Unconventional Wisdom

Hosted by Ed Rempel

Business Investing Education

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Episodes

180

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-CA

About the show

Welcome to the Unconventional Wisdom podcast. The show that helps you achieve financial security & freedom. Insights based on in-depth experience from Canada's #1 financial planner blogger. Find out what really works. Your host, fee-for-service financial planner & tax accountant, Ed Rempel.

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60 recent

September 8, 2026Episode 369 min

The Right Trust Structure for Business Owners in Canada- How Smart Planning Evolves as Your Business Grows

As your business grows, your financial structure may need to grow with it. The structure that makes sense in the early stages of a business may look very different once the company becomes profitable, grows significantly in value, approaches a sale, or becomes part of a longer-term family legacy. In Sabiha Mukadam's latest article, video, and podcast episode, she looks at how different planning strategies may become relevant at different stages, including: Family trusts during the growth stage Holdcos as profits and accumulated wealth increase Estate freezes as business value grows or succession approaches Joint Partner and Alter Ego Trusts later in life Corporate-owned insurance to help create liquidity for future tax obligations Most business owners don't need every strategy. The goal is to use the right structure at the right stage — one that supports the business you're building, protects the wealth you've created, and makes future transitions easier for you and your family. True wealth is not only what you build. It is the security, flexibility, and calm you create around the people who matter most. Read the article, watch the video or listen to the podcast here: https://edrempel.com/the-right-trust-structure-for-business-owners-in-canada-how-smart-planning-evolves-as-your-business-grows/

September 3, 2026Episode 3512 min

Retiring at an All-Time High: What History Actually Shows

Is it risky to retire when the stock market is at an all-time high? It's a question I get all the time, and the conventional wisdom is usually that you should worry about sequence of returns risk and protect part of your portfolio by moving money into cash or fixed income. But what does the historical data actually show? In my latest podcast episode I look at: Why an all-time high does not necessarily mean markets are riskier Why I don't believe sequence of returns risk is an issue in a 30-year retirement What 150 years of market history shows about long-term retirement investing Why adding cash or fixed income can reduce your long-term growth and retirement cash flow When fixed income can still make sense — especially if it helps you stay invested during market declines Why your ability to stay invested may matter far more than what the market is doing on the day you retire How the 4% Rule fits into a long-term retirement strategy Why following a proper Financial Plan is usually more important than reacting to market highs and lows The bottom line: Markets hit all-time highs regularly. Retiring at one does not automatically make your retirement plan unsafe. For investors with the risk tolerance to stay invested through major market declines, focusing on long-term growth rather than short-term market timing can lead to a much more comfortable retirement. Read the full article or watch the video on the blog to see what the historical data shows: https://edrempel.com/retiring-at-an-all-time-high-what-history-actually-shows/

September 1, 2026Episode 348 min

Budgeting With a Full-Time Income Without Feeling Restricted

You're earning a full-time income, paying your bills, and still wondering: where did all my money go? That feeling is more common than you might think. In Sabiha Mukadam's latest blog post, video and podcast for the Youth Corner she shares a simpler way to approach budgeting without making it feel restrictive. She covers: A three-bucket system for your income How to know what you can safely spend Why automating your money can make budgeting easier How sinking funds can help with future expenses What to do when the numbers don't fit perfectly Why consistency matters more than having a perfect budget The goal isn't to track every dollar. It's to create a system that helps you enjoy your life now while still protecting your future. Read the article, watch the video or listen to the podcast here: https://edrempel.com/budgeting-with-a-full-time-income-without-feeling-restricted/

August 25, 2026Episode 339 min

Debt After Separation: How to Regain Control Without Panic

Sabiha Mukadam has a new podcast episode on debt after separation and how to regain control without panic. Separation can create significant financial pressure through legal fees, moving costs, two households and debts that may still be shared. She covers: The 3 types of post-separation debt Separating joint and individual liabilities Financial blind spots to watch for Debt snowball vs. debt avalanche A practical 30-day reset plan One of the key messages is that debt doesn't have to define what happens next. Getting clear on the numbers and creating a structure can make the situation much more manageable. Worth a read, watch or listen: https://scfplanning.com/financial-planning-in-real-life/debt-after-separation-how-to-regain-control-without-panic/

