Business & Exit Planning Simplified

Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/business-owners/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS & 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.

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.

Ep 23: What 4,400 Business Sales Reveal About a Successful Exit, with Gregory Kovsky

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:15:00 -0400

In this episode, Joe Curry sits down with veteran business broker Gregory Kovsky to unpack what really drives business value and successful exits. They explore business valuation, deal structure, due diligence, and how to prepare your company for sale without stress. If you’re thinking about selling your business as part of your retirement income planning, this conversation is essential listening.

Resources

ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/business-owners/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS & EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

DISCLAIMER

Ep 22: Stop Leaving Money on the Table: How to Sell Your Business the Right Way, with Ted Jenkin

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:15:00 -0400

In this episode of Business & Exit Planning Simplified, Joe Curry sits down with serial entrepreneur Ted Jenkin to unpack what really drives business value and why most owners shouldn’t try to sell alone. They discuss exit planning strategy, valuation multiples, recurring revenue, and how to prepare years in advance to avoid costly mistakes. If your retirement income plan depends on selling your business, this conversation is essential listening.

Resources

Ted Jenkin
Exit Stage Left Advisors
Two-Year Exit Planning Checklist (available via Exit Stage Left Advisors)

ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/business-owners/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS & EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

DISCLAIMER

Ep 21: Five Years to Go: What to Fix Now So You Don’t Regret Your Exit Later

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:15:00 -0400

If you’re a Canadian service-based business owner within five years of stepping back, this episode walks you through a practical exit and retirement income planning framework. Joe Curry explains how to align your business value, tax strategy, and personal retirement plan so you can become work optional — without regrets or last-minute pressure.

ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/business-owners/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS & EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

DISCLAIMER

Ep 20: Why Most Business Owners Overestimate Their Exit. How to Avoid a Costly Wake-Up Call

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:15:00 -0400

Many business owners assume their business sale will fund retirement—but most overestimate what their business is actually worth. In this episode of Business and Exit Planning Simplified, Joe Curry explains why 80% of businesses never sell, the real drivers of business value, and how exit planning must be integrated with retirement income planning to avoid costly surprises.

ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

https://retirementplanningsimplified.ca/blog

Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/business-owners/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS & EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

DISCLAIMER

Ep 19: The Five Ds: Why Most Business Owners Exit Before They’re Ready

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:15:00 -0400

Most business owners don’t plan to exit suddenly — but life often has other plans. In this episode, Joe Curry breaks down the Five Ds of exit planning and explains how divorce, disagreement, disability, distress, and death can force unplanned exits if you’re not prepared.

RESOURCES

Exit Planning Institute Blog: How to Protect Your Business from the 5 D’s – you can find the link to download the 5 D’s infographic at the bottom of this blog post

Exit Planning Basics for Business Owners

Explore Joe’s Previous Business & Exit Planning Simplified Podcast Episodes on the 8 Key Drivers of Business Value

ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/business-owners/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS & EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

DISCLAIMER

Ep 18: The Three Legs of Exit Planning: Business, Personal, and Financial

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:15:00 -0400

A successful business exit takes more than a great sale price. In this episode, Joe Curry explains the three critical legs of exit planning—business readiness, personal readiness, and financial readiness—and why overlooking any one of them can derail your retirement. Learn how to exit your business with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Resources

True Wealth Roadmap™ Process – Aligning business exit proceeds with retirement income and legacy goals

Retirement Planning Simplified Podcast Blog – Related insights from Joe’s retirement focused podcast

Explore Joe’s Previous Business & Exit Planning Simplified Podcast Episodes on the 8 Key Drivers of Business Value:

ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/business-owners/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS & EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

DISCLAIMER

Ep 17: Why Owner Independence Is the Key to a Sellable Business | Hub & Spoke Explained

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:15:00 -0400

In this final episode of the Eight Drivers of Business Value series, Joe Curry explains why the hub and spoke model is one of the biggest threats to business value and exit success. Learn how reducing owner dependence can increase valuation, reduce buyer risk, and create a business that’s easier — and more enjoyable — to run.

