Podcast
Plain English Finance
Hosted by Tré Bynoe CFP®, CIM® · EN
The Plain English Finance podcast is hosted by Tré Bynoe CFP® CIM®, a financial planner with TCU Wealth Management and Aviso Wealth.
While Tré specializes in working with families with more complicated finances, typically involving corporations and trusts, this podcast is for anyone wanting to learn how to make high-quality decisions based on evidence, to give themselves the highest likelihood of financial success.
You should always consult with your financial, legal, and tax advisors before making changes.
This podcast is provided as a general source of information and should not be considered personal investment advice or solicitation to buy or sell any securities.
The views expressed are those of the individual and are not necessarily those of Aviso Financial Inc.
Mutual funds and other securities are offered through Aviso Wealth, a division of Aviso Financial Inc.
27episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Investing Gets Complicated for Corporation Owners | Ep.57
2w ago00:24:16Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailInvesting gets more complicated once you move beyond RRSPs, TFSAs and simple registered accounts. For Canadian corporation owners, incorporated professionals, and investors with taxable accounts, the type of income your investments generate can matter almost as much as the return itself.In this episode of the Plain English Finance Podcast, Tré and Sierra discuss three core investment concepts that help explain how financial planning, tax planning and portfolio construction fit together for corporation owners. The episode focuses on investment income types, how to think about risk, and why a consistent investment philosophy matters when taxes and corporate accounts are involved.In this episode, we discuss: Why investing becomes more complicated in non-registered and corporate accounts The three main types of investment income: interest, capital gains and dividends Why GICs, bonds and fixed income create interest income Why capital gains are treated differently from interest income Why Canadian dividends can have a different tax profile Why RRSPs change the tax treatment of investment income Why asset location matters across RRSPs, personal taxable accounts and corporations Why “risk” should not only mean volatility Why fixed income may become riskier over long timeframes Why market ups and downs are a feature, not a flaw Why low-cost, globally diversified investments can simplify planning Why turnover matters in taxable accounts How active management can create unexpected taxable capital gains Why corporate investment decisions should be made with tax drag in mindLearn more about working with Tré Bynoe, CFP®, CIM®: https://trebynoe.caThis podcast is provided as a general source of information and should not be considered personal investment, tax or legal advice. Consult your financial, legal and tax professionals before making changes to your financial plan.Website | Youtube | Linkedin
Transcribe →Send This to Someone Who Needs to Start Investing | Ep. 56
3w ago00:26:33Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailDo you know someone who keeps saying they’ll start investing “later”?This episode is for the person who knows investing is important but feels overwhelmed by where to begin. Tré and Sierra talk through the simplest possible starting point for a young Canadian or beginner investor: understand compound interest, stop waiting to learn everything, open a TFSA, start investing, and learn more as you go.The point is not to build the perfect investment strategy on day one. The point is to stop losing time.In this episode, we discuss: Why compound interest matters so much Why the first $100,000 invested is such an important milestone How starting earlier can matter more than saving more later Why “I’ll catch up later” usually does not work Why young investors should focus on getting started instead of optimizing Why a TFSA is often the simplest place to begin Why a low-cost global equity portfolio can be a reasonable default Why early market drops can actually help you build investing experience The difference between risk tolerance and risk capacity Why keeping everything in cash or GICs can create its own long-term risk How parents, friends and family can encourage someone to start investing If you are young, new to investing, or trying to help someone you care about get started, the message is simple:Start now. Keep it simple. Learn as you go.Waiting until you understand every detail may feel safer, but time is one of the most valuable ingredients in building wealth. Once it is gone, you cannot get it back.Chapters00:00 Helping someone start investing 00:44 Why “just start” matters most 01:24 Compound interest explained simply 02:13 Why starting young changes everything 02:45 The first $100,000 invested 03:30 Why compound interest feels unimpressive at first 05:04 When investment growth starts to feel real 06:32 Why lost time cannot be recovered 07:45 What an 18-year-old should do first 08:24 Step 1: understand compound interest 09:25 Step 2: do not wait to learn everything 10:18 Step 3: start with a TFSA 11:04 When young people can start investing 12:00 Investing for kids before they can open their own account 12:46 Step 4: choose a 100% equity portfolio 13:12 Investing is like learning to drive 14:18 Why owning assets builds wealth 14:42 Global equity index funds 15:20 Why early market drops can be useful lessons 16:00 Risk capacity versus risk tolerance 17:30 Use the default, then learn why 18:14 Why early losses feel bigger than they are 19:10 Where to open an investment account 20:05 Why starting early made such a difference 21:00 First-generation financial literacy 22:28 Recap: compound interest matters 22:58 Recap: there is no catching up later 23:10 Recap: start with a TFSA 23:28 Recap: choose a low-cost global equity fund 24:00 Why a market crash should not stop you 24:40 Building a lifetime investing habit 25:08 Send this episode to someone who needs to start 25:52 Final thoughts and disclaimerLearn more about working with Tré Bynoe, CFP®, CIM®: https://trebynoe.caWebsite | Youtube | Linkedin
