Unconventional Wisdom YouTube Channel
Welcome to the Unconventional Wisdom YouTube Page. The show about the most effective methods to achieve financial security & freedom. Find out what really works. Insights are based on in-depth experience - from a fee-for-service financial planner, tax accountant, Canada’s #1 financial planner blogger & your host, Ed Rempel.
This channel is about achieving financial freedom & security in real life. It’s often very different from what most people talk about. Few financial planners actually write detailed Financial Plans. I have written more than 1,000 professional, custom Financial Plans, and worked with many clients to achieve their life goals. You can listen to everyone else – and then come here to find out what works in real life. Unconventional wisdom – based on experience.
This channel has unconventional wisdom insights on many topics. Some of my favourite topics are:
- How to set & achieve your financial goals and achieve what you really want in life.
- FIRE – How to achieve financial independence & retire early.
- The outlook & attitude you need for financial success.
- Many topics on how you can minimize tax over your lifetime.
- Effective strategies that can be a huge benefit for you, such as the Smith Manoeuvre, Rempel Maximum, Lifecycle Investing, RRSP Top-ups, RRSP Catch-up Strategy & the 8-year GIS Strategy.
- How to set up a reliable retirement income with the least tax & most government benefits.
- How to invest for returns above the indexes.
- How to easily outperform investment advisors & robo-advisors.
- Money myths that block your financial freedom.
- Any interesting financial planning topic. I take requests.
“Unconventional Wisdom YouTube Channel”
I plan to post one every Thursday. Be the first to hear my new Unconventional Wisdom posts. Subscribe to my blog, YouTube channel or podcast.
My videos are purely educational & the only source for most of this unconventional wisdom. Please help me get the message out:
- Subscribe to my blog, YouTube channel & podcast. Get my new videos sent directly to your email.
- Give the videos a like (“thumbs up”)!
- Share my YouTube channel & episodes with your friends.
Next Step:
My services & costs: edrempel.com/help
Request a free 30-minute consultation: edrempel.com/talk
Ask your question or feedback: edrempel.com/feedback
See you next week!
Support Top Charities with Ed & Ann’s “Best Things First” Foundation
Have you ever wondered how much your donation really helps the poor? Or how much it really helps find cures? Which charities help the poor the most for each dollar donated? You can now donate to the most cost-effective charities in the world with Ed & Ann’s charitable foundation “Best Things First”. In my latest video, podcast episode, and blog post you’ll learn: How did Ed & Ann get started looking for cost-effective charities? For many years, we donated like most people do. Small amounts to a few causes we could identify with and a few to get rid of a telemarketer.…
Read MoreCelebrating the Life of Ann Hetram
I am heartbroken. My wife, life partner & business partner Ann Hetram passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 30. We will have a Celebration of Life in Ann’s honour to share stories on Thursday, April 17 at 3 PM, followed by a reception until 8 PM. Details at the end of this talk. I would like to share: Our Life Together and What She Means to Me Ann was truly my life partner in every way. She means much more to me than just being my wife. She was my best friend, we shared most of our friends, we were key parts…
Read MoreCan You Be Confident in the Stock Market? (UPDATED)
Which is true? To invest effectively for your future, it is vital to be confident in your investments. Here is the historical data to give you a clear picture of what long-term investors can expect. By the end, you’ll have a clearer answer to the big question: Is the stock market the best way to build wealth over time? This is an updated post with new insights. Prefer an overview? Like videos or podcasts? Check out our whiteboard video, podcast episode, or read the full post below! What you will learn: Key Question If you invested 100% in the stock market and…
Read MoreHow to Donate Effectively and Avoid Telemarketers – Interview with John Bromley, Founder & CEO of Charitable Impact
Last year, I did a video on How to Donate Effectively, where we explored the idea that one of the ultimate status symbols is creating your own charitable foundation—and how to make a real impact with your giving. In my latest video I interview John Bromley, the Founder and CEO of Charitable Impact, the platform we personally use to make giving easier and more effective. John has dedicated his career to helping Canadians maximize their impact through strategic giving. His company has proudly facilitated over $1.5 billion in donations, empowering tens of thousands of people to tap into their generosity, pursue their…
Read MoreWhat’s New in Tax 2025
Every year, tax rules change. For 2025 there are six main tax changes that you’ll want to know about. And there’s good news: two major uncertainties are finally gone! In my latest YouTube video, podcast episode, and blog post you’ll learn New reporting requirements for trusts Capital gains inclusion For this year, there are few new changes. This may be because parliament has been shut down since September. The main changes I see are: Charitable donations deadline – The deadline for making donations for the 2024 tax year was extended to February 28, 2025, given the disruption of the Canada Post strike.…
Read MoreRealizing You Somehow Became Wealthy
I often talk with people who realize—almost by surprise—that they’ve become wealthy. They never really thought of themselves as wealthy, but after years of saving and investing effectively, it hits them: I’m actually wealthy. And let me tell you—being wealthy feels different. In my latest YouTube video, podcast episode, and blog post I talk about: How do you become wealthy slowly? Save & invest effectively. Nearly all wealthy people are self-made. It’s a simple formula: Long-term compounding is the 8th wonder of the world. For example, investing from age 25-65 is 40 years. The last 40 years from 1985-2024, $10,000 grew to…
