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The RDSP might be the most generous—and most misunderstood—government program in Canada.

In this episode of The Retire in BC Podcast, Ben and Arnold break down the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and explain why it can be life changing for families supporting a loved one with a disability.

Whether you’re receiving the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) already or you might qualify without knowing it, this episode walks you through everything you need to know:

What we cover in this episode:

• Who qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit (and why so many Canadians don’t realize they’re eligible)

• How RDSP grants and bonds work — including up to $90,000 in free government money

• Why the RDSP is built as a long-term savings plan

• Age rules: the crucial 49–59 window, catch-up grants, and contribution strategy

• The 10-year government clawback — and how to avoid it

• How families can contribute together to supercharge the plan

• How RDSP withdrawals affect (or don’t affect) other income-tested programs

• Common misconceptions, planning pitfalls, and real-life examples

If you or a family member lives with a disability, the RDSP can dramatically improve long-term financial security — but only if you understand the rules well enough to make the most of it.

🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes filled with practical advice, insights, and wisdom!

Trademarks owned by Investment Planning Counsel Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Investment Planning Counsel is a fully integrated wealth management company. Mutual funds available through IPC Investment Corporation and IPC Securities Corporation. Securities available through IPC Securities Corporation, a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Insurance products available through Visionvest Wealth Management Ltd.

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Estate Planning Isn’t Just a Will — and Getting It Wrong Can Cost Your Family Big Time. 💥

Charitable giving isn’t just generous — it’s smart financial planning.

In this episode of The Retire in BC Podcast, Arnold and Ben break down how to turn your giving into something far more impactful — for you, your taxes, and the causes you care about.

🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes filled with practical advice, insights, and wisdom!

Trademarks owned by Investment Planning Counsel Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Investment Planning Counsel is a fully integrated wealth management company. Mutual funds available through IPC Investment Corporation and IPC Securities Corporation. Securities available through IPC Securities Corporation, a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Insurance products available through Visionvest Wealth Management Ltd.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to get on our mailing list to be notified of new episodes? Sign up on our website: https://retireinbc.ca/

Estate Planning Isn’t Just a Will — and Getting It Wrong Can Cost Your Family Big Time. 💥

In this episode of The Retire in BC Podcast, Ben and Arnold break down what actually happens when you die, what goes wrong if you don’t have a plan, and how a few smart decisions today can save your family stress, taxes, delays, and ugly surprises later. We cover wills vs beneficiaries, probate myths, executor duties, powers of attorney, incapacity planning, and why “the government will sort it out” is a terrible strategy.

If you live in BC and care about protecting your family (and your money), this is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen now and get your estate plan straight—before it’s someone else’s problem.

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In this episode of The Retire in BC Podcast, Ben and Arnold break down Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) — how they work, how to maximize government grants, and the biggest mistakes families make when saving for post-secondary.

They also share a real family story: how a 50/50 cost-sharing approach taught financial responsibility (and changed the way textbooks were bought).

Whether you’re saving for a newborn, a teenager, or future grandkids, this episode shows you:

• How to get up to $7,200 per child in government grants

• Why starting early makes a massive difference

• Individual vs Family RESPs (and which is better)

• Catch-up rules and hidden flexibility

• Key changes that made RESPs MUCH better after 1998

Simple. Practical. Powerful.

🎧 Perfect for parents, grandparents, and anyone who wants to help the next generation get a head start.

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Want to get on our mailing list to be notified of new episodes? Sign up on our website: https://retireinbc.ca/

Ready to finally talk INSURANCE without falling asleep? This episode delivers candid stories, wild scenarios, and real tips to protect what matters most! From “do I actually need it?” to “who gets the payout?”, we break down estate planning, life hacks, and financial safety nets with zero boring sales talk. Hit play if you want peace of mind with a side of laughs and insider wisdom!

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Mortgages Demystified: From First Home to Retirement Planning | The Retire in BC Podcast

Confused by mortgages? You’re not alone! In this episode, Ben and Arnold Machel break down everything you need to know about mortgages—whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or planning for retirement.

We cover:

• What a mortgage really is (hint: it’s just a loan, but with some important twists)
• Fixed vs. floating rates and how to choose what’s right for you
• How banks determine your qualifying amount and interest rate
• The power of pre-approvals and how to shop around for the best deal
• Creative strategies for homeowners, including re-advanceable mortgages, HELOCs, and reverse mortgages
• The difference between land and building value and why it matters for long-term wealth

Whether you’re just starting out or have owned homes for decades, this episode is packed with practical advice to help your mortgage work for you—not the other way around.

🎧 Tune in and get confident about your mortgage strategy today!

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We cover:

• Who’s eligible for an FHSA
• Contribution limits and tax advantages
• How it compares to the RSP Home Buyers’ Plan
• Smart strategies for young buyers and those on the fence

Whether you’re planning to buy soon or just want to maximize your tax-advantaged savings, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

📌 Listen now and get your first step closer to homeownership in Canada!