Resources

Traction by Gino Wickman
Eight Drivers of Business Value eBook - available by request via info@retirementplanningsimplified.ca
Explore Joe’s Previous Business & Exit Planning Simplified Podcast Episodes on the 8 Key Drivers of Business Value
Ep 10: How Clean Financials Boost Business Value and Improve Exit Terms
Ep 11: Boosting Your Company’s Valuation: Strategies for Highlighting Growth Potential
Ep 12: Reducing Dependency Risk to Maximize Business Value and Attract Buyers
Ep 13: The Valuation Teeter Totter: How Working Capital Impacts What Your Business Is Worth
Ep 14: The Power of Predictability: Why Recurring Revenue Drives Higher Business Valuation
Ep 15: Monopoly Control: How to Carve Out a Niche So Strong You Can Set the Price
Ep 16: How to Boost Business Value Through Client Loyalty and Feedback

ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/business-owners/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS & EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

DISCLAIMER

Ep 16: How to Boost Business Value Through Client Loyalty and Feedback

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:15:00 -0400

Customer satisfaction isn’t just good business — it’s a core driver of company value when you eventually exit. In this episode, Joe Curry breaks down how loyal, engaged clients make your business more transferable, why buyers rely on data (not assumptions), and what simple systems you can put in place today to increase your valuation.

Resources

· Learn more about The Value Builder System and its eight key drivers of company value

· Explore Joe’s Previous Business & Exit Planning Simplified Podcast Episodes on the 8 Key Drivers of Business Value

ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

Ep 10: How Clean Financials Boost Business Value and Improve Exit Terms

Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/business-owners/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS & EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

DISCLAIMER

Ep 15: Monopoly Control: How to Carve Out a Niche So Strong You Can Set the Price

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:15:00 -0400

In this episode, Joe Curry breaks down how business owners can achieve monopoly control—not by eliminating competition, but by becoming the only obvious choice for their ideal clients. Learn how narrowing your focus, deepening your expertise, and creating an integrated client experience can help you command premium pricing, improve margins, and grow your company’s value before exit.

Key Takeaways

Monopoly control isn’t about having no competition — it’s about being the only logical choice for your target clients because of your unique positioning and value.

Specialization creates pricing power. When you go deep into a niche, you stop competing on price and start setting it.

Build systems and intellectual property that make your process hard to replicate and your business indispensable to clients.

Integrated client experiences create dependency. Make your services so valuable and embedded that switching feels like a downgrade.

The result is higher EBITDA and valuation. By tightening your focus and strengthening your moat, you increase both profit and buyer appeal.

Resources

Learn more about The Value Builder System and its eight key drivers of company value
Explore Joe’s Previous Business & Exit Planning Simplified Podcast Episodes on the 8 Key Drivers of Business Value:

Ep 11: Boosting Your Company’s Valuation: Strategies for Highlighting Growth Potential

Ep 12: Reducing Dependency Risk to Maximize Business Value and Attract Buyers

Ep 13: The Valuation Teeter Totter: How Working Capital Impacts What Your Business Is Worth

Ep 14: The Power of Predictability: Why Recurring Revenue Drives Higher Business Valuation

ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/business-owners/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS & EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

DISCLAIMER

Ep 14: The Power of Predictability: Why Recurring Revenue Drives Higher Business Valuation

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:15:00 -0400

Most business owners focus on top-line sales — but buyers care about predictability. In this episode of Business & Exit Planning Simplified, Joe Curry breaks down why recurring revenue is one of the eight key drivers of a valuable business and how even service-based companies can create stable, dependable income streams that boost both business value and peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

Predictable income increases business value.

Buyers pay more for businesses with stable, recurring cash flow because it reduces risk and signals reliability.

Recurring revenue isn’t just for tech companies.

From cleaning services to barbershops, any service business can build repeat income with creativity.

Memberships and subscriptions drive loyalty.

Regular, ongoing customer relationships smooth revenue and strengthen retention.

Simple shifts make a big difference.

Retainer models or maintenance contracts can transform one-time sales into sustainable income streams.

It’s not just about selling someday.

Predictable revenue makes running your business easier, less stressful, and more resilient — whether you sell or keep it.

Resources

Matthews + Associates Business Owner Advisory Services
Previous Business & Exit Planning Simplified Podcast Episodes on the 8 Key Drivers of Business Value
Ep 10: How Clean Financials Boost Business Value and Improve Exit Terms
Ep 11: Boosting Your Company’s Valuation: Strategies for Highlighting Growth Potential
Ep 12: Reducing Dependency Risk to Maximize Business Value and Attract Buyers
Ep 13: The Valuation Teeter Totter: How Working Capital Impacts What Your Business Is Worth

ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

https://matthewsandassociates.ca

Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/business-owners/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS & EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

DISCLAIMER

Ep 13: The Valuation Teeter Totter: How Working Capital Impacts What Your Business Is Worth

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:15:00 -0400

In this episode of Business & Exit Planning Simplified, Joe Curry breaks down the “valuation teeter-totter” — a simple but powerful concept showing how your business’s cash requirements directly impact its value. Learn three practical strategies to free up working capital, improve cash flow, and make your company more attractive to buyers when planning your business exit.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Understand the Valuation Teeter-Totter: The more cash your business needs to operate day to day, the less it’s worth to potential buyers — and vice versa.

