The Empowered Investor

Keith Matthews

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices and voices in the Canadian financial services industry, The Empowered Investor Podcast can transform your investment experience and increase your odds of becoming financially secure – forever. With his simple, straightforward approach, host Keith Matthews cuts through the noise to help you make better decisions and discover the best investment and planning strategies for you and your family. As a portfolio manager and advisor at Tulett, Matthews & Associates, Keith has spent twenty-five years helping investors achieve their financial goals using the same planning and portfolio principles discussed in The Empowered Investor podcast. Always an advocate for investors, Keith has spoken at global conferences, been quoted in many Canadian newspapers and magazines, and recently published the new and revised 4th edition of his book, The Empowered Investor. To learn more about Keith’s client advisory services or to request a complementary copy of the latest edition of The Empowered Investor, please visit www.tma-invest.com

  1. Should I Buy Gold? Returns, Risks & Portfolio Strategy

    2D AGO

    Should I Buy Gold? Returns, Risks & Portfolio Strategy

    What’s behind the recent surge in gold prices and should you reconsider gold as part of your investment portfolio? Is gold truly a safe haven, or is it riskier than most people think? How does gold stack up against stocks, bonds, and real estate over the long term? These are the questions we answer in today’s episode. Hosts Keith Matthews and Marcelo Taboada break down gold’s true performance, risk profile, and role within a diversified portfolio. They compare gold to stocks, bonds, and real estate, drawing on decades of data to examine returns, volatility, and long-term outcomes. They explore why many investors already hold gold without realizing it and challenge common myths about golds ability to protect against inflation. This episode is ideal for investors feeling the FOMO around gold, anyone questioning if gold should have a “line item” in their portfolio, and those who want clarity on how gold fits with their broader financial goals. Tune in for clear, evidence-based answers on whether chasing headline gains in gold is a sound investment strategy. Key Topics: ● Welcome and episode setup: Gold’s current hype and listener pain points (00:01) ● Gold’s recent returns and the psychology driving investor FOMO (01:49) ● Geopolitics, government debt, and the “apocalypse narrative” (02:47) ● Price history: Gold’s massive surge in recent years (03:08) ● The physical and historical properties of gold - why it captured value for 6,000+ years (04:06) ● Modern demand drivers: Jewelry, technology, central bank reserves, investor sentiment (04:49) ● Gold as investment: Why isn’t it a productive asset? (06:07) ● Opportunity cost explained - what you give up when investing in gold (06:50) ● 30-year and 220-year returns: Gold vs. stocks, TSX, and Canadian home prices (07:57) ● Volatility myth busting: Is gold less risky than equities? (09:33) ● Gold and inflation: Does it reliably protect purchasing power? (10:54) ● Decade-by-decade: When gold outpaced inflation, and when it didn’t (12:37) ● Vivid history: Keith Matthews’s memories of the 1970s gold boom and bust (13:27) ● Recent performance: Gold vs. S&P 500 from 2018–2024 (15:28) ● Portfolio construction: The All-Weather and Permanent Portfolio models (16:39) ● John Bogle’s perspective: Gold is speculative, not productive (18:07) ● Gold exposure in the TSX and why Canadian investors may already own enough (19:14) ● TMA’s evidence-based philosophy: Diversification, discipline, and productive assets (21:36) ● Final takeaways on resisting hype, focusing on what you can control (22:27) Thanks for Listening! Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at lawrence@tma-invest.com or 514-695-0096 ext.112. Follow Tulett,Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more! Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

    25 min
  2. Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition with Expert Marc Deegan

    JAN 29

    Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition with Expert Marc Deegan

