Welcome to Retirement Straight Talk with hosts Paul & William Barreca, the podcast tailored for the unique needs of Canadian Gen Xers.
Paul is an award winning Wealth Advisor at West End Wealth Planning, IPC Securities Corporation, and celebrated radio personality, most recently as host of the Sunday Money Show on Newstalk 1010.
William adds a fresh perspective to Paul's more than 3 decades of experience.
In this podcast, we will break down and simplify complex financial topics relevant to Gen Xers.
Join us as we inform and empower you with real facts so you can avoid common money mistakes and build a worry-free retirement.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Retirement Straight Talk with hosts Paul & William Barreca, the podcast tailored for the unique needs of Canadian Gen Xers.
Paul is an award winning Wealth Advisor at West End Wealth Planning, IPC Securities Corporation, and celebrated radio personality, most recently as host of the Sunday Money Show on Newstalk 1010.
William adds a fresh perspective to Paul's more than 3 decades of experience.
In this podcast, we will break down and simplify complex financial topics relevant to Gen Xers.
Join us as we inform and empower you with real facts so you can avoid common money mistakes and build a worry-free retirement.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does 35 years in financial planning really teach you?
In Part 2 of this special Retirement Straight Talk series, Paul and William Barreca share the final five lessons from Paul’s 35-year career helping Canadians plan smarter, invest better, and avoid the mistakes that derail financial freedom.
🎯 In this episode, you'll learn:
📘 PLUS - Free Resource
9 Tax & Retirement Strategies Every Business Owner Needs to Know
Learn nine smart ways to protect your family, reduce tax, and make better long-term decisions for your business.
👉 Download your copy: https://www.westendwealth.com/free-whitepapers
📞 Want to talk through your plan?
Book a no-pressure conversation at: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall?month=2025-11
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What do 35 years in the wealth planning business teach you?
After over three decades in the wealth planning business, Paul has seen just about everything.
In Part 1 of this special 2-part series, Paul Barreca shares the first five timeless truths he’s learned from decades of helping clients plan, invest, and navigate financial decisions.
This is a candid conversation about the real lessons that matter. The ones that help you protect your freedom, control your outcomes, and keep your financial life aligned with your real goals.
🎙️ You’ll hear:
✔️ Why money = freedom (not happiness)
✔️ Why investing is not gambling
✔️ The danger of overconfidence
✔️ Why a written plan matters more than a market prediction
✔️ The counterintuitive secret to investing success
🔔 Like, subscribe, and share!
Have questions after today's episode? Book a call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall?month=2025-10
👉 Checkout Our Free guide: “How to Build Your Dream Retirement Plan—and Avoid 7 Pitfalls That Can Derail It”: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement
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 Tribar Financial Inc.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You saved, invested, and planned, but now comes the real question: How do you actually use your money in retirement?
In this episode of Retirement Straight Talk, William and Paul break down the often-overlooked - but critical - concept of income sequencing: the order you draw from accounts like RRSPs, CPP, TFSAs, pensions, and corporate assets in retirement.
You’ll learn:
• A 5-step framework to build your personalized drawdown plan
• The risks of generic advice (like “always delay CPP”)
• Why RRIF shocks and OAS clawbacks catch retirees off guard
• When the “RRSP meltdown” strategy makes sense - and when it backfires
ª Real-world case studies that show how timing changes everything
Whether you’re 5 years from retirement or already drawing income, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and give you more peace of mind.
🔔 Like, subscribe, and share!
Have questions after today's episode? Let us help. Book a call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall?month=2025-10
👉 Check out Our Free guide: “How to Build Your Dream Retirement Plan—and Avoid 7 Pitfalls That Can Derail It”: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement
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 Tribar Financial Inc.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thinking of adding your child to the ownership of your home, bank accounts, or investments to “make things easier”? This common estate planning shortcut could cost your family far more than you realize.
In this episode of Retirement Straight Talk, William and Paul dive into:
• What joint ownership really means (and why it's often misunderstood)
• When it works and when it can cause major tax and legal issues
• The surprising risk of losing control of your home
• Real-life stories of family conflict, CRA penalties, and unintended fallout
• Better alternatives: powers of attorney, trusts, clear documentation, and more
This is one of those episodes that could save your family thousands and a whole lot of heartache.
