and costly to act on The difference between investing, hedging, and speculating&nbs...

Send us Fan Mail Most bad financial decisions do not come from a lack of information. They come from inaction. In this episode, Tré Bynoe explains why “it depends” is technically true but often useless when people need to act. He lays out a better way to make financial decisions: start with a strong default, then look for reasons not to use it. Tré walks through three areas where people get stuck most often—investing, budgeting, and choosing between debt repayment and investing—and shows how ...

Send us Fan Mail Choosing a financial planner shouldn’t feel like throwing darts at a board and hoping for a bullseye. In this episode, Tré breaks down how to find an advisor who actually fits your needs, not just someone with a title and a sales target. He explains why CFP certification is the minimum standard, why insurance-only licensing is a red flag, and why your stage of life or business matters more than most people realize. You’ll hear how to vet an advisor properly, what questions to...

Send us Fan Mail Can you stomach market drops? Most investors say they can handle them, but that confidence usually disappears when the portfolio actually falls. In this episode, Tré Bynoe explains the idea of a retirement “war chest” — also called a cash wedge — and why it can help people stay invested when markets get ugly. He breaks down the tradeoff clearly: holding cash may lower long-term returns, but it can also buy time, reduce panic, and make a good investment plan easier to stick wi...

Send us Fan Mail AI is driving markets, headlines, and a lot of investor anxiety. In this episode, Tré and Sierra talk through why the U.S. stock market looks so expensive right now, what investors may be missing about AI valuations, and why this trend could be far bigger than most people think. Tré explains why he believes the real race is not just to build better chat tools, but to build systems that could transform productivity, labour, and the economy at a massive scale. He also breaks do...

Send us Fan Mail Most investors focus on what they invest in and ignore where they hold it. That mistake can quietly cost hundreds of thousands of dollars over time. In this episode, Tré Bynoe, CFP, CIM, explains investment location—how placing the right assets in the right accounts can matter more than fund selection or provider choice once your finances get complex. This is especially relevant for incorporated professionals and high earners using non-registered accounts. You’ll hear a real-...

Send us Fan Mail If cash flow still feels confusing, this episode fills in the gaps. Tré Bynoe, CFP, CIM, walks through his real-life cash flow system from January to December—account by account, decision by decision. This is a practical breakdown of how to separate spending from income, handle irregular pay, and avoid constant budgeting without losing control. It’s designed for people who want structure without spreadsheets taking over their lives. (Although there's nothing wrong with spread...

Send us Fan Mail Not all investing is created equal. In this episode, Tré Bynoe, CFP, CIM, unpacks the three core investment approaches—indexing, factor investing, and alpha strategies—and how to know which one fits you. Whether you're DIY or working with an advisor, understanding the difference can mean the difference between steady growth and unnecessary risk. You’ll learn: What an index fund really isHow factor investing aims for better-than-market returnsWhy most alpha strategies underper...

Send us Fan Mail Should you pay yourself a salary or dividends from your corporation? If you’re a Canadian business owner, this decision shapes your long-term wealth. In this episode, Tré Bynoe, CFP, CIM, breaks down why it’s not a binary choice and what most professionals and incorporated entrepreneurs get wrong. You’ll learn the real tax impact of each strategy, why RRSP room and CPP contributions matter, and how your spending habits, investment style, and future goals play a role. Yo...

Send us Fan Mail In this special off-script episode, Sierra flips the mic and asks Tré Bynoe, CFP, CIM, some personal and thought-provoking questions—from career paths not taken to his philosophy on helping people who actually want to be helped. This is the human side of financial planning, where mindset, motivation, and money collide. You’ll learn: The financial myth Tré really can’t standWhat he’d do if he weren’t a financial plannerThe truth about who he’ll help (and who he won’t)The perso...

Send us Fan Mail Notional accounts may sound like accountant-speak, but they’re critical if you're investing through a corporation. In this episode, Tré Bynoe CFP CIM breaks down what these invisible accounts are, how they work, and why ignoring them could quietly cost you thousands in tax. If you don’t know the difference between a CDA and an RDTOH—or worse, you’re holding GICs inside your corporation—this episode is required listening. You’ll learn: What a notional account is (and why it is...

Send us Fan Mail What do you actually earn from the stock market? If you think it's all "interest," think again. In this episode, Tré Bynoe, CFP, CIM, breaks down the three types of investment income in Canada—dividends, capital gains, and other income—and explains how each one is taxed. This isn’t just technical terminology, but essential knowledge for anyone investing outside registered accounts or running a corporation. Understanding these differences can help you keep more of your money a...

Send us Fan Mail This episode is different. It's a reading of a children’s story called The Four Money Bears, recorded for our daughter, Ariyah. It’s about spending, saving, investing, and giving — but more than that, it’s about balance, care, and intention, and a reminder that how we use money should help us take care of ourselves and each other. However someone finds this episode, I hope it reminds you to tell the people you love how important they are, because we're only human and nothin...

Send us Fan Mail Many Canadians are stuck under a mountain of debt. Some with no idea how much they owe, or how to get out. In this episode, Tré breaks down what to do right now if you’re facing serious consumer debt. From making your first net worth statement to choosing between the avalanche and snowball methods, this is your guide to regaining control. Whether you’re a professional, business owner, or anyone dealing with high-interest debt, this episode helps you stop spinning your wheels ...

