Your Retirement Planning Simplified

What if you could add a million dollars to your business without selling a single extra unit or finding new clients?  In this episode of Business and Exit Planning Simplified, Joe talks about the profit gap, the silent drain that lowers your business value. He  explains what the profit gap is, how to measure it, and simple steps you can take to close it. You’ll learn why buyers care about profit more than revenue, how higher margins increase both your income today and your future sale price, and why cleaning up your finances makes your company more attractive. Whether you’re planning to exit in 1 year or 10 years, closing the profit gap is one of the fastest ways to increase business value and secure your retirement. Here’s what you’re in for: 00:00 Identifying the profit gap 02:57 How to close the profit gap 06:36 Why normalizing financials matters 10:21 Strategies to increase profitability 14:27 Final thoughts and next steps —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.   You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/               https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/                https://matthewsandassociates.ca/    ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.  —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

How do you build a retirement portfolio that works in the real world and not just on paper? In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry speaks with Wes Crill from Dimensional Fund Advisors about evidence-based investing and how it can help retirees reach their goals. Wes explains why beating the market is harder than most think, why diversification is one of the most powerful tools for retirees, and the pros and cons of relying on dividends for income. He also shares how Dimensional uses decades of research to create smarter, long-term investment strategies. Check out the show notes for EP156 HERE.

How to Achieve Financial Independence and Retire Early? In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry talks with Chris Mamula, who retired at 41, about the Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) movement. Chris shares how living simply, saving aggressively, and making intentional choices helped him reach financial freedom. They cover how to balance saving for the future with enjoying life now, spend wisely in retirement, and find purpose beyond work. Chris also explains how part-time work or side hustles can boost both income and fulfillment. Whether you want to retire early or just have more control over your time, you’ll get practical tips to make it happen. Check out the show notes for EP155 HERE.

Are you sure your business is set up to fund the retirement you want and leave the legacy you’ve worked so hard to build? In this episode of  Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry and Lindsay talk with Bob Gauvreau, a successful entrepreneur who built an eight-figure professional services firm.  You’ll hear practical advice on tax strategies, maximizing your business value, and how to prepare your business for sale. He also explains the benefits of family trusts, how to handle family business succession, and why early planning is the key to a smooth transition. Here’s what you’re in for: 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome 00:45 – Bob Gauvreau’s Entrepreneurial Journey 02:01 – Building an Eight-Figure Firm 03:38 – Retirement Planning for Business Owners 06:13 – Structuring a Business for Sale 09:51 – Family Trusts & Tax Planning 13:41 – Increasing Business Value Before Sale 18:26 – Family Business Succession Strategies 27:45 – Conclusion & How to Connect —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT BOB GAUVREAU Bob Gauvreau is an entrepreneur, CPA, and founder of Gauvreau, an award-winning advisory firm dedicated to helping business owners thrive. Since 2008, he has redefined the traditional accounting model—offering tax strategy, compliance, legal services, bookkeeping, coaching, and financial planning—to empower entrepreneurs to use their finances as a true growth engine. Author of The Wealthy Entrepreneur and host of The Wealthy Entrepreneur Podcast, Bob is committed to reducing stress, increasing clarity, and helping business leaders build profitable, purposeful businesses they can be proud of. You can reach out to Bob through: LinkedIn: https://www.https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-gauvreau Website: https://www.GauvreauCPA.ca (Company)                  https://www.robertgauvreau.com (Personal)                —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled. You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/               https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/               https://matthewsandassociates.ca/    ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.  —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.  

Is Your Retirement Portfolio Ready for the Red Zone? In this episode of  Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe explains how to protect your investments when it matters most right before and just after you retire. This period, often called the "retirement red zone," comes with big risks if markets take a dip. Joe walks through a powerful strategy called the “bond tent” and explains why loading up on bonds early in retirement can shield your nest egg. He also shares how the rising equity glide path which increases your stock exposure later in retirement can actually lower your long-term risk. Check out the show notes for EP154 HERE.