Transcribe →RRSPs Aren’t a Scam, But This Mistake Is Costly | Ep. 55
4w ago00:32:08Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailRRSPs are not a scam, but using one without a withdrawal plan can create an avoidable tax problem.In this episode, we explain when RRSP contributions help, when they don't, and why retirement withdrawals need to be planned years in advance.What I cover:• Why an RRSP is best understood as a tool for moving income between years• The mistake people make when they spend their RRSP tax refund• How one client’s decision may have cost approximately $12,000• Why taking no RRSP income in early retirement can backfire• How RRIF withdrawals, pensions, CPP, and OAS can stack together• Why automatically maximizing your RRSP is not always the best strategyChapters:00:00 Are RRSPs a scam?01:12 What an RRSP actually does02:18 The problem with spending the tax refund04:40 The RRSP decision that may have cost $12,00006:35 Why the withdrawal strategy matters08:28 How a large RRSP can become a retirement tax trap13:12 Using lower-income years for withdrawals25:02 When maximizing your RRSP may be the wrong moveRRSP planning is not a way to get a tax refund. Deciding when you want to recognize the income and pay the tax is what they're designed for.Subscribe for more practical conversations about Canadian retirement, tax, and financial planning.Website | Youtube | Linkedin
Transcribe →FHSA Explained: The Best Account for First-Time Home Buyers in Canada? | Ep. 54
Jun 500:19:17Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThe First Home Savings Account is more than a home-buying account. Used well, it can be one of the most powerful planning tools available to younger Canadians. Used poorly, it can create tax mistakes, missed deductions, or money trapped in the wrong place.In this episode, Tre Bynoe, CFP®, CIM®, is joined by Amy to break down how the FHSA works, who qualifies, and why it often beats the RRSP as the default savings account for first-time home buyers. They cover contribution limits, tax deductions, investment choices, spouse-related eligibility rules, and what happens if you never buy a home.This episode is especially useful for young professionals, parents helping adult children, and Canadians deciding between a TFSA, RRSP, and FHSA.What listeners will learn How the FHSA combines the best parts of a TFSA and RRSP Why young Canadians may want to open an FHSA early How to delay FHSA deductions for higher-income years When a TFSA may still come before an FHSA What happens if you do not use the FHSA to buy a home Why FHSA contributions must still be reported on your tax returnWebsite | Youtube | Linkedin
Transcribe →Are You Paying Too Much to Invest? | Ep. 53
May 2901:03:59Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailPaying more for investing does not automatically mean you are getting better advice, better products, or better returns. In this episode, Tre breaks down what Canadians should understand about investment fees, advice fees, product costs, commissions, and the difference between active and passive investing. He explains why new fee disclosures matter, how fees can quietly drag down returns, and why investors need to know exactly what they are paying for. This episode is especially useful for professionals, business owners, and DIY investors who want to make informed decisions instead of assuming higher cost means higher quality. The goal is simple: know your fees, understand the value, and stop overpaying for complexity that may not help you. You’ll learn: Why higher investment fees do not always mean better performance How active and passive investing costs compare What management expense ratios mean in plain English Why commission-based products can create conflicts How advice fees, product fees, and robo-advisor fees differ Why good financial planning should be clear about cost and value Follow, review, and share the Plain English Finance Podcast with someone who needs to check what they are really paying for financial advice.Website | Youtube | Linkedin
Transcribe →Conversations on Money, Values, and Parenthood | Ep. 52
May 2200:24:52Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat changes when a financial planner becomes a parent? More than you think—and less than you might expect. In this episode, Tre shares the practical money moves he made after having a child, from updating the family will to reviewing life insurance, adjusting cash flow, and setting money aside early for future needs. He also talks about the bigger parenting challenge: teaching kids how money works without spoiling them, scaring them, or making money the centre of everything. This episode is for Canadian parents, soon-to-be parents, and professionals who want to raise financially capable kids while protecting their family first. You’ll learn: Why parents need a will, guardianship plan, and proper life insurance How to budget for a child before and after they arrive Why cash flow is the foundation of family finances How to teach kids delayed gratification and responsible spending Why children should learn to earn, save, invest, and give How to raise kids with healthy money values in a privileged environment Follow, review, and share the Plain English Finance Podcast with someone who wants to make better financial decisions for their family.Website | Youtube | Linkedin