🔔 Like, subscribe, and share!
Have questions after today's episode? Let us help. Book a call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall?month=2025-09
👉 Check out Our Free guide: “How to Build Your Dream Retirement Plan—and Avoid 7 Pitfalls That Can Derail It”: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement
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 Tribar Financial Inc.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Not all advisors are created equal and picking the wrong one can cost you far more than a few bad investments.
In this episode of Retirement Straight Talk, Paul and William break down what real financial advice should look like, how compensation models shape recommendations, and the red flags that should have you walking away.
🧠 What you’ll learn:
• When you actually need an advisor (and when you don’t)
• What good advisors really do (it’s more than returns)
• Types of advisors & how they get paid
• Key questions to ask before hiring
• 7 red flags to never ignore
• Why great advice often pays for itself
Choosing the right advisor is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make.
🔔 Like, subscribe, and share!
Have questions after today's episode? Let us help. Book a call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall?month=2025-09
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 Tribar Financial Inc.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Retirement isn’t just about saving enough. It’s about avoiding the hidden risks that can quietly undo everything you’ve built.
In this episode of Retirement Straight Talk, Paul and William unpack 6 retirement risks most Canadians miss and how to plan smarter so you can protect your freedom and peace of mind.
What you’ll learn:
• Why taxes may rise, not fall, in retirement - and what you can do about it
• Why dividends can mislead you
• Market timing almost always backfires
• How playing it “safe” too early costs you later
• How diversification is resilience
• And why purpose is as vital as money
👉 Protect your retirement. Download your free guide here: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement
🔔 Like, subscribe, and share!
Have questions after today's episode? Book a call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall?month=2025-08
“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 Tribar Financial Inc.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
70% of family businesses don’t survive to the next generation. The reason isn’t always lack of hustle. It’s hidden vulnerabilities most owners never see coming.
In this episode, William and Paul share six strategic reasons even successful businesses fail. Plus, the two often-overlooked personal traits that can make or break you over the long run.
You’ll learn:
✅ The 6 most common strategic gaps that quietly put businesses at risk
✅ Why passion and persistence matter just as much as your business plan
✅ How to protect both your company and your personal financial future
Don't forget to check out our free guide: How to Build Your Dream Retirement Plan—and Avoid 7 Pitfalls That Can Derail It
📥 Download here: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement
🔔 Like, subscribe, and share!
Have questions after today's episode? Book a call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall?month=2025-07
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You’ve seen it on your paycheque your whole life - Canada Pension Plan (CPP). But when it comes to actually drawing on it, the decision is far from simple.
In this episode of Retirement Straight Talk, William and Paul break down everything you need to know about CPP:
• What it is, how it works, and when you can start collecting
• How timing affects your monthly income
• Why most Canadians take it too early (and what it costs them)
• Real-life factors to consider before you make a move
• Why deferring might be one of the best financial decisions you can make
Tune in for clarity, real talk, and advice that could save you thousands.
👉 Download our free guide: “How to Build Your Dream Retirement Plan—and Avoid 7 Pitfalls That Can Derail It” [https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement]
📅 Book a call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall?month=2025-07
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!
“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 Tribar Financial Inc.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are you your own worst investing enemy?
In this episode, Paul and William explore the surprising ways investor behaviour - more than market performance or stock selection - can hurt long-term returns.
From caveman instincts to market headlines that trigger emotional decisions, this episode will help you understand:
• Why you're wired to react emotionally—and how that costs you.
• How major events like COVID-19 and the Ukraine / Russia war triggered poor investor timing.
• The top 3 behavioural biases investors fall victim to.
• Simple, proven strategies to close the “behaviour gap” and stay on track.
🎯 Want to apply what you heard?
We created a whitepaper that builds on this exact topic.
Download your free copy: How to Build Your Dream Retirement Plan—and Avoid 7 Pitfalls That Can Derail It → https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement
Connect with Paul & William:
Book a free call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall
Facebook: West End Wealth Planning
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Retirement Straight Talk, Paul and William unpack the one question every retiree and near-retiree should be asking: Is your retirement income plan built to withstand market volatility, inflation, and unexpected life events?