Send us Fan Mail Think taking out a car loan in your 20s is no big deal? Think again. In this episode, Tré breaks down the long-term consequences of everyday debt decisions using real-life modelling to show how a single $40,000 car loan can quietly derail your financial trajectory for decades. It isn’t only about interest—it's about financial stress, lost time, and missed opportunities. If you’ve ever said, “I had no choice,” this one’s for you. What you’ll learn: How a single debt decision a...

Send us Fan Mail Most Canadian parents know about RESPs, but few use them to their full potential. In this episode, Tré exposes the common RESP mistakes that cost families thousands and shows you how to actually make the most of this powerful tool. You’ll learn how to maximize government grants, why timing matters more than you think, and how RESP investing can be a stealthy tax strategy. Plus, Tré explains why helping your kids should never come at the cost of your own retirement. What you’l...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Tré breaks down how credit scores work in Canada using best practices given directly from Equifax and TransUnion. Using information straight from Equifax and TransUnion, he explains exactly what goes into your score and how to build it the right way. Whether you’re starting out or trying to repair your credit, this episode will help you make smarter decisions that lenders actually care about. What you'll learn: The five real factors that impact your credit sc...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Tré lays out the clear financial steps to follow if you’re thinking about starting a business in Canada. If you’re a Canadian professional or aspiring business owner, this episode is your practical roadmap. You’ll learn why understanding cash flow, separating your identity from the business, and using debt efficiently aren’t optional—they’re foundational. What you'll learn: Why learning basic financial skills beats chasing business trendsThe diffe...

Send us Fan Mail Teaching comes with one of the best pensions in Canada. But that doesn’t mean your retirement is “set and forget.” In this episode, Tré walks through the financial decisions every teacher needs to get right—before and after retiring. Defined benefit pensions reduce your investment risk but create planning traps if you don’t understand tax brackets, withdrawal timing, and how your income really works in retirement. If you’re a teacher or married to one, this episode is essenti...

Send us Fan Mail Most employees guess their way through financial decisions. That leads to debt, missed opportunities, and slow progress. In this episode, Tré lays out a clear, step-by-step plan for employees who want better results and are willing to do the work. You'll learn which financial decisions matter most and in what order — so you can stop guessing and start building real financial momentum. This episode is for Canadian professionals who want to take control, avoid costly mistakes, ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Plain English Finance, host Tré Bynoe, CFP®, CIM®, breaks down the step-by-step plan for professionals thinking about buying into their firm — lawyers, engineers, accountants, and doctors alike. Tré explains how to build your finances in the right order so you’re ready when the chance to buy in comes. From mastering personal spending to building a non-registered account and structuring your debt for tax savings, this episode lays out a simple roadmap for pr...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Plain English Finance, Tré Bynoe, CFP®, CIM® walks through a real-life case study (with names changed) to explore what happens when you’ve already “made it” — when your retirement savings are on track, your debt is under control, and your financial plan is stable. Tré and Sierra unpack the next stage of wealth building: turning a strong foundation into long-term flexibility and opportunity. They discuss how to transition from saving for retirement to managi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Plain English Finance, Tré Bynoe, CFP®, CIM® breaks down the foundations of smart investing. Joined by Sierra, he walks through the same conversation he has with every new client — what “risk” really means, why most people misunderstand it, and how to build a portfolio that matches both your goals and your comfort level. Tré explains how to think about equity versus fixed income, why the U.S. still dominates global markets, and how to stay calm through inev...

Send us Fan Mail Some financial planners still use the same flat “4% return” rate for every client’s retirement plan. Tré and Sierra explain why that’s not just inaccurate—it’s unprofessional. In this candid episode, Tré shares what happened at a due diligence event that left him frustrated with the industry’s bad habits. You’ll learn why using made-up assumptions leads to misleading plans, what FP Canada actually requires, and how real professionals base projections on evidence, not convenie...

Send us Fan Mail Should you incorporate your business, or stick with a sole proprietorship? In this episode, Tré and Sierra unpack what a corporation really is, how it works, and why it’s one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available to Canadians. Tré explains the real advantages—legal protection, tax efficiency, and control over income timing—while also calling out the pitfalls that sink small business owners who treat their corporations like personal piggy banks. Whether you’re a...

Send us Fan Mail Most people think insurance is for “what if I die?” scenarios—but that’s not the real risk. In this episode, Tré and Sierra break down how smart families and business owners actually manage risk. From life insurance to disability and liability coverage, Tré explains how to identify what’s truly at stake—your ability to earn, live, and protect your family’s future—and how to match your coverage to your real financial needs. You’ll learn the difference between guessing and plan...

Send us Fan Mail “Buy now, pay later” sounds harmless. Four easy payments, no interest, and you’re done. But in this episode, Tré and Sierra Bynoe break down why services like Klarna are anything but free. They uncover how BNPL programs encourage overspending, trap users in hidden fees, and target the most financially vulnerable. From financing groceries to making payments on a coffee, this trend is reshaping how young Canadians use debt—and not for the better. Tré explains why “borrowing fro...