Accelerate Receivables: Get paid faster for the value you deliver. Introducing deposits, strategy fees, or retainers can improve cash flow and strengthen client relationships.

Extend Payables: Negotiate longer payment terms with vendors to preserve your working capital without damaging key relationships.

Optimize Inventory: For product-based businesses, reduce excess stock and align ordering cycles with real demand to free up tied capital.

Boost Business Value Before Exit: Simple cash flow improvements can significantly increase your company’s valuation and make it more appealing to serious buyers.

CALL TO ACTION

Book: Money Models by Alex Hormozi — frameworks for building cash flow and pricing structures. The first 20 listeners can request a free copy of Money Models by emailing info@retirementplanningsimplified.ca

ABOUT JOE CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast, and Your Retirement Planning Simplified podcast, 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://matthewsandassociates.ca/vsl/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS & EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

DISCLAIMER

EP 12: Reducing Dependency Risk to Maximize Business Value and Attract Buyers

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:15:00 -0400

What happens to your business if your top customer walks away, your main supplier raises prices, or your key employee quits? In this episode, Joseph Curry explains how dependency risk — relying too much on one customer, supplier, or person — can quietly destroy your business value and limit your ability to sell.

You’ll learn about the Switzerland Structure, one of the 8 Drivers of Company Value, and how building neutrality and independence into your business can make it more resilient, transferable, and attractive to buyers.

This video is part of our ongoing series on the 8 Drivers of Company Value, designed to help Canadian business owners increase the value and saleability of their businesses — whether your goal is to exit soon or simply build a stronger, more independent company.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro: What happens if your key customer leaves?

00:40 – What is dependency risk?

01:20 – The Switzerland Structure explained

02:25 – Key indicators: customer, supplier, and employee dependence

03:40 – How dependency risk affects your business valuation

04:15 – Examples: Tesla’s supplier diversification

04:55 – Netflix and content independence

05:40 – What buyers look for in resilient companies

06:10 – How to reduce risk: customer diversification, supplier redundancy, SOPs

07:00 – Real-world implications for deal structure and valuation

08:10 – Recap: Why independence = higher value

08:45 – How to find your Value Builder Score

09:10 – Closing: Next driver of company value

YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:

- Dependency risk can lower your valuation, even if profits look great.

- The Switzerland Structure helps your business run independently of any one stakeholder.

- Aim for no single customer to make up more than 15–20% of your revenue.

- Build supplier redundancy — think of it as supply chain insurance.

- Cross-train employees and document SOPs to reduce “key person” risk.

- Learn from examples like Tesla (supplier diversification) and Netflix (content independence).

CALL TO ACTION

- Request your Value Builder Score: info@retirementplanningsimplified.ca

- Subscribe for more insights on building, protecting, and exiting your business

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: linkedin.com/in/curryjoe

Website:

https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

DISCLAIMER

EP 11: Boosting Your Company’s Valuation: Strategies for Highlighting Growth Potential

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:15:00 -0400

Do buyers pay more for past profits…or future growth?

In this episode, Joe explains the second driver of company value which is growth potential. Many business owners think they just need good profits to sell, but buyers want to know how much bigger the business can get after they buy it.

You’ll learn why showing growth opportunities like new markets, recurring revenue, or systematizing your process can boost your valuation. Joe also shares a simple example and practical strategies to highlight future growth, even if you don’t plan to execute them yourself.

You’ll learn about:

Why buyers care more about future growth than past performance
A real-world example of hidden growth opportunities
Easy ways to identify and package growth potential in your exit plan)

Remember: you don’t have to execute on every growth idea, you just need to show buyers the vision.

Here’s what you’re in for:

00:00 – Why growth potential feels like a double-edged sword

00:53 – How growth potential impacts what buyers will pay

01:21 – What growth potential means and how to spot it

03:14 – Real-life example:Sharon’s consulting firm

05:03 – Simple strategies to increase growth potential

08:12 – How to package growth opportunities for an exit

09:47 – Wrap-up

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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:

https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.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:

EP 10: How Clean Financials Boost Business Value and Improve Exit Terms

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:15:00 -0400

Would you trust your gut when selling your business or the real numbers that buyers look for?