Transcribe →Too Good to Be True? Investment Red Flags Explained | Ep. 51
May 1500:27:35Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailHave you ever looked at an investment and wondered if it was too good to be true? In this episode, we walk through the red flags that can show up in private investments, real estate deals, mortgage funds, and other “exclusive” opportunities.What I cover: Why high returns with low risk should immediately raise questions The problem with returns that look too smooth or consistent How urgency can push people into poor investment decisions Why you need to understand how an investment makes money Why you also need to understand how you could lose money The hidden risk in private or illiquid investmentsThis episode is for education only and should not be considered personal investment advice. Always speak with your financial, legal, and tax advisors before making investment decisions.Subscribe for more plain-English conversations about investing, financial planning, and avoiding costly money mistakes.Website | Youtube | Linkedin
Transcribe →Why Smart People Make Bad Money Decisions | Ep. 50
May 800:56:39Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailYour calm self is not always a good judge of what your stressed self will do.In this episode, we talk about why smart people still make poor financial decisions under pressure.What I cover:Why good intentions do not guarantee good financial decisionsHow hot-cold empathy gaps affect investing, retirement, and estate planningWhy people misjudge how they will feel during market crashesThe difference between risk capacity and emotional willingnessHow too many options can create analysis paralysisWhy pre-deciding rules and automating good behaviour can help protect your future selfPlanning is easier before life gets emotional. Subscribe for more plain-English conversations about investing, retirement, tax planning, and better financial decision-making.References: https://www.cmu.edu/dietrich/sds/docs/loewenstein/hotColdEmpathyGaps.pdfhttps://dtg.sites.fas.harvard.edu/Gilber%20t&%20Ebert%20%28DECISIONS%20&%20REVISIONS%29.pdfWebsite | Youtube | Linkedin
Transcribe →Popular Money Advice vs What the Research Says | Ep. 49
May 100:39:20Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailMost money advice is popular because it’s easy to follow — not because it’s right. In this episode, I break down what academic research says about personal finance versus what popular financial books and gurus recommend.What I cover Why “save 10–15%” is simple, but not always optimal The difference between smooth consumption and rule-of-thumb saving Why dividend investing is often overrated How to think about portfolio risk based on time horizon, not just age Where passive investing beats active management What the data says about debt repayment and mortgage choices Chapters 00:00 Why finance advice conflicts 01:00 The paper comparing gurus vs professors 03:30 Saving 10–15% vs controlling consumption 09:00 The real key: separate income from expenses 18:00 Portfolio mix: age vs time horizon 24:30 Dividend investing vs tax efficiency 31:20 Small value, international diversification, and indexing 35:00 Debt repayment and fixed vs variable mortgagesGood financial decisions usually come from better frameworks, not better slogans. Subscribe for more plain-English financial education, and watch the next episode if you want more evidence-based investing and planning conversations.Website | Youtube | Linkedin
Transcribe →What Q1 2026 Taught Investors About Volatility and Speculation | Ep. 48
Apr 2400:21:53Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailQ1 2026 was volatile, but the headlines weren’t the real story. Here’s what actually happened in the markets, and what long-term investors should take from it.What I cover What happened in Canadian, U.S., international, and bond markets in Q1 2026 Why short-term market drops can look worse than they really are Why crash predictions are easy to make and costly to act on The difference between investing, hedging, and speculating Why productive businesses are different from commodities like gold or wheat How long-term investors can think more clearly during volatile periods Chapters 00:00 Q1 2026 in context 01:52 Why quarterly returns only tell part of the story 02:30 What happened in Canadian, U.S., international, and bond markets 04:04 The sharp drop before quarter-end and quick recovery after 05:29 Why market-crash predictions are so tempting 08:16 Why pessimism can sound smart but cost you 12:55 From market review to speculation vs investing 14:03 Farmer, jeweler, and gold examples explained 18:10 Hedging risk vs adding speculative risk 20:15 The real lesson from this quarter If you want calmer, evidence-based thinking about money and markets, subscribe for more videos. And for a deeper look at long-term investing behaviour, check out my other videos on market volatility and portfolio decision-making.Website | Youtube | Linkedin
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