In this episode, Joe Curry starts with a tough question: Could your business be worth far less than you expect? Most business owners believe boosting sales and profits is the only way to grow business value. But that’s only one piece of the puzzle. What You’ll Learn: What the value gap really is and why it matters Why increasing revenue and profit isn’t enough How factors like owner dependence, recurring revenue, and customer concentration affect your business value Joe shares practical tips on how to make your business less risky, more scalable, and ultimately more valuable even if you're not planning to sell anytime soon. Here’s what you’re in for: 00:00 Is Your Business Worth Less Than You Think? 01:20 Understanding the Value Gap 03:02 Key Drivers of Business Value 07:17 Practical Example Marketing Agency 09:21 Why Focusing on Value Matters 10:39 Conclusion and Key Takeaways —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled. You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/               https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/               https://matthewsandassociates.ca/    ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.  —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry speaks with Rachael Burns, Certified Financial Planner and founder of True Worth Financial Planning. Rachael specializes in helping women navigate their finances after divorce or the loss of a spouse. She shares practical steps to regain control, avoid emotional financial decisions, and feel empowered in retirement.  You’ll hear about the biggest mistakes to avoid, why estate planning matters more than ever, and how to rebuild confidence when planning alone. Check out the show notes for EP153 HERE.

How Should You Pay Yourself as a Business Owner? Salary, Dividends, or an IPP? In this episode, Joe chats with Braden Warwick from PWL Capital about how business owners can pay themselves in the smartest way. They break down the pros and cons of taking a salary, dividends, or using an Individual Pension Plan (IPP), a lesser-known but powerful option. Braden shares what he’s learned from co-authoring a paper with Ben Felix, and they talk through real-life examples. You'll learn how taxes play into each option, what “notional accounts” are (in simple terms), and how a flexible income plan could help you get the most from your money,both now and in retirement. Here’s what you’re in for: 00:00 – Welcome and intro 00:24 – Meet Braden and his role at PWL 01:57 – What the research says about business owner pay 04:03 – Tax pros and cons of each method 08:46 – What are notional accounts, anyway? 13:02 – How IPPs work and who they’re good for 17:35 – Using a flexible salary strategy 25:49 – Final thoughts and where to learn more —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT BRADEN WARWICK Braden Warwick is a PhD Research Engineer who loves turning complex research into practical, high-performing software. With a background in optimization, Monte Carlo and statistical analysis, and stochastic modeling, he’s passionate about solving tough problems and making data-driven tools that work in the real world. Braden has hands-on experience with GPU-accelerated simulations, parallel processing, and modern Python and JavaScript frameworks, bringing innovative ideas from theory to production. You can reach out to Braden through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-warwick-a40b48a3 Website: https://www.bradenwarwick.ca (Personal)              —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled. You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/              https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/               https://matthewsandassociates.ca/    ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.  —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.  

In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified,Joe Curry talks with best-selling author and Sketchbook School co-founder Danny Gregory about the life-changing benefits of rediscovering creativity in retirement.  After turning to drawing during a personal crisis, Danny discovered the healing power of art and now helps others do the same. You’ll learn why creativity matters after leaving full-time work, how drawing can be a meditative practice, and simple ways to get started and no experience required. Whether you’re looking for new hobbies in retirement, tools for emotional healing, or just more personal fulfillment, this conversation offers inspiration and actionable steps. Check out the show notes for EP152 HERE.

How to Calculate Your Wealth Gap and Retire on Your Terms If you sold your business tomorrow, would it fund your retirement? In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry breaks down how to calculate your “wealth gap”, the difference between what you need for financial independence and what you already have saved outside your business and home. You’ll learn why this number is the foundation for both retirement and exit planning, how to use the 4% rule for back-of-the-napkin math, and what business owners can do today to close that gap and retire with confidence. Here’s what you’re in for: 00:00 The Big Question About Retirement 01:50 Calculating Your Wealth Gap 02:07 Retirement Lifestyle Goals 02:52 Income from Investments: The 4% Rule 03:33 Considering Taxes in Your Wealth Gap 03:57 Assets and the Wealth Gap 04:45 Closing the Wealth Gap with Your Business 05:12 Financial Independence vs. Retirement 05:31 Reverse Engineering Your Business Sale 06:56 Example Walkthrough 08:13 The Importance of Early Exit Planning 09:50 Conclusion: Bridging Business and Retirement        —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled. You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/   https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/                https://matthewsandassociates.ca/  ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.  