They break down why most plans fall short: linear assumptions, outdated numbers, and lack of stress testing. Plus, dive in to how tools like Monte Carlo analysis can help you build a plan that’s actually resilient. From understanding the sequence of returns risk to the power of scenario planning, this is a must-listen if you want real clarity and control over your financial future.
Resources:
📥Free Download: How to Build Your Dream Retirement & Avoid 7 Common Mistakes That Can Derail It: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement
Connect with Paul & William:
Book a free call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall
Facebook: West End Wealth Planning
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Most people avoid the topic of estate planning until it is too late, especially when it comes to their parents' affairs.
But failing to have this conversation can lead to family conflict, avoidable taxes, and costly legal messes.
In this episode, we tackle one of the most overlooked responsibilities of Gen X: helping your parents get their estate plan in order.
We break down the most common mistakes, such as outdated wills, joint accounts gone wrong, poor executor choices, and unequal inheritances that create family tension.
We also share practical steps for starting the conversation and helping your parents avoid the pitfalls that can unravel even the best-laid plans.
Resources:
📥Free Download: How to Build Your Dream Retirement & Avoid 7 Common Mistakes That Can Derail It: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement
Connect with Paul & William:
Book a free call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall
Facebook: West End Wealth Planning
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Funding a child’s education is one of the biggest financial goals for Canadian families. And the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is best tool to get there.
In this episode, Paul and William break down everything you need to know about RESPs. This episode will help you avoid costly RESP mistakes and take full advantage of this powerful, tax-efficient account.
What You’ll Learn:
✔️ The amazing tax benefits of RESPs
✔️ How to earn $7,200 in free government grants
✔️ Why group or scholarship RESPs are a bad idea
✔️ Smart RESP contribution strategies
✔️ What to do if your child doesn’t go to college or university
✔️ The best way to draw down the RESP and minimize taxes
✔️ Family vs. individual RESPs
Resources:
📥Free Download: How to Build Your Dream Retirement & Avoid 7 Common Mistakes That Can Derail It: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement
Connect with Paul & William:
Book a free call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall
Facebook: West End Wealth Planning
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thinking about selling your business?
Passing it on to the kids?
Or just want to make sure you’re not leaving money (or a giant tax bill) on the table?
This week, Paul and William walk through the smart steps every business owner should take before exiting their business.
They cover:
- Why most family business transitions fail (and how to avoid it)
- How to use the lifetime capital gains exemption and potentially save millions in tax
- What an “estate freeze” is and how it helps pass the business to your kids
- Why planning years in advance can save you a fortune
Resources:
📥Free Download: How to Build Your Dream Retirement & Avoid 7 Common Mistakes That Can Derail It: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement
Connect with Paul & William:
Connect with Paul & William:
Book a free call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall
Facebook: West End Wealth Planning
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Could your estate plan cost your family money and stress?
This week, Paul and William talk with Jandy John, Estate and Trust Director at Concentra Trust, about common estate planning errors.
You’ll learn:
- How to properly choose your executor
- The hidden traps of joint accounts and beneficiary designations
- Why clear communication can save your family from conflict
- Essential estate planning strategies for business owners
- How to manage digital assets in your estate
Resources:
📥Free Download: How to Build Your Dream Retirement & Avoid 7 Common Mistakes That Can Derail It: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement
Connect with Paul & William:
Book a free call: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall
Facebook: West End Wealth Planning
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Running a business takes everything you’ve got—but if you’re not also planning for the future, you could be leaving serious money on the table.
This week, Paul and William break down seven essential (and often missed) tax and retirement strategies tailored specifically for incorporated Canadian business owners.
You’ll learn:
✅ How to structure your compensation to keep more money in your pocket
✅ Why many business owners misunderstand RRSPs—and what that mistake could cost
✅ A powerful retirement savings tool most entrepreneurs have never heard of
✅ How to sell your business in a tax-efficient way (and potentially save millions)
✅ Estate planning moves that can help you protect your legacy—and avoid family conflicts
Resources:
📥Free Download: How to Build Your Dream Retirement & Avoid 7 Common Mistakes That Can Derail It: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement
Connect with Paul & William:
Book a call with William: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall?back=1&month=2025-03
Facebook: West End Wealth Planning
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, Paul & William break down ten essential truths about investing, simplifying complex financial concepts into clear, actionable insights.