    Entrepreneurship through Acquisition: Buying and Selling Canadian Small Businesses In episode, Keith Matthews welcomes Marc Deegan, founder of R33 Ventures and an expert in business valuations and M&A for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Together, they explore the rapidly growing model of entrepreneurship through acquisition, cover current trends in the Canadian SME marketplace, common challenges, and best practices. Expert Marc Deegan offers a clear, actionable conversation on the realities of buying and selling SMEs in Canada. Learn how to define the right buyer profile, discover what truly drives business valuations, and get the inside track on how sellers can prepare for a smooth and rewarding transition. You’ll walk away knowing what steps to take whether you’re seeking your next entrepreneurial journey or ready to unlock the full value of the business you’ve built. This episode is a must for business owners contemplating a sale, aspiring entrepreneurs considering acquisition, and professionals advising clients through these pivotal transitions. Avoid costly mistakes, get practical strategies for vetting buyers and sellers, and understand how to best protect your financial interests. Tune in for expert insights and feel confident moving forward in today’s dynamic M&A landscape. Key Topics: What is “entrepreneurship through acquisition” and why is it gaining traction? (00:04:06)Defining SMEs in Canada - revenue range and market overview (00:06:27)The coming “succession tsunami” and key stats from CFIB (00:06:00)The #1 obstacles to succession: finding buyers & agreeing on value (00:07:24)Who’s buying small businesses? Buyer profiles, backgrounds, and motivations (00:08:43)Where and how buyers find private companies for sale (00:10:16)The gender gap in entrepreneurship and industry trends (00:11:48)Balancing dual-income households and risk-taking in business ownership (00:12:44)Stages of the buying process: NDAs, financials, and due diligence (00:13:46)How business valuation works – multiples & EBITDA (00:17:04)Shifts in market valuations, impacts of tariffs, and timing of transactions (00:18:11)The time and effort required to buy a business in Canada (00:20:01)Profiles of sellers - why and when business owners exit (00:21:48)Tax planning and the capital gains exemption for sellers (00:23:35)The dangers of client concentration and business dependence (00:25:10)Realistic timeline for selling: preparation, transaction, and...

    44 min
  3. 2025 Market Recap & 2026 Outlook

    JAN 19

    2025 Market Recap & 2026 Outlook

    Key Financial Trends of 2025In this episode, Keith Matthews and Lawrence Greenberg reflect on an extraordinary investment year and what it means for disciplined investors heading into 2026. They break down how tariff-driven volatility, sharp drawdowns, and rapid recoveries defined 2025, yet ultimately rewarded those who stayed invested and globally diversified. The conversation explores how Canada and international markets outperformed the U.S., how powerful market rotation reshaped returns, and why chasing forecasts or headlines would have been costly. Keith and Lawrence also address the growing debate around artificial intelligence, offering perspective drawn from past market cycles on how seasoned investors can benefit from innovation without speculation. This episode is a must-listen for investors who have built meaningful wealth and want clarity after a strong multi-year run. If you’re focused on protecting gains, managing expectations, and staying disciplined through the next market cycle, this discussion reinforces why sticking to a long-term plan remains the smartest move. Key topics: ● Setting the stage: why 2025 felt so uncomfortable despite strong returns (00:01:45) ● Tariffs, political uncertainty, and the sharp spring market sell-off (00:01:58) ● How markets rebounded rapidly, and why timing risk is so costly (00:03:55) ● The irony of 2025: regions targeted by U.S. tariffs delivered the strongest returns (00:03:14) ● Global asset class returns in Canadian dollar terms (00:04:24) ● Three years of exceptional equity performance and what that means for investors (00:05:00) ● The powerful rotation away from U.S. exceptionalism toward Canada and international markets (00:06:28) ● Why global diversification and factor exposure mattered more than predictions (00:07:22) ● Is AI a revolution or a bubble? Framing today’s debate with historical context (00:09:32) ● Parallels between AI enthusiasm and the dot-com era (00:10:48) ● Lessons from Cisco and Nortel: being right about technology vs. investment outcomes (00:12:55) ● How investors can benefit from AI without chasing individual winners (00:12:15) ● Why market forecasts consistently fail—and how bad predictions can hurt returns (00:15:48) ● Valuations, expected returns, and why future gains may be more muted (00:18:36) ● The “price of admission”: volatility, discipline, and long-term success (00:21:06) ● Final takeaways for 2026: stay invested, rebalance, and stick to your plan (00:20:46) Thanks for Listening! Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at lawrence@tma-invest.com or 514-695-0096 ext.112. Follow Tulett,Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more! Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