Why Your Retirement Plan Should Evolve With You In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry, a certified financial planner reveals why your retirement plan shouldn’t be a one-and-done document. He dives into the importance of ongoing retirement planning, regular financial checkups, and adjusting your investment, tax, and risk strategies as your needs change. He breaks down how major life events, market volatility, and shifting personal goals can impact your retirement—and why staying proactive is key. Check out the show notes for EP151 HERE.

How Should Business Owners Pay Themselves? Salary vs. Dividends In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry sits down with financial expert Aravind Sithamparapillai to talk about how business owners should structure their compensation. They break down the pros and cons of salary versus dividends, how CPP (Canada Pension Plan) fits into retirement planning, and what business owners need to know about tax integration. You’ll also hear about: When paying into CPP can actually help you in retirement How RRSPs compare to CPP as retirement tools How to avoid OAS clawbacks What to consider when clearing out notional accounts Whether you’re a small business owner or incorporated professional, this episode helps you make informed decisions about your compensation and long-term financial goals. Here’s what you’re in for: 00:00 – Intro 00:07 – Common business owner compensation strategies 01:09 – How tax integration works 03:28 – When to choose dividends vs. salary 07:01 – Is CPP a cost or a future benefit? 09:25 – Understanding employee vs. employer CPP contributions 20:42 – RRSPs vs. CPP for retirement planning 27:29 – How taxes and government benefits affect your strategy 30:24 – Wrap-up and where to learn more —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT ARAVIND SITHAMPARAPILLAI  Aravind Sithamparapillai is a motivated and collaborative professional who brings a competitive edge, a team-first mindset, and a strong belief in the value of authentic relationships. He’s driven not just to succeed, but to support those around him and create a positive, lasting impact. Known for his dedication and integrity, Aravind approaches every challenge with energy, empathy, and a commitment to excellence. You can reach out to Aravind through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sithamparapillai https://calendly.com/aravind-sithamparapillai-ironwoodcanada/30min —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled. You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/                https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/                https://matthewsandassociates.ca/    ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.  —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.  

In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry talks with Karen Gershowitz, travel writer and author, about how travel can help you rediscover purpose, fun, and connection after you retire. Karen shares her journey from running a marketing firm to becoming a full-time travel writer after retirement. She talks about overcoming mobility issues, how slow travel leads to deeper cultural experiences, and practical ways to travel more affordably after 50. Check out the show notes for EP150 HERE

In this quick but powerful episode of  Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry explains what every small business owner needs to know before selling a business, especially if retirement is getting close. Joe breaks down two important terms you always hear: EBITDA — used for bigger companies with management teams. SDE (Seller’s Discretionary Earnings) — used for most owner-operated businesses under $5 million in revenue. You’ll learn what buyers really look for, how to tell which number fits your business, and why it matters so much for your selling price. Joe also shares the 8 big things that can increase your multiple — like having a good team, clear financial records, steady growth, happy customers, and not being too dependent on you as the owner. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ What EBITDA and SDE mean (00:01) ✔️ Which one fits your business (01:20) ✔️ 8 ways to boost your value before you sell (02:27) —------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT JOE  CURRY Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled. You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/   https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/                https://matthewsandassociates.ca/    ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.  —------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.  

In this episode of Retirement Plan Simplified, Joe Curry sits down with Andrea McGinty, founder of It’s Just Lunch and 33000Dates.com, to explore how to find love later in life — whether you’re divorced, widowed, or simply ready for new companionship. Andrea shares her journey from building one of North America’s biggest matchmaking services to coaching thousands of people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond to date online with confidence. She covers the real truths about dating apps, staying safe, building a strong dating “brand,” and why finding a partner later in life can actually boost your health and happiness. Check out the show notes for EP149 HERE