Read MoreRetiring Right Before or During a Recession. Debunking “Sequence of Returns Risk”. (Canadian Financial Summit 2024)
Bloggers and advisors constantly warn about the “Sequence of Returns Risk”—the fear that retiring right before or during a market crash will drain your savings too quickly. This fear often leads retirees to make poor investment choices, resulting in: But how real is this risk? And do the conventional solutions—like investing in bonds or following the 4% Rule—actually work? Is it true that “sequence of returns risk” has been debunked for long-term equity investors? In my latest YouTube video, podcast episode, and blog post you’ll learn
Read MoreNew Study Supports 100% Equity Investing for Life – The Debate
Recently, I posted a video “New Study Supports 100% Equity Investing for Life” that went semi-viral with 14,000 YouTube views & 1,000 podcast downloads. There is an interesting active debate mainly on YouTube, and a bit on my blog with a lot of comments and questions. Let’s look at them and join the debate. The evidence from the study to invest 100% in equities for life is certainly unconventional, so the comments revealed interesting insights. This is an important topic. I have many posts on my blog over almost 20 years about how much better your Financial Plan and retirement income are…
Read MoreHow to Easily Outperform Financial Advisors, Robo-Advisors & Index Investors (Canadian Financial Summit 2024)
Why do so many Canadians struggle to achieve financial freedom, even with a solid financial plan? Why do they retire with less than they hoped for, despite diligently saving and investing? The answer often boils down to two things: suboptimal investments and a misguided focus on risk. In my latest YouTube video, podcast episode, and blog post we’ll uncover why good investment performance is essential for your financial success and show you how to take control of your portfolio. We’ll also address common misconceptions about risk in the investment industry and uncover the secrets to thinking like a successful investor. You’ll learn:…
Read More7 Best Ideas to Optimize the Smith Manoeuvre (Canadian Financial Summit 2024)
With its quirky name, the Smith Manoeuvre might sound unconventional, but it’s a strategy that truly works—when done by the right people, in the right way, over the long term. From crafting over 1,000 professional Financial Plans, I’ve seen firsthand how the Smith Manoeuvre can transform your finances, helping Canadians use their home equity to invest for their future without impacting their cash flow. When included as part of a comprehensive financial plan, this strategy can empower you to achieve the life you’ve always envisioned. But optimizing the Smith Manoeuvre requires more than just the basics—it’s about mastering the practical details and…
Read MoreNew Study Supports 100% Equity Investing for Life
For years, conventional wisdom has preached the benefits of diversifying between stocks & bonds and gradually shifting to safer investments as we age. But what if these widely accepted strategies are fundamentally flawed? A newly published, high-quality study is flipping the script on traditional investment advice, making a compelling case for a 100% equity strategy throughout life. This research, backed by robust data from 39 developed countries and spanning long-term investment horizons, challenges two key conventional wisdoms: Instead, the study reveals that an all-equity portfolio—with a notable tilt toward international stocks—outperforms traditional stock-bond strategies in building wealth, ensuring reliable retirement income, and…
Read MoreMonthly Fixed Pay ETFs & Funds Are a Brain Fart!
I talk with people all the time who have an ETF or mutual fund that pays a fixed monthly amount. In most cases, they misunderstand it. Most think they are receiving regular income—but chances are, it’s usually a brain fart. Many investors misunderstand how these monthly pay investments work. From covered call ETFs and dividend funds to monthly income funds, mortgage funds, T8/T6 mutual funds, and REITs, the mechanics can be confusing—and the implications even more so. In my latest video, podcast and blog post, you’ll learn: Why are monthly pay ETFs and funds a brain fart? Fixed monthly payments are: –…
Read MoreRRSP/RRIF Meltdown Strategies
Ever wondered how you can get the money out of your RRSP with a minimum of tax? RRSP/RRIF Meltdown Strategies can allow you to withdraw from your RRSP or RRIF and have very little income show on your tax return. However, there are some tricky complications, and these strategies are not for everyone. In my latest video, podcast and blog post, you’ll learn: How does the RRSP/RRIF meltdown strategy help you withdraw from your RRSP with minimum tax? Why should this strategy be called the RRIF Meltdown Strategy, not the RRSP Meltdown Strategy? Why are self-made dividends the secret to an effective…
Read MoreHow Did the Wealthy Get Wealthy? Can I Copy Them?
In a recent video, I talked about who the poor & wealthy are and how did they get there. Today, I’m diving deeper into one crucial aspect: how the wealthy became wealthy. Can their strategies work for you? Over the years, I’ve seen the full financial picture of thousands of Canadians and read countless studies on wealth building. While my clients are generally higher-income, growth-focused individuals who work with a financial plan, I’ve also spoken to countless others—through this blog, in person, and within my network of wealthy individuals. These insights have given me a clear understanding of who achieves financial success…
Read MoreLifecycle Investing: The Ultimate Strategy for Younger People – An Example
I often get asked about Lifecycle Investing and how to implement it. If you’re under 40 and saving to achieve financial independence, this might be the most powerful strategy you’ll ever learn. Lifecycle Investing has proven itself consistently over the last 150 years, increasing portfolios at retirement by an average of 63%. It has worked 100% of the time, and its success lies in addressing one of your biggest financial risks: “Last Decade Risk.” However, it’s not for everyone. This strategy often involves borrowing to invest and maintaining a high equity allocation during certain phases of your life. Think of it as…
Read MoreWho Are the Wealthy and How Did They Get Rich?