    25 min
  4. Human Capital - 5 Guiding Career Principles with Mark Halloran

    12/18/2025

    Human Capital - 5 Guiding Career Principles with Mark Halloran

    Why Human Capital Is Your Most Important Investment: In this episode, host Keith Matthews is joined by Mark Halloran, Co-Founder of Career Lion and expert in professional development, to explore how effective career management is key to optimizing your financial journey. Special guest Mark Halloran breaks down a proven five-part framework for career management that applies to every stage, from early beginnings to executive leadership. This framework highlights the importance of continuous learning, tendering your career, managing up to accelerate growth, building a powerful network, and practicing gratitude to boost workplace fulfillment. This episode is designed for employees, professionals and executives at every level who want to take control of their career trajectory, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize their career potential. Tune in for a roadmap to help you take charge of your next professional chapter and strengthen the most important investment you’ll ever make: your human capital. Key Topics: ● Introducing Mark Halloran President & Co-Founder of Career Lion (0:00) ● Introducing the five guiding principles of effective career management (6:50) ● 1. Continual learning as the foundation for career confidence (7:25) ● How to identify and choose the right professional courses for your goals (9:40) ● Addressing deficiencies and strengths through targeted learning (11:26) ● Advice for early-stage professionals: get experience before pursuing more credentials (12:25) ● Pivoting careers and upskilling at later stages (14:15) ● How non-linear career paths often fuel greater long-term success (16:49) ● Avoiding the trap of “faking it till you make it”(11:26) ● 2. Tendering your career - why and how to objectively review your strengths and gaps (18:13) ● The SWOT approach for personal career assessment (20:55) ● Overcoming the Dunning-Kruger effect: humility in self-evaluation (23:44) ● 3. Managing up: how to proactively get feedback and earn opportunities (27:15) ● Giving and receiving actionable feedback, even when it stings (29:17) ● Continuous feedback and “stay interviews” vs. old-school annual reviews (33:00) ● 4. Networking for every age: building and maintaining authentic connections (34:15) ● How younger professionals can start purposeful networking(35:28) ● Networking tips for mid-to-late-stage professionals: leveraging existing contacts (43:49) ● The huge percentage of jobs won through networking (40:42) ● Using LinkedIn strategically: personal brand, outreach, & algorithm hacks (41:20) ● 5. Gratitude - why fulfilled, successful professionals cultivate thankfulness daily (50:01) ● Linking gratitude to resilience, growth, and workplace satisfaction (51:53) ● What Career Lion does and how professional coaching turbocharges results (55:43) ● Final takeaways: invest in yourself and manage your career like a business (1:01:59) Mentioned in this Episode: ● Career Lion Thanks for Listening! Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at lawrence@tma-invest.com or 514-695-0096 ext.112. Follow Tulett,Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more! Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, a...

    1h 4m
  5. Don't let Your Advisor's Retirement Disrupt Yours

    11/06/2025

    Don't let Your Advisor's Retirement Disrupt Yours

    What happens if your financial advisor retires? Can you be confident your investments and retirement plan will stay on track? Why do so few advisors plan ahead? What should you be asking now to avoid costly surprises later? These are the questions we answer in today’s episode. Hosts Keith Matthews and Lawrence Greenberg dive into a crucial but often overlooked challenge for Canadian investors: advisor succession planning. You’ll get a clear breakdown of why so few advisors have a transition plan in place, what happens when they don’t, and how to protect yourself from service disruptions. The hosts share Tulett Matthews & Associates succession strategy and provide a checklist of actionable questions every investor should ask their advisory team. This episode is a must-listen for anyone approaching retirement or depending on a financial advisor for multi-decade guidance. Whether you’re worried about losing continuity, want to avoid the stress of change, or simply want to make sure your hard-earned assets are looked after, you’ll walk away more empowered and better prepared. Tune in to get straightforward advice and ask the right questions before it’s too late. Key Topics: ● Why advisor succession is a growing concern for investors (0:55) ● The surprising shortage of formal succession plans among Canadian advisors (3:05) ● Average age and retirement timelines for industry professionals (3:26) ● How investor surveys reveal major worries about advisor retirements (3:56) ● What happens when your advisor retires or leaves suddenly (5:30) ● Risks of losing investment philosophy or quality service in transitions (5:59) ● Common reasons advisors don’t create timely succession strategies (6:22) ● The financial, mentoring, and training hurdles to building a strong advisory team (7:00) ● How coasting and semi-retirement can erode client service (8:07) ● Real-life case study: building a multi-decade succession plan at Tulett, Matthews & Associates (8:46) ● Lessons learned from navigating health scares and planning for continuity (10:33) ● Designing a client-centered team: hiring, training, and mentoring next-gen advisors (11:23) ● The importance of consistent investment and planning philosophies (12:24) ● Building a multi-generational advisory firm vs. Solo practitioners (13:07) ● Communicating succession plans proactively with clients (13:15) ● How team processes and departments improve service quality and continuity (14:02) ● Keys to successful transition: early communication, multi-year handoffs, shared philosophy (16:30) ● Must-ask questions for your advisory team about retirement and succession (18:02) ● How to assess your advisor’s plan and protect yourself as a client (18:43) ● The long-term benefits of choosing a firm with a real succession strategy (19:20) ● Quick recap of actionable lessons and advice (20:01) And much more! Mentioned in this Episode: ● Tulett,Matthews & Associates Thanks for Listening! Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Tulett,Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more! Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

