Unconventional Wisdom

Ed Rempel
  • 1.0 (1)
  • Investing
  • Updated Biweekly

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.

  1. Re-evaluating Canada's Best Re-Advanceable Mortgages: The New Top 4 Post-OSFI Rankings

    3h ago

    Re-evaluating Canada's Best Re-Advanceable Mortgages: The New Top 4 Post-OSFI Rankings

    If you're using the Smith Manoeuvre or considering a re-advanceable mortgage, this 2026 update is essential. Which readvanceable mortgage is best for you for the Smith Manoeuvre? The rules have changed. Following new OSFI regulations, Canada's major banks have implemented re-advanceable mortgages differently, changing which lenders now offer the best experience for building wealth. In this video, I'm interviewing our in-house mortgage expert, Sabiha Mukadam, as we re-rank Canada's best re-advanceable mortgages and explain how the new rules affect investors. We are Smith Manoeuvre mortgage experts because we have been working with these mortgages every month for the past 15 years, helping clients after their Smith Manoeuvre has been implemented. We see how these mortgages work in practice. Sabiha has been handling this work for the past six years.  She doesn't just help our clients structure these mortgages every day—she also worked inside three of Canada's Big Five banks, managing mortgage underwriting. Together, we're giving you our new 2026 rankings and discussing the unique strengths and weaknesses of the Top 4 re-advanceable mortgages, as well as the one that ranks last. You'll learn: Why OSFI changed the rules for re-advanceable mortgages How the new regulations impact HELOCs and the Smith Manoeuvre The Top 4 re-advanceable mortgages in Canada (2026) Which lender offers the most flexibility today The most common pitfalls that can slow down your wealth-building strategy Which mortgage ranks last—and why Choosing the right mortgage today is about much more than getting the lowest interest rate.  The structure of your mortgage can have a significant impact on your ability to invest efficiently and build long-term wealth.

    12 min

  2. 2d ago

    Unlocking Peace of Mind with the Smith Manoeuvre: Turning Your Home into a Wealth-Building Engine

    For many Canadians, homeownership is about much more than a financial investment. It's where we build our lives, raise our families, and create lasting memories. Most homeowners focus on paying off their mortgage as quickly as possible. But what if there was another way to strengthen your financial future at the same time? In this episode, Sabiha explores the Smith Manoeuvre—a strategy that may help some homeowners build wealth while paying down their mortgage. In this episode, you'll learn: What the Smith Manoeuvre is and how it works Why some Canadians become "house rich, cash poor" How a re-advanceable mortgage and HELOC work together How investing while paying down your mortgage may help build long-term wealth Who this strategy may be appropriate for—and who it may not be Why professional guidance is essential before implementing this approach The Smith Manoeuvre isn't the right strategy for everyone. But understanding your options is an important step toward making informed financial decisions and building long-term financial security. Learn more: https://edrempel.com/unlocking-peace-of-mind-with-the-smith-manoeuvre-turning-your-home-into-a-wealth-building-engine-without-sacrificing-today/

    7 min
  3. Retirement Tax Shock: Why Many Canadians Pay More Tax Than Expected

    Jun 25

    Retirement Tax Shock: Why Many Canadians Pay More Tax Than Expected

    ♦Retirement Tax Shock: Why Many Canadians Pay More Tax Than Expected♦ Most Canadians expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement.  But many end up paying more tax than they expect.  How do tax brackets change after age 65 and why can common assumptions about RRSPs and retirement income lead to higher lifetime taxes? Here are practical strategies to reduce tax over time, including how to use RRSPs, TFSAs, income timing and how to plan for a tax-efficient retirement. This might be a real eye opener for some people because I think a lot of people that do some basic tax planning are doing it all wrong. In my latest video, podcast episode, and blog post I'm going to give you tax planning made easy using tax brackets. Some basics of tax brackets, and briefly how tax planning is done, so you can get the concept.  Then we're going to talk about why tax brackets for seniors are way different than you think – and how this completely changes tax planning. And how to plan for low tax through your retirement. You'll learn: Tax planning made easy using tax brackets.  Why are tax brackets for seniors way different?  What are the three main clawbacks on seniors?  What are the actual effective tax brackets for seniors? How is tax planning very different with the actual effective tax brackets? Which is better for you - TFSA or RRSP? How can you plan for your retirement income to be taxed at only 22% or less?  How does your financial plan become the GPS for your life?