As a financial planner, I’ve had a unique view into the full financial picture of thousands of Canadians and have read countless studies. My experience spans clients of varying financial backgrounds, as well as countless conversations with readers of my blog, friends, and acquaintances. Although our clients may not represent the entire population—they tend to have higher incomes, are growth-focused, and always work with a clear plan—my broad exposure has helped me form a solid understanding of what wealth really is and the common ways people achieve it. In my latest blog post, YouTube video and podcast episode, I’ll cover some key…
Read MoreYour FREE passes: See my talks at the #1 online event – Canadian Financial Summit 2024
The online Canadian Financial Summit is coming up the week of October 24-26. It’s the #1 personal finance event of the year. As a reader of the Unconventional Wisdom blog, here are your FREE passes for a limited time. With these FREE passes, you can watch all the talks for 48 hours. You can also offer your friends and family FREE passes if you forward them this blog post. I’ll be one of the speakers again this year with three talks (see below), and I’ll be joined by over 35 other Canadian personal finance and investing experts such as Rob Carrick from…
Read MoreTax Brackets for Parents & Seniors Are Way Different Than You Think!
Tax brackets for parents and seniors are way different than you think. 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 and podcast episode I’m going to give you a tax planning made easy using tax brackets. I’m going to show you how, 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 parents and seniors are way different than you…
Read MoreDo You Need Savings in Addition to a Government Pension Like OMERS?
When planning for retirement, many Canadians rely on a government pension like OMERS (Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System) as their foundation. Do you need savings in addition to your government pension to maintain the lifestyle you want? A buddy called me from his car and said, “I’m driving. Will I get to my destination on time?” I asked, “Where are you going and where are you now?” It’s the same with the question of whether retiring with just your pension is enough. Well it depends on your lifestyle, your goals, and whether you want the freedom to enjoy big-ticket items, like vacations…
Read MoreDividend Investing Perfected with Self-Made Dividends (Canadian Financial Summit 2023)
In the vast landscape of personal finance, dividend investing has carved out a significant niche. Whether you’re browsing through countless blogs or hearing investment advisors champion its benefits, it’s clear that dividend investing is a popular choice, especially with the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) community. However, a closer look reveals that almost all the advantages claimed for dividend investing are not actually true. In this blog post, YouTube video and podcast episode with Barry Choi, we’ll fact-check the advantages of dividend investing, explain how it is a brain fart, and introduce an alternative that is better in every way: Self-Made Dividends.…
Read MoreSmith Manoeuvre In A Financial Plan & The New OSFI Rules (Canadian Financial Summit 2023)
The Smith Manoeuvre is an efficient strategy to use your home equity to invest for your future without using your cash flow, while converting your mortgage into a tax-deductible debt. This method is known for its effectiveness in enhancing financial plans and can bridge the gap to achieving your retirement goals. New OSFI Mortgage Rules If you do the Smith Manoeuvre, understanding the new OSFI mortgage rules is crucial. Recent changes to mortgage regulations by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) have introduced new constraints on readvanceable mortgages (CLPs). Here’s what you need to know: As OSFI notes, while…
Read MoreHow To Design Your Retirement Income: An Overview (Canadian Financial Summit 2023)
With the Canadian Financial Summit coming up at the end of October, I wanted to share over the next few weeks some videos that Summit attendees watched last year. When you register you get access to talks like these, plus a myriad of other speakers who are some of Canada’s top financial experts. I’ll be promoting the Summit and giving away free tickets too! // When it comes to retirement, it’s crucial to get the big picture right before diving into the details. Setting up your retirement income involves more than just ticking boxes; it requires a strategic approach to ensure you’re…
Read MoreTake Control of Your Finances in One Step
Most people struggle with money. It might feel like you’re the only one who doesn’t have it all figured out, but trust me, you’re not alone. Over the last two months, I’ve had countless conversations with individuals just like you who are grappling with various financial concerns. Let me share some of the common worries I’ve heard: Take Control of Your Finances in One Step – Get Your Financial Plan If any of these questions sound familiar, you’re not alone. Many people feel lost when it comes to their finances. The good news is, there’s a single step you can take to…
Read MoreMid-Year Insights 2024: Timeless Truths, Market Observations, and Practice Updates
Here are three key insights that I believe are essential for navigating the rest of the year and beyond. These insights are grounded in the principles that have guided our successful financial planning and investment strategies. The three key areas: Some timeless truths that guide our financial planning, a few observations on the markets so far this year, and an update on what we’re doing in our practice to keep you on track toward your financial goals. In my latest video, podcast and blog post you’ll learn: Timeless Financial Principles At the core of our approach is a steadfast commitment to being…
Read More