    22 min
  6. How to Calculate your Retirement Spending

    10/22/2025

    How to Calculate your Retirement Spending

    How much money do you really need for retirement? Is your current plan actually aligned with your future spending habits, or are you at risk of falling short? When should you start planning and what are the biggest financial mistakes people make before and after they stop working? These are the questions we answer in today’s episode. Hosts Keith Matthews and Lawrence Greenberg break down the three distinct phases of retirement spending: the “Go-Go” years, the “Slow-Go” years, and the “No-Go” years. You’ll learn how spending patterns evolve, why most people underestimate costs, and how to avoid common pitfalls by making smarter assumptions. This episode is ideal for pre-retirees, retirees, and anyone who wants to get ahead of retirement planning. Find out how to calculate your real spending needs, make confident projections, and adjust your strategy with each stage of life. Tune in to get practical advice and clear strategies for a successful and fulfilling retirement. Key Topics: ● Why retirement spending deserves dedicated attention (1:41) ● Calculating your retirement spend rate - the key to peace of mind (2:55) ● The three phases: Go-Go, Slow-Go and No-Go years explained (4:12) ● What drives up spending in the Go-Go years - travel, home upgrades, gifting (4:39) ● Home maintenance vs. Home upgrades: what to include in your budget (6:05) ● The 1% rule for annual home maintenance - how to apply it (6:40) ● Why attitudes toward homeownership and downsizing keep shifting (8:33) ● Gifting and supporting adult children - new trends and how to plan responsibly (9:18) ● The #1 mistake pre-retirees make: underestimating spending (10:55) ● Lifestyle creep and aspirational spending - how it affects your plan (12:00) ● Why retirement spending often exceeds inflation and what that means for your budget (12:18) ● What changes in the Slow-Go years: health span, routine, and local living (13:02) ● No-Go years: planning for unpredictability and healthcare costs (14:24) ● Assisted living vs. Nursing homes - realistic cost estimates and strategies (16:29) ● Getting detailed: How to build a line-by-line retirement budget (17:44) ● What expenses disappear (mortgage, work, insurance) and what new costs arise (18:32) ● Factoring in large purchases and aspirational spending to avoid shortfalls (20:28) ● How clients feel after using this three-stage budgeting approach (21:01) ● Why rules of thumb like “the 70% rule” often miss the mark (22:07) ● Personal experiences and lessons learned from early planning (23:37) ● Takeaways: Why starting early and revisiting your plan pays off (25:13) And much more! Mentioned in this Episode: ● Canadian Retirement: Myths, Realities & Planning Guide ● Pre-Retirement Financial Guide: Ages 50-65 ● Retirement Financial Guide: Ages 65+ ● Tulett,Matthews & Associates Thanks for Listening! Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Tulett,Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more! Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

    27 min
  7. The Index Investing Revolution: Lessons from “Tune out the Noise”

    10/02/2025

    The Index Investing Revolution: Lessons from “Tune out the Noise”

    Join host Keith Matthews and co-host Marcelo Taboada as they take a fascinating deep dive into the origins and rise of index funds, inspired by the documentary “Tune out the Noise.” In this episode Keith and Marcelo explore how index and passive investing has evolved from a radical idea in the 1960s to today’s gold standard for simplified, cost-effective, and evidence-based portfolio management. Go behind the scenes of “Tune Out the Noise” as they break down how the index fund revolution began in academia, overcame huge resistance from Wall Street, and ultimately changed the way everyday investors build wealth. Discover the pivotal roles played by innovators like David Booth, Jack Bogle, and Eugene Fama in shaping the landscape of modern investing. Along the way, Keith and Marcelo share real-world stories from investors who changed their fates by adopting indexing, plus their own “lightbulb” moments in navigating the shift from active to passive investing. For listeners feeling lost in the noise of investment advice, Keith and Marcelo offer clear perspective: focus on simplicity, discipline, and a long-term evidence based approach. Their message is a reminder that successful investing isn’t about chasing returns or complicated strategies, it’s about building a confident plan that empowers you to tune out the distractions and stay the course. Key Topics: ● “Tune Out the Noise” a documentary on the dramatic rise and value of index investing (0.00) ● Why index funds have “taken over” & what sets it apart from active management (3:11) ● Real-life case studies: portfolios in 2004 vs. portfolios today (3:52) ● The shifting habits of new generations of investors (5:03) ● How and why the index fund revolution began in the 1960s–1970s (6:17) ● The “data explosion,” academic research, and the birth of efficient market theory (7:00) ● Overcoming resistance: why “settling for average” actually beats chasing returns (8:01) ● How the first institutional and retail index funds launched (9:23) ● The impact of Jack Bogle, David Booth, and other key figures (9:32) ● Academic breakthroughs: Efficient Market Hypothesis and the power of data (9:40) ● Demonstrating grit: the personal stories of index investing’s pioneers (10:28) ● Dimensional’s early culture and how “shoe-selling morals” influenced business ethics (10:36) ● Surprising backgrounds of industry icons: farming, family hardships, and more (11:34) ● From active investor to passive advocate: why even industry insiders switched sides (14:06) ● What simplicity really looks like in a successful investment portfolio (14:53) ● The importance of low fees, broad diversification, and ignoring the noise (15:47) ● Personal “aha moments”: how Keith and Marcelo embraced index investing (17:50) ● Final takeaways: markets work, costs matter, and diversification is your friend (24:00) And much more! Mentioned in this Episode: ● Tune Out the Noise | Documentary Film ● Canadian Wealth Management Is Changing: 4 Trends Investors Can’t Ignore ● Tulett,Matthews & Associates Thanks for Listening! Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Tulett,Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more! Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, a...

