EP 9: How Closing the Profit Gap Can Boost Your Business Exit Value
Your Retirement Planning Simplified
Release Date: 09/02/2025
EP # 168 | Plugging the Leaks: How to Free Up Hidden Cashflow Before Retirement
Your Retirement Planning Simplified
Even in retirement, small expenses can quietly drain your income — until you take a closer look. In this episode, Joe Curry shares how a simple personal cashflow audit saved him over $2,000 a year and outlines practical steps retirees can use to find — and fix — their own hidden money leaks. Perfect for Canadians focused on tax-efficient retirement income planning and smarter spending. Key Takeaways Small leaks sink big ships — even in retirement. Performing a personal cashflow audit can uncover significant amounts in annual savings. Subscriptions add up fast. Many retirees pay...
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EP # 167 | Retirement Planning Simplified — Why Simplicity is the Ultimate Strategy
Your Retirement Planning Simplified
Even high-net-worth retirees can fall into the trap of financial complexity, with multiple accounts, different advisors, and no clear strategy. In this episode, Joe Curry explains why simplifying your financial life can create more control, smarter tax planning, and greater peace of mind. Learn how coordination, clarity, and a single cohesive plan can strengthen your retirement income strategy. Key Takeaways Complexity creates confusion and missed opportunities. When investments are scattered across institutions, it’s hard to see the big picture — leading to inefficiency and...
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EP # 166 | Cybersecurity for Retirees: Protecting Your Digital Wealth
Your Retirement Planning Simplified
In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry unpacks essential cybersecurity lessons for retirees, based on insights from expert Darren Mar, Director of Client Solutions at NPC Dataguard, who recently led an informative cybersecurity webinar for clients of Joe’s firm, Matthews + Associates. Learn how to protect your retirement savings, personal data, and peace of mind from online threats with simple, practical steps that safeguard your digital and financial life. Key Takeaways Cybersecurity is part of retirement security. Your wealth, identity, and digital...
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EP # 165 | Why You Might Want to Take CPP at 60 (Even If the Math Says Otherwise)
Your Retirement Planning Simplified
When it comes to CPP timing, the math often says “wait until 70” - but life isn’t lived in a spreadsheet. In this episode, Joe Curry explores why taking your Canada Pension Plan early—sometimes even at 60—can be a smart, meaningful choice for your lifestyle, legacy, and peace of mind. Key Takeaways from this Podcast CPP timing isn’t just about math — it’s about meaning. The “optimal” financial choice may not be the one that helps you live your best retirement. Taking CPP early can increase flexibility. Early benefits can fund experiences, family gifts, or charitable...
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EP # 164 | How to Evaluate Investment Performance in Retirement
Your Retirement Planning Simplified
Wondering if your retirement portfolio is really performing well? In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry explains why comparing your portfolio to indexes like the TSX or S&P 500 can be misleading. Learn how to evaluate investment performance based on your personal goals, asset mix, and income needs — not on market headlines. Key Takeaways from this Episode Stop Comparing to the TSX. Your retirement portfolio is designed for stability and income, not for competing with stock indexes built for accumulation. Diversification Is the Real Benchmark. A...
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EP # 163 | The 5.5 Guaranteed Retirement Income Sources Every Canadian Should Understand
Your Retirement Planning Simplified
In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe breaks down the five and a half guaranteed retirement income sources every Canadian should understand—from CPP and OAS to pensions and annuities. Learn how to build a dependable retirement income floor so you can retire with confidence and weather any market conditions. Key Takeaways from this Episode Defined Benefit Pensions – A disappearing but powerful guaranteed income source, backed by employers or plan sponsors. Know your plan’s funding health and inflation protection. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) – One of...
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EP # 162 | Understanding RRIF Withdrawal Rules and Building a Tax-Smart Retirement Plan
Your Retirement Planning Simplified
Most retirees view mandatory RIF withdrawals as a tax trap—but what if they’re actually a strategic advantage? In this episode, Joe Curry explains how smart RIF planning can reduce lifetime taxes, protect OAS and government benefits, and even help grow wealth. Learn how to use income smoothing, tax brackets, and the three-bucket strategy to master retirement income planning. Key Takeaways · RIF withdrawals aren’t a punishment—they’re part of a tax-deferred system designed for the decumulation phase of retirement. ...
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EP # 161 | Redefining Retirement for High Achievers: Identity, Purpose, and Structure After Work
Your Retirement Planning Simplified
What if the hardest part of retirement isn’t money, markets, or even health but your identity? In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry talks with Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, retirement transition expert and author of Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement. Elizabeth shares her own story of leaving a demanding law career, struggling with a loss of purpose, and rebuilding her identity in a way that now helps others do the same. Together, Joe and Elizabeth talk about why retirement is more than a finish line, it's a reinvention. Check out the show...
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EP # 160 | Retirement and Sudden Death: Psychological and Physical Risks to Know
Your Retirement Planning Simplified
What happens when someone finally retires only to pass away months later? In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe talks about the surprising connection between retirement, health, and longevity. This isn’t doom and gloom, it’s a wake-up call to design a retirement that’s not just long-lasting, but meaningful. Check out the show notes for .
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EP # 159 | Financial Psychology for Retirees
Your Retirement Planning Simplified
In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry talks with Dr. Meghaan Lurtz, a financial psychology professor at Kansas State University. They explore why money decisions in retirement are often driven by emotions, not just numbers. You’ll learn how to handle common retirement worries, manage money disagreements with your spouse, and build healthier money habits through intentional spending. She also explains “money scripts”,the hidden beliefs shaping your financial behavior, and how financial planners can support more than just investments. Check out the show...
info_outlineWhat if you could add a million dollars to your business without selling a single extra unit or finding new clients?
In this episode of Business and Exit Planning Simplified, Joe talks about the profit gap, the silent drain that lowers your business value.
He explains what the profit gap is, how to measure it, and simple steps you can take to close it. You’ll learn why buyers care about profit more than revenue, how higher margins increase both your income today and your future sale price, and why cleaning up your finances makes your company more attractive.
Whether you’re planning to exit in 1 year or 10 years, closing the profit gap is one of the fastest ways to increase business value and secure your retirement.
Here’s what you’re in for:
00:00 Identifying the profit gap
02:57 How to close the profit gap
06:36 Why normalizing financials matters
10:21 Strategies to increase profitability
14:27 Final thoughts and next steps
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ABOUT JOE CURRY
Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.
You can reach out to Joe through:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe
Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/
https://matthewsandassociates.ca/
ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED
The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
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Disclaimer:
Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.