This episode cuts through common myths and misunderstandings to deliver strategies that help investors make smarter, rational decisions about their money.
In this Episode You'll Discover:
Resources:
📥Free Download: How to Build Your Dream Retirement & Avoid 7 Common Mistakes That Can Derail It: https://www.westendwealth.com/build-your-retirement
Connect with Paul & William:
Book a call with William: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall?back=1&month=2025-03
Facebook: West End Wealth Planning
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Running a business is tough—but why do so many fail within 5-10 years? In this episode of Retirement Straight Talk, Paul and William break down the key reasons most business owners struggle, burnout, or go under—and, more importantly, how to avoid becoming a statistic.
Whether you're a sole practitioner or managing a team of 50, this episode will help you shift from working in your business to working on your business.
Inspired by The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber, they explore:
✅The three business owner personalities: Technician, Manager, and Entrepreneur
✅ Why systemizing your business is the key to long-term success
✅ How to create a business that runs without you—not one that runs you
✅ The essential processes every business must have: lead generation, sales conversion, operations, and customer service
✅ How to overcome the fear of delegation and free up your time
🎧 Tune in now to learn how to build a business that works for you—not one that keeps you working all the time.
Resources:
📥Free Download: How to Build Your Dream Retirement & Avoid 7 Common Mistakes That Can Derail It: https://westendwealth.ubpages.com/
Connect with Paul & William:
Facebook: West End Wealth Planning
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You might think you have a full financial plan—but do you really? In this episode, we break down why most people don’t have the comprehensive financial plan they believe they’ve paid for. We’ll cover:
1️⃣ Why you likely don’t have the full financial plan you think you do.
2️⃣ What a truly comprehensive financial plan includes.
3️⃣ The cost of missing key elements in your plan—what it could mean for your financial future.
4️⃣ How to determine whether your financial plan is complete or missing critical pieces.
Download our FREE whitepaper: "How to Build Your Dream Retirement. And Avoid 7 Common Mistakes That Can Completely Derail It!"- https://westendwealth.ubpages.com/
Connect with Paul & William:
Book a call with Paul: https://calendly.com/westendwealthplanning/introcall?preview_source=et_card&month=2025-03
Book a call with William: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.westendwealth.com/newsletter
Connect with William on LinkedIn:
/ williambarreca
Connect with Paul on LinkedIn:
/ paulbarreca
Follow William on X:
/ willbarreca
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are Trump’s proposed tariffs about to shake up the stock market? In this episode, Paul & William break down the latest tariff proposals, their potential impact on the economy, and what investors should do to prepare.
They break down:
✅ What tariffs are and how they actually work
✅ The potential economic impact on Canada and investor portfolios
✅ Lessons from past tariff wars and what history tells us
Download our FREE whitepaper: "How to Build Your Dream Retirement. And Avoid 7 Common Mistakes That Can Completely Derail It!"- https://westendwealth.ubpages.com/
Connect with Paul & William:
Book a call with Paul: https://calendly.com/westendwealthplanning/introcall?preview_source=et_card&month=2025-02
Book a call with William: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.westendwealth.com/newsletter
Connect with William on LinkedIn:
/ williambarreca
Connect with Paul on LinkedIn:
/ paulbarreca
Follow William on X:
/ willbarreca
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Does investing in an RRSP make sense as a business owner?
Or are you better off keeping your money in your corporate holding company or reinvesting in your business?
In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of each approach, tax implications, and the diversification benefits of different strategies.
Connect with Paul & William:
Book a call with Paul: https://calendly.com/westendwealthplanning/introcall?preview_source=et_card&month=2025-02
Book a call with William: https://calendly.com/westendwealth/introcall
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.westendwealth.com/newsletter
Connect with William on LinkedIn:
/ williambarreca
Connect with Paul on LinkedIn:
/ paulbarreca
Follow William on X:
/ willbarreca
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect those of IPC Securities Corporation. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.