Saving for your first home can feel impossible—but the FHSA might just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. In this episode of The Retire in BC Podcast, Ben and Arnold break down how this powerful new account works, how it compares to RRSPs and TFSAs, and why it could nearly double your down payment through tax savings and tax-free growth.

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!

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

“The markets are volatile… should I cash out?”

“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

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

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.

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

You’ve spent years building up your RRSP... but what happens when it’s time to start withdrawing? In this episode, we break down how your RRSP transforms into a RRIF, when it happens, what the rules are, and how to avoid costly mistakes. If you’re 55+, nearing retirement, or just planning ahead — this is a must-watch.

✅ 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!

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

💸 TFSA vs RRSP vs Non-Registered: Which Investment Account Is Right for You?

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.

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

Investing doesn’t have to be complicated! In this episode, Ben and Arnold break down the fundamentals of investing, helping you understand how to make your money work for you. We’ll cover:

🔹 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!

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

Trump’s latest round of tariffs is making headlines—but what does it mean for your investments and retirement plans? In this episode, we break down what tariffs actually are, why they’re being imposed, and the potential impact on the economy, inflation, and your portfolio.

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.

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

🎙️ How Big Should Your Nest Egg Be? 💰

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.

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

Planning for retirement isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about envisioning the life you want to live. In this episode, Ben and Arnold discuss why defining your retirement vision is crucial and how it can guide your financial planning. They’ll walk you through key questions to consider, from lifestyle goals to budgeting strategies, helping you create a roadmap that aligns with your dreams. Whether you’re picturing world travel, part-time work, or a cozy life close to family, this conversation will help you start shaping your ideal future.

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.

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

Join Arnold and Ben Machel in this exciting episode of The Retire in BC Podcast as they unravel the three pillars of retirement income. If you're looking to secure your financial future, this is a must-watch!

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!

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

🎙 Welcome to the very first episode of The Retire in BC Podcast! 🎉

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!

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