In this episode of Business and Exit Planning Simplified Joe Curry starts a new series on the eight drivers of business value. The first one is financial performance.

Joe explains why buyers care more about clean and consistent financial records than a big sales story. He shares an example of how messy books and mixing personal spending with business expenses can scare buyers away. He also gives simple steps that make your business worth more when it is time to sell.

What you will learn in this episode:

Buyers want to see steady profit and clear financial records they can trust
Keeping personal and business expenses separate makes your business more valuable
Using a bookkeeper and regular reports can increase buyer confidence and improve your selling price

If you are a business owner thinking about selling one day your financial performance is the foundation of business value.

Here’s what you’re in for:

00:00 Understanding Business Valuation

00:29 The Importance of Financial Performance

01:42 Key Financial Metrics Buyers Look For

02:59 Case Study:Janet's Interior Design Firm

04:07 Steps to Improve Your Financial Performance

05:30 Building a Valuable Business

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ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

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Disclaimer:

EP 9: How Closing the Profit Gap Can Boost Your Business Exit Value

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:15:00 -0400

What 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

You can reach out to Joe through:

https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

https://www.robertgauvreau.com (Personal)

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

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Disclaimer:

EP 8: Exit-Ready: Structuring Your Business for a Profitable Sale, with Bob Gauvreau

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:15:00 -0400

Are you sure your business is set up to fund the retirement you want and leave the legacy you’ve worked so hard to build?

In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry and Lindsay talk with Bob Gauvreau, a successful entrepreneur who built an eight-figure professional services firm.

You’ll hear practical advice on tax strategies, maximizing your business value, and how to prepare your business for sale. He also explains the benefits of family trusts, how to handle family business succession, and why early planning is the key to a smooth transition.

Here’s what you’re in for:

00:00 – Introduction & Welcome

00:45 – Bob Gauvreau’s Entrepreneurial Journey

02:01 – Building an Eight-Figure Firm

03:38 – Retirement Planning for Business Owners

06:13 – Structuring a Business for Sale

09:51 – Family Trusts & Tax Planning

13:41 – Increasing Business Value Before Sale

18:26 – Family Business Succession Strategies

27:45 – Conclusion & How to Connect

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ABOUT BOB GAUVREAU

Bob Gauvreau is an entrepreneur, CPA, and founder of Gauvreau, an award-winning advisory firm dedicated to helping business owners thrive. Since 2008, he has redefined the traditional accounting model—offering tax strategy, compliance, legal services, bookkeeping, coaching, and financial planning—to empower entrepreneurs to use their finances as a true growth engine. Author of The Wealthy Entrepreneur and host of The Wealthy Entrepreneur Podcast, Bob is committed to reducing stress, increasing clarity, and helping business leaders build profitable, purposeful businesses they can be proud of.

You can reach out to Bob through:

LinkedIn: https://www.https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-gauvreau

Website: https://www.GauvreauCPA.ca (Company)

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ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

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Disclaimer:

EP 7: The Truth About the Value Gap and Growing Your Business

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:15:00 -0400

In this episode, Joe Curry starts with a tough question: Could your business be worth far less than you expect?

Most business owners believe boosting sales and profits is the only way to grow business value. But that’s only one piece of the puzzle.

What You’ll Learn:

What the value gap really is and why it matters
Why increasing revenue and profit isn’t enough
How factors like owner dependence, recurring revenue, and customer concentration affect your business value

Joe shares practical tips on how to make your business less risky, more scalable, and ultimately more valuable even if you're not planning to sell anytime soon.

Here’s what you’re in for:

00:00 Is Your Business Worth Less Than You Think?

01:20 Understanding the Value Gap

03:02 Key Drivers of Business Value

07:17 Practical Example Marketing Agency

09:21 Why Focusing on Value Matters

10:39 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

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ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

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Disclaimer:

EP 6: Salary vs Dividends: Optimizing Business Owner Payouts with Braden Warwick

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:15:00 -0400

How Should You Pay Yourself as a Business Owner? Salary, Dividends, or an IPP?

In this episode, Joe chats with Braden Warwick from PWL Capital about how business owners can pay themselves in the smartest way. They break down the pros and cons of taking a salary, dividends, or using an Individual Pension Plan (IPP), a lesser-known but powerful option.