    17 min
  4. How Banking Actually Works (And How to Set Up Your First Accounts)

    Jun 23

    How Banking Actually Works (And How to Set Up Your First Accounts)

    🎓 Youth Corner with Sabiha Mukadam Most people don't think much about banking until that first real paycheck arrives. Suddenly, money is coming in, and just as quickly, it's going out. In this episode, Sabiha explains how banking actually works, the difference between chequing and savings accounts, debit cards versus credit cards, and the simple habits that can help young adults build financial confidence from the start. In this episode: What banks actually do How banks make money Why you need both a chequing and savings account How banking apps help you manage your money Debit cards vs. credit cards Common banking mistakes to avoid A simple plan for setting up your first accounts Whether you're a student, a young adult, or a parent helping someone navigate their financial journey, this episode provides practical banking fundamentals everyone should know. Learn more at Sage Collaborative Financial Planning.

    6 min
  5. The Longevity Revolution: Why We're on the Brink of Living Decades Longer

    Jun 18

    The Longevity Revolution: Why We're on the Brink of Living Decades Longer

    The longevity movement is transforming how we think about aging—not as an inevitable decline, but as a challenge we can overcome with science, technology, and smart choices. Many experts believe we're on the cusp of dramatically extending healthy lifespans. I'm on a longevity and healthspan journey. I'm not an expert in longevity, but I'm continuously learning, and it's all exciting. I'm simply passing along some of what I've learned. I am, however, an expert in retirement planning. Living healthier for longer can have a huge impact on your retirement. What kind of life do you want if you remain healthy for decades longer? In my latest video, podcast episode, and blog post, you'll learn: Why science suggests we could add healthy decades to our lives within the next 10–20 years. How Peter Diamandis and the $101 million XPRIZE Healthspan are accelerating breakthroughs. The 9 key hallmarks of aging, with clear explanations and promising solutions. A close-up look at Lake Nona, Florida—a purpose-built longevity hub—and what it could mean for all of us. What we can do today to stay healthier for longer. An optimistic vision for a future of vibrant, extended healthspan.

    19 min

  6. Jun 16

    Financial Planning Isn't Optional, It's Your Power Move: Financial Planning Myths and Why You Absolutely Need a Plan (and a Planner)

    Many people know they should think about financial planning, yet often put it off for years. Not because they're irresponsible. More often, it's because of common beliefs such as: "I'm not wealthy enough yet." "I can figure it out myself." "Once I make a plan, I'm done." "Planning will restrict my lifestyle." In this episode, Sabiha Mukadam, CFP®, MBA, explores four of the most common financial planning myths she hears from clients and explains why financial planning is about much more than investments. You'll learn: Why financial planning isn't just for wealthy people The hidden risks of the do-it-yourself approach Why your financial plan should evolve as your life changes How planning can create more freedom, not less The role a financial planner can play beyond managing investments Whether you're just getting started or reviewing an existing financial plan, this episode offers practical insights to help you build greater clarity, confidence, and long-term financial security.

    13 min
  7. Why Feeling Behind Is Normal (And What It Means for Your Money, Investing, and Financial Plan)

    Jun 9

    Why Feeling Behind Is Normal (And What It Means for Your Money, Investing, and Financial Plan)

    In this episode of Youth Corner, Sabiha explores why so many people feel behind financially—and why comparison and expectations often have more influence on that feeling than reality. After more than 30 years in financial planning, she explains why this feeling is often driven by comparison and expectations rather than reality—and why financial confidence is something that can be built over time. Key takeaways: Why feeling behind financially is more common than most people realize How comparison can distort your perception of financial progress Why uncertainty is a normal part of investing and financial planning How financial confidence develops through learning, experience, and informed decision-making Why there is no single financial timeline you're required to follow

    6 min
  8. The Multi-Millionaire's Dilemma: Should an 84-Year-Old Stay Invested in Stocks?

    Jun 4

    The Multi-Millionaire's Dilemma: Should an 84-Year-Old Stay Invested in Stocks?

    Louise (not her real name) has far more money than she is ever likely to spend. She has always invested in equities and is comfortable with them. However, now at age 84, she is wondering whether she should invest more conservatively. This is a case study about the "Multi-Millionaire's Dilemma." Louise says: "Many of my women friends have the same concern: Is my asset allocation suitable for me? Specifically, what proportion should I invest in GICs versus broad-market index ETFs? Tax efficiency is also a concern." In my latest podcast episode you will learn: What is the "Multi-Millionaire's Dilemma"? How is Louise's situation similar to the "Multi-Millionaire's Dilemma"? What reasons might she have for investing more conservatively with GICs? What reasons might she have for staying invested in equities? How can understanding the odds of losing money and the potential for growth help her decide? What are the odds that her investments will be worth less at the end of her life? How much could they be down in a worst-case scenario? How much less is she likely to earn by switching from equities to GICs? How can she simplify her investments if she stays in equities?

    15 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ed Rempel
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    168
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Unconventional Wisdom

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