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“Is now a good time to invest… or should I wait until things settle down?”

If these questions are keeping you up at night — you’re not alone. With everything going on in the world — elections, tariffs, war, recession fears — it feels like the worst time to invest... or is it?

In this episode, Ben and Arnold tackle the age-old debate: market timing vs. time in the market. We break down why trying to guess the perfect time to invest almost never works — and why staying invested is the key to long-term success.

We cover:

✅ Why market timing feels like the smart choice (but usually isn’t)

✅ What happens if you miss the market’s best days

✅ How we build portfolios designed to weather volatility

✅ When it is a good time to invest — and when it isn’t

✅ Practical steps to take when markets feel scary

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Building a portfolio that supports your retirement goals isn’t about chasing the hottest stock or reacting to headlines — it’s about smart design, strategic diversification, and aligning everything with your time horizon and risk tolerance.

In this episode, Ben and Arnold pull back the curtain on what actually goes into constructing a resilient, retirement-ready investment portfolio. 💼

We cover:

✅ The most important investment decision you’ll ever make (hint: it’s not stock-picking)

✅ How much of your portfolio should be in bonds

✅ The power of global diversification

✅ Why portfolio performance often doesn’t match what the headlines say

✅ Practical questions you can ask your advisor to make sure you're on track

Whether you’re managing your own investments or working with an advisor, this is your crash course in portfolio construction done right.

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✅ RRSP vs RRIF — what’s the difference?

✅ When do you have to convert your RRSP?

✅ How much do you have to withdraw each year?

✅ And what happens if you don’t plan properly?

Don’t leave your retirement income to guesswork — let’s get into it!

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Confused about TFSAs, RRSPs, and non-registered accounts? You're not alone — and we've got you covered. In this episode of The Retire in BC Podcast, Ben and Arnold break down how each of these investment vehicles works, the tax perks (and pitfalls), and how to use them to supercharge your savings — whether you're just starting out or nearing retirement.

🎯 What we cover:

The real reason TFSAs are our favourite accounts

RRSP tax hacks (and when to skip them)

How non-registered accounts fit into your wealth strategy

Pro tips for avoiding costly TFSA mistakes

What U.S. citizens in Canada need to know (yes, it's complicated)

💬 Have a question or want us to dive deeper on another account type? Drop it in the comments — we’re listening.

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🔹 What investing really means (hint: it’s not just working for money!)

🔹 The difference between stocks and bonds

🔹 The risk vs. return trade-off – why some investments are riskier but have higher potential rewards

🔹 Why market fluctuations (volatility) shouldn’t scare you

🔹 How interest rates impact bond prices and why conservative portfolios took a hit in 2022

🔹 How to build a balanced portfolio that matches your risk tolerance and financial goals

📈 Want to invest smarter? Start here!

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with anyone looking to grow their wealth in retirement!

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Should you adjust your investments? Is Canada retaliating? And what’s the long-term outlook if tariffs stick around? We cover it all—without the political noise.

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Retirement planning can feel like a guessing game, but today, we’re giving you clear guidelines to estimate how much you actually need saved. Ben & Arnold break down:

✔️ Heuristic guidelines: a simple way to estimate your retirement target

✔️ Why inflation is the silent threat to your spending power

✔️ Smart withdrawal strategies to avoid running out of money

✔️ How home equity fits into the picture

✔️ And a simple formula to check if you're on track

Whether you're in your 30s or approaching retirement, this episode gives practical tips to help you plan with confidence.

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This podcast is for entertainment and general education only and is not personalized financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial professional before making financial decisions.

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Discover how government programs, workplace pensions, and personal savings work together to build a solid retirement plan. Arnold and Ben break down the essentials of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS), revealing tips on maximizing your benefits.

Find out how to tell if you have a Defined Benefit or a Defined Contribution Pension Plan and what the key differentiators are. Plus a brief description of personal savings vehicles, with more to come in future episodes!

With real-life examples and expert insights, this episode is packed with valuable information that could change your retirement game plan. Don't miss out — tune in now and take control of your financial future!

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In this episode, we introduce ourselves—your hosts, Ben Machel and Arnold Machel—and share what you can expect from the show. With decades of combined experience as financial planners, we’re here to help you navigate retirement planning, investments, and building a financially sustainable future.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Who we are: Meet Ben, Arnold, and the family-run practice behind the podcast.
• Our mission: Helping you make sense of your finances and raise the bar on financial literacy in Canada.
• The big topics: An overview of what we’ll cover in future episodes, like defining your retirement vision, the three pillars of retirement income, and key financial strategies.
• Why this matters: Retirement planning is more than numbers—it’s about living the life you want with confidence.

Whether you’re nearing retirement or just getting started, we’re excited to guide you through every step of your financial journey. 🚀

🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes filled with practical advice, insights, and wisdom!

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