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Plain English Finance

Tré Bynoe CFP®, CIM®

34 episodes

2 days ago

Most Canadian parents know about RESPs, but few use them to their full potential. In this episode, Tré exposes the common RESP mistakes that cost families thousands and shows you how to actually make the most of this powerful tool. You’ll learn how to maximize government grants, why timing matters more than you think, and how RESP investing can be a stealthy tax strategy. Plus, Tré explains why helping your kids should never come at the cost of your own retirement. What you’ll learn: How RESP...

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Most Canadian parents know about RESPs, but few use them to their full potential. In this episode, Tré exposes the common RESP mistakes that cost families thousands and shows you how to actually make the most of this powerful tool. You’ll learn how to maximize government grants, why timing matters more than you think, and how RESP investing can be a stealthy tax strategy. Plus, Tré explains why helping your kids should never come at the cost of your own retirement. What you’ll learn: How RESP...

Show more...

Episodes (20/34)

Plain English Finance

Ep. 33 | RESPs: Free Money for Your Kid’s Future (If You Use It Right)

Most Canadian parents know about RESPs, but few use them to their full potential. In this episode, Tré exposes the common RESP mistakes that cost families thousands and shows you how to actually make the most of this powerful tool. You’ll learn how to maximize government grants, why timing matters more than you think, and how RESP investing can be a stealthy tax strategy. Plus, Tré explains why helping your kids should never come at the cost of your own retirement. What you’ll learn: How RESP...

2 days ago

33 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 32 | How to Build Credit in Canada: Equifax and TransUnion Guide

In this episode, Tré breaks down how credit scores work in Canada using best practices given directly from Equifax and TransUnion. Using information straight from Equifax and TransUnion, he explains exactly what goes into your score and how to build it the right way. Whether you’re starting out or trying to repair your credit, this episode will help you make smarter decisions that lenders actually care about. What you'll learn: The five real factors that impact your credit score (and what doe...

1 week ago

34 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 31 | Your Financial Order of Operations When Starting a Business in Canada

In this episode, Tré lays out the clear financial steps to follow if you’re thinking about starting a business in Canada. If you’re a Canadian professional or aspiring business owner, this episode is your practical roadmap. You’ll learn why understanding cash flow, separating your identity from the business, and using debt efficiently aren’t optional—they’re foundational. What you'll learn: Why learning basic financial skills beats chasing business trendsThe difference between sel...

2 weeks ago

27 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 30 | Teachers — How to Retire Without Mistakes

Teaching comes with one of the best pensions in Canada. But that doesn’t mean your retirement is “set and forget.” In this episode, Tré walks through the financial decisions every teacher needs to get right—before and after retiring. Defined benefit pensions reduce your investment risk but create planning traps if you don’t understand tax brackets, withdrawal timing, and how your income really works in retirement. If you’re a teacher or married to one, this episode is essential listening. Wha...

3 weeks ago

34 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 29 | Stop Guessing: The Employee's Guide to Financial Order of Operations

Most employees guess their way through financial decisions. That leads to debt, missed opportunities, and slow progress. In this episode, Tré lays out a clear, step-by-step plan for employees who want better results and are willing to do the work. You'll learn which financial decisions matter most and in what order — so you can stop guessing and start building real financial momentum. This episode is for Canadian professionals who want to take control, avoid costly mistakes, and use their inc...

1 month ago

29 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 28 | The Smart Path to Buying Into Your Firm

In this episode of Plain English Finance, host Tré Bynoe, CFP®, CIM®, breaks down the step-by-step plan for professionals thinking about buying into their firm — lawyers, engineers, accountants, and doctors alike. Tré explains how to build your finances in the right order so you’re ready when the chance to buy in comes. From mastering personal spending to building a non-registered account and structuring your debt for tax savings, this episode lays out a simple roadmap for professionals who w...

1 month ago

29 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 27 | Case Study: What Comes After “We’re On Track”?

In this episode of Plain English Finance, Tré Bynoe, CFP®, CIM® walks through a real-life case study (with names changed) to explore what happens when you’ve already “made it” — when your retirement savings are on track, your debt is under control, and your financial plan is stable. Tré and Sierra unpack the next stage of wealth building: turning a strong foundation into long-term flexibility and opportunity. They discuss how to transition from saving for retirement to managing money for life...

1 month ago

38 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 26 | Investing Basics: Understanding Risk

In this episode of Plain English Finance, Tré Bynoe, CFP®, CIM® breaks down the foundations of smart investing. Joined by Sierra, he walks through the same conversation he has with every new client — what “risk” really means, why most people misunderstand it, and how to build a portfolio that matches both your goals and your comfort level. Tré explains how to think about equity versus fixed income, why the U.S. still dominates global markets, and how to stay calm through inevitable market dro...

1 month ago

42 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 25 | The 4% Fallacy: Why Lazy Planning Hurts Clients

Some financial planners still use the same flat “4% return” rate for every client’s retirement plan. Tré and Sierra explain why that’s not just inaccurate—it’s unprofessional. In this candid episode, Tré shares what happened at a due diligence event that left him frustrated with the industry’s bad habits. You’ll learn why using made-up assumptions leads to misleading plans, what FP Canada actually requires, and how real professionals base projections on evidence, not convenience. This episode...