Braden shares what he’s learned from co-authoring a paper with Ben Felix, and they talk through real-life examples. You'll learn how taxes play into each option, what “notional accounts” are (in simple terms), and how a flexible income plan could help you get the most from your money,both now and in retirement.

Here’s what you’re in for:

00:00 – Welcome and intro
00:24 – Meet Braden and his role at PWL
01:57 – What the research says about business owner pay
04:03 – Tax pros and cons of each method
08:46 – What are notional accounts, anyway?
13:02 – How IPPs work and who they’re good for
17:35 – Using a flexible salary strategy
25:49 – Final thoughts and where to learn more

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ABOUT BRADEN WARWICK

Braden Warwick is a PhD Research Engineer who loves turning complex research into practical, high-performing software. With a background in optimization, Monte Carlo and statistical analysis, and stochastic modeling, he’s passionate about solving tough problems and making data-driven tools that work in the real world. Braden has hands-on experience with GPU-accelerated simulations, parallel processing, and modern Python and JavaScript frameworks, bringing innovative ideas from theory to production.

You can reach out to Braden through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-warwick-a40b48a3

Website: https://www.bradenwarwick.ca (Personal)

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ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

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Disclaimer:

EP 5: Is Your Business Exit Plan Enough To Afford Your Retirement? Mind the Wealth Gap

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:15:00 -0400

How to Calculate Your Wealth Gap and Retire on Your Terms

If you sold your business tomorrow, would it fund your retirement? In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry breaks down how to calculate your “wealth gap”, the difference between what you need for financial independence and what you already have saved outside your business and home.

You’ll learn why this number is the foundation for both retirement and exit planning, how to use the 4% rule for back-of-the-napkin math, and what business owners can do today to close that gap and retire with confidence.

Here’s what you’re in for:

00:00 The Big Question About Retirement

01:50 Calculating Your Wealth Gap

02:07 Retirement Lifestyle Goals

02:52 Income from Investments: The 4% Rule

03:33 Considering Taxes in Your Wealth Gap

03:57 Assets and the Wealth Gap

04:45 Closing the Wealth Gap with Your Business

05:12 Financial Independence vs. Retirement

05:31 Reverse Engineering Your Business Sale

06:56 Example Walkthrough

08:13 The Importance of Early Exit Planning

09:50 Conclusion: Bridging Business and Retirement

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ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

https://calendly.com/aravind-sithamparapillai-ironwoodcanada/30min

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

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Disclaimer:

EP 4: The Overlooked CPP Strategy That Saves Business Owners Thousands with Aravind Sithamparapillai

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:15:00 -0400

How Should Business Owners Pay Themselves? Salary vs. Dividends

In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry sits down with financial expert Aravind Sithamparapillai to talk about how business owners should structure their compensation. They break down the pros and cons of salary versus dividends, how CPP (Canada Pension Plan) fits into retirement planning, and what business owners need to know about tax integration.

You’ll also hear about:

When paying into CPP can actually help you in retirement
How RRSPs compare to CPP as retirement tools
How to avoid OAS clawbacks
What to consider when clearing out notional accounts

Whether you’re a small business owner or incorporated professional, this episode helps you make informed decisions about your compensation and long-term financial goals.

Here’s what you’re in for:

00:00 – Intro

00:07 – Common business owner compensation strategies

01:09 – How tax integration works

03:28 – When to choose dividends vs. salary

07:01 – Is CPP a cost or a future benefit?

09:25 – Understanding employee vs. employer CPP contributions

20:42 – RRSPs vs. CPP for retirement planning

27:29 – How taxes and government benefits affect your strategy

30:24 – Wrap-up and where to learn more

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ABOUT ARAVIND SITHAMPARAPILLAI

Aravind Sithamparapillai is a motivated and collaborative professional who brings a competitive edge, a team-first mindset, and a strong belief in the value of authentic relationships. He’s driven not just to succeed, but to support those around him and create a positive, lasting impact. Known for his dedication and integrity, Aravind approaches every challenge with energy, empathy, and a commitment to excellence.

You can reach out to Aravind through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sithamparapillai

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ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

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Disclaimer:

EP 3: SDE VS EBITDA What's Business Worth?

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:15:00 -0400

In this quick but powerful episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry explains what every small business owner needs to know before selling a business, especially if retirement is getting close.

Joe breaks down two important terms you always hear:

EBITDA — used for bigger companies with management teams.
SDE (Seller’s Discretionary Earnings) — used for most owner-operated businesses under $5 million in revenue.