August 20, 2026Episode 3216 min

Why Economic Freedom and the Stock Market Make Us All Richer

Are free markets really responsible for inequality, poverty, financial crises and declining living standards? I constantly read books, and The Triumph of Economic Freedom by Phil Gramm & Donald Boudreaux was a wonderful eye-opener. I believed a couple of these myths myself. In my latest article, video and podcast, I look at 7 common myths about capitalism, free markets and economic freedom. I also look at what the numbers tell us. You will learn: Why economic freedom and free enterprise are essential for strong, long-term stock market returns and widespread prosperity. How persistent myths blaming free markets for society's problems distort history and policy. The real evidence showing how free markets — not government intervention — have driven the greatest gains in living standards in human history. Practical reasons why protecting open markets benefits investors, workers and families alike. Click the link for more: https://edrempel.com/why-economic-freedom-and-the-stock-market-make-us-all-richer/

August 18, 2026Episode 319 min

Your First Real Paycheque: A Smart Money System for Young Professionals

What should you actually do with your first real paycheque? In this podcast episode, Sabiha Mukadam shares a practical approach for young professionals who are starting to earn a full-time income and want to build good financial habits early. She discusses: Why automatically saving part of every paycheque can be so powerful The impact of lifestyle creep A simple way to organize short-, medium- and long-term savings How to think about employer matching and registered accounts Why raises are an opportunity to increase both your lifestyle and your savings How to enjoy your money without losing sight of your future The amount of your first paycheque matters far less than the habits you begin building around it.

August 11, 2026Episode 3015 min

Secure Your Future Together: The Power of Trust Planning for Couples

Estate planning is about more than having a will in place. For couples, it's also about making sure the financial pieces continue to work together if life changes unexpectedly. In Sabiha Mukadam's latest article, video, and podcast episode she looks at how trusts can help Canadian couples create greater clarity and continuity around their wealth and estate plans, including: Protecting a spouse if capacity changes Reducing potential probate delays Planning for blended families and future beneficiaries Creating liquidity for future tax obligations Using different trust structures for different planning needs Making sure your legal, tax and financial strategies work together Trust planning can sound complicated, but the goal shouldn't be complexity. It should be creating a plan that protects the people you care about and makes the future easier to navigate.

August 6, 2026Episode 298 min

Stay Invested - Your "Behavioural Vitamin C" to Build Real Financial Freedom

What does it really take to build lasting financial freedom? It's not reacting to every headline, market swing or economic forecast. It's having a clear financial plan, and staying focused on it through the noise. In this mid-year update, I discuss: Why your financial plan is really a life plan What the first half of 2026 means for long-term investors Why we remain fully invested through both good and bad markets The powerful trends creating opportunities for the future How your "behavioural Vitamin C" can protect you from costly emotional decisions Markets will always bring uncertainty. A rational, goal-focused plan helps you stay grounded, participate in long-term growth and continue progressing toward the life you want. Stay focused. Stay invested.

August 4, 2026Episode 2816 min

Understanding Credit Without Fear or Confusion

Credit can feel intimidating when no one has taken the time to explain it clearly. In this podcast episode Sabiha Mukadam, breaks down how credit works in Canada and shares some simple habits that can help you use it with more confidence and less stress. She covers: The difference between a credit report and a credit score Why credit is borrowed money—not extra income How to build credit without carrying debt Why paying on time matters so much How credit utilization affects your score Common credit myths that can cost you money What to consider before using Buy Now, Pay Later How to start rebuilding if your credit has been hurt The goal is not to encourage you to borrow more. It is to help you understand how credit works so you can make informed decisions and use it in a way that supports your life. You do not need to be perfect. You need a simple system: pay on time, keep your balances manageable and check your credit report regularly. You are not behind. You are building.

July 28, 2026Episode 276 min

Starting Over Financially - When Life Changes and You Suddenly Have to Handle It All

When life changes after a loss, divorce, or separation, you may suddenly find yourself responsible for financial decisions that once belonged to two people, or that someone else handled entirely. The pressure to make immediate decisions can feel overwhelming. But you don't need to solve your entire financial life today. In Part 1 of this practical series on rebuilding financial confidence, Sabiha Mukadam explains how to "find your floor" by identifying: What money is currently coming in What essential expenses must be paid Where your accounts, debts, insurance policies, pensions, and benefits currently live Which major decisions can safely wait until you have a clearer picture Before making permanent financial changes, start by understanding what is true today. Stability comes first. Strategy can come later.