    26 min
  8. Canadian Wealth Management Is Changing: 4 Trends Investors Can’t Ignore

    09/11/2025

    Canadian Wealth Management Is Changing: 4 Trends Investors Can’t Ignore

    What global trends are reshaping the way Canadians invest and plan for their financial future? How can you avoid paying unnecessary fees and take advantage of smarter ways to grow your wealth? What changes are coming in investor protection, and how will they impact your bottom line? These are the questions we answer in today’s episode. Join Keith Matthews and co-host Marcelo Taboada as they break down the four major global trends transforming wealth management: the rise of index funds, the shift toward independent financial firms, the growing importance of retirement planning, and enhanced investor protection and transparency. This episode is packed with practical insights for Canadians who want to take control of their investments, minimize costs, and secure a confident retirement. Tune in to get up to speed on the biggest trends, avoid costly mistakes, and make better financial decisions for your future. Key Topics: ● Why paying attention to industry trends matters for investors (1:31) ● Trend #1: The rise of index funds and what it means for Canadians (2:08) ● Comparing index funds and active management - global stats and myths debunked (2:14) ● Why Canada lags in index fund adoption and the cost to Canadians (3:10) ● The high cost of management fees in Canada vs. the world, and why it matters (3:55) ● How index funds and transparency help you retire sooner (5:11) ● Common misperceptions about investment fees and value (5:33) ● Worldwide acceleration of index investing and growing investor awareness (6:12) ● Trend #2: The rise of independent financial firms (7:08) ● What makes independent advisors different from big bank brokerage models (7:56) ● How the U.S., U.K., and Australia are outpacing Canada in independent advice (8:00) ● CBC and OSC investigative reports shine a light on conflicts of interest at banks (9:57) ● The reality of sales culture vs. client-focused advice (11:08) ● Trend #3: Retirement planning as a growing priority for Canadians (14:46) ● Demographic shifts and the end of “one-size-fits-all” investment advice (15:03) ● Why thorough retirement planning is essential, not optional (15:39) ● Trend #4: New investor protection and transparency rules (16:18) ● What you’ll see on fee reports as CRM3 rolls out in Canada (17:56) ● How total cost reporting will empower Canadians to make smarter choices (18:05) ● The bottom-line value of understanding fees and service (19:17) ● Final advice for taking action in today’s changing landscape (19:42) And much more! Mentioned in this Episode: ● Sales Culture Concerns at Five of Canada’s Bank-Affiliated Dealers | OSC ● Hidden cameras reveal how big banks are upselling you (Marketplace) ● Canadian Retirement: Myths, Realities, and Smart Planning Strategies   |  The Empowered Investor Podcast ● Tulett,Matthews & Associates Thanks for Listening! Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow a href="https://www.tma-invest.com/"

    21 min

About

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices and voices in the Canadian financial services industry, The Empowered Investor Podcast can transform your investment experience and increase your odds of becoming financially secure – forever. With his simple, straightforward approach, host Keith Matthews cuts through the noise to help you make better decisions and discover the best investment and planning strategies for you and your family. As a portfolio manager and advisor at Tulett, Matthews & Associates, Keith has spent twenty-five years helping investors achieve their financial goals using the same planning and portfolio principles discussed in The Empowered Investor podcast. Always an advocate for investors, Keith has spoken at global conferences, been quoted in many Canadian newspapers and magazines, and recently published the new and revised 4th edition of his book, The Empowered Investor. To learn more about Keith’s client advisory services or to request a complementary copy of the latest edition of The Empowered Investor, please visit www.tma-invest.com

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