1 month ago

45 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 24 | Should You Incorporate? What Canadians Should Know

Should you incorporate your business, or stick with a sole proprietorship? In this episode, Tré and Sierra unpack what a corporation really is, how it works, and why it’s one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available to Canadians. Tré explains the real advantages—legal protection, tax efficiency, and control over income timing—while also calling out the pitfalls that sink small business owners who treat their corporations like personal piggy banks. Whether you’re a freelancer, prof...

2 months ago

42 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 23 | The Real Purpose of Insurance

Most people think insurance is for “what if I die?” scenarios—but that’s not the real risk. In this episode, Tré and Sierra break down how smart families and business owners actually manage risk. From life insurance to disability and liability coverage, Tré explains how to identify what’s truly at stake—your ability to earn, live, and protect your family’s future—and how to match your coverage to your real financial needs. You’ll learn the difference between guessing and planning, and why ove...

2 months ago

49 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 22 | Buy Now, Regret Later.

“Buy now, pay later” sounds harmless. Four easy payments, no interest, and you’re done. But in this episode, Tré and Sierra Bynoe break down why services like Klarna are anything but free. They uncover how BNPL programs encourage overspending, trap users in hidden fees, and target the most financially vulnerable. From financing groceries to making payments on a coffee, this trend is reshaping how young Canadians use debt—and not for the better. Tré explains why “borrowing from your future sel...

2 months ago

31 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 21 | The Right Way to Use Your TFSA

“Tax-Free Savings Account” is a bad name. It’s an investment account, not a savings jar. In this episode, Tré explains what the TFSA really is, how to use it properly, and how it fits with your RRSP. You’ll learn the real contribution rules (including why withdrawals don’t reset until January 1), why TFSA room is more valuable than a one-time tax break, and the estate move that can add six figures of lifelong tax-free space for your spouse. You’ll learn TFSA vs RRSP—what actually differ...

2 months ago

36 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 20 | Compounding, Inflation, and Stock Splits — Made Simple

Want a $40,000 car but only pay $10K out of pocket? That’s the power of understanding time, interest, and inflation. In this episode, Tré and Sierra are joined by his in-laws to break down the basics of financial math using an online calculator and show how these “boring” numbers can radically change your financial future. This real conversation about how money grows, why debt costs more than you think, and how to use tools that anyone can access will give you an inside look into conversation...

3 months ago

41 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 19 | How to Leave Money to Your Kids Without Screwing Them Up

Most wills don’t plan for reality. They ignore messy family dynamics, future kids, or the financial chaos that hits when parents die unexpectedly. In this episode, Tré Bynoe, CFP, CIM, shares how he and his wife structured their own estate plan — trusts, wills, tax strategy, and all — with ruthless clarity and long-term thinking. This is what real estate planning looks like when you understand the stakes and want your family protected without enabling financial disaster. You’ll learn: Why mos...

3 months ago

29 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 18 | Why RRSPs Are Overrated (Unless You Know What You’re Doing)

Most Canadians treat RRSPs like a retirement silver bullet, and most are using them wrong. In this episode, Tré explains why Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) are powerful tools only when used strategically. He breaks down what RRSPs actually are, how they affect your taxes, and why the way most people use them could hurt their retirement. This episode is essential if you’ve ever contributed just to get a tax refund — or if no one’s explained what happens when you take the money out...

3 months ago

43 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 17 | How to Give More to Charity and Pay Less Tax

Want to support a cause and cut your tax bill? This episode is for you. Tré explains how to give to charity in a smarter, more tax-efficient way — without spending more out of pocket. Whether you're tithing, giving to local rescues, or donating to major organizations, there’s a better way than cash or cheques. The key? Donating appreciated investments. You’ll learn: Why giving securities instead of cash saves you taxHow to turn capital gains into tax-free donationsThe role of CanadaHelps and ...

3 months ago

24 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 16 | Why Most Canadians Miss Out on Free Money Through RDSPs

https://www.rdsp.com/calculator/ - Link Most Canadians eligible for the RDSP have never opened one. That’s a costly mistake. In this episode, Tré breaks down why the Registered Disability Savings Plan is one of the most powerful but underused tools available to Canadians with disabilities. If you or someone you care about qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit, this account could be life-changing. Even with zero personal contributions, low-income Canadians can receive up to $20,000 from the ...

4 months ago

27 minutes

Plain English Finance

Ep. 15 | How Tré Invests — And What Most Investors Get Wrong

Most Canadians think investing is about picking the right stock, timing the markets, or chasing returns. It’s not. In this episode, Tré breaks down exactly how he manages his own investment portfolio, and why simplicity, tax-efficiency, and a clear philosophy matter far more than hot tips or flashy products. If you're a DIY investor, a skeptical professional, or someone overwhelmed by jargon, this episode will ground you in what actually works. You’ll learn: Why Tré uses low-cost, globally di...

4 months ago

1 hour

Plain English Finance

Ep. 14 | Budgeting on $400K+: Why High Income Doesn’t Equal Wealth

Earning over $400,000 a year puts you in a privileged position, but it also comes with bigger decisions, bigger risks, and bigger tax bills. In this episode, Tré breaks down how high earners can avoid the most common financial pitfalls and finally shift from focusing on income to building lasting wealth. This episode is for professionals, business owners, and executives who are in—or approaching—high-income territory and want to avoid lifestyle creep, inefficient tax planning, and financial r...

4 months ago

41 minutes