You’ll learn what buyers really look for, how to tell which number fits your business, and why it matters so much for your selling price.

Joe also shares the 8 big things that can increase your multiple — like having a good team, clear financial records, steady growth, happy customers, and not being too dependent on you as the owner.

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ What EBITDA and SDE mean (00:01)

✔️ Which one fits your business (01:20)

✔️ 8 ways to boost your value before you sell (02:27)

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ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

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Disclaimer:

EP 2: Tax Planning Opportunities and Pitfalls for Business Owners in 2024 With Matt Holmes, CPA

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:15:00 -0400

Are you a business owner approaching retirement or just starting to think about a future sale?

In this episode of Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe sits down with Matt Holmes, partner at Homes Riseleys CPA, to uncover the biggest mistakes business owners make when it comes to succession planning and selling their business and how to avoid them. He explains new tax rules for 2024 and how they can affect business sales, including updates to the capital gains exemption, AMT, and anti-avoidance legislation.

Matt brings decades of tax and structuring experience to this conversation covering everything from tax-saving strategies to real-life horror stories of owners who waited too long to plan.

Here’s what you’re in for:

00:00 Common Mistakes in Business Value Creation

04:26 Importance of Planning for Unexpected Sales

07:28 Successful Business Transitions

11:07 Structuring and Tax Advisory for Business Owners

20:34 Nuances of Selling to Family vs. Third Parties

25:30 New Rules and Legislation for 2024

32:48 Conclusion

ABOUT MATT HOLMES

Matt Holmes is a seasoned tax advisor with over 25 years of experience helping small to medium-sized business owners achieve their goals through tailored business, tax, and accounting strategies. A Chartered Accountant and graduate of Ryerson University, Matt specializes in corporate reorganizations, estate planning, and succession strategies for owner-managed businesses across industries like healthcare, real estate, and tech. His expertise lies in tax minimization and wealth maximization, particularly during business transitions, sales, and generational transfers.

You can reach out to Matt through:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-holmes-15294b14

Website: https://www.holmescpa.ca (Company)

ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

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Disclaimer:

EP 1: The 4 Types of Buyers

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:15:00 -0400

Thinking about selling your business? In this pilot episode, Joe Curry explains why many Canadian business owners struggle to sell—and how understanding the four main types of buyers can help you plan a smoother, more successful exit.

Joe breaks down the key differences between individual buyers, strategic buyers, financial buyers, and internal buyers (like family or employees). Each type of buyer comes with their own goals, expectations, and ways of doing deals.

Whether you're planning to retire soon or just thinking ahead, this episode will help you understand who your ideal buyer might be and how to prepare your business to sell for the best possible price.

Here’s what you’re in for:

00:49 – Why many businesses don’t sell

01:07 – The 4 types of business buyers

01:57 – Individual buyers: pros & cons

04:21 – Strategic buyers: pros & cons

07:32 – Financial buyers: pros & cons

10:04 – Internal buyers: pros & cons

13:11 – Why it’s important to know your buyer

14:16 – Wrap-up and next steps

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ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

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Disclaimer:

Business Exit Mastery Part 2: Avoid Pitfalls and Maximize Value with David Barnett

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 07:05:00 -0400

Thinking of selling your business as part of your retirement plan? Don’t list it like a house and hope for the best.

In this episode, David Barnett is back on the show. He's a business consultant, author, and former business broker. He breaks down exactly what it takes to prepare, structure, and sell a business successfully.

David shares the full process, from business valuation and preparing financials to crafting a buyer-ready business profile and navigating due diligence.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why you can’t just “decide to sell” overnight

✅ The documents and systems buyers need to see

✅ How to prepare for due diligence and increase sale value

Here's what you're in for:

0:17 Understanding the Business Selling Process

01:33 Preparing Your Business for Sale

03:55 Creating a Business Profile

06:15 Due Diligence Explained

13:50 Timeline and Planning for Sale

17:33 Transferring Goodwill and Delegation

22:59 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Learn why most businesses aren’t ready to sell, how to transfer goodwill from yourself to the company, and why exit planning is just good business strategy.

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ABOUT DAVID BARNETT

David Barnett is a seasoned expert in small and medium-sized enterprises, with a business degree from Bishop’s University and a background in e-commerce management. He has built a career spanning business brokerage, commercial finance, and consulting, helping entrepreneurs buy, sell, and grow their businesses. An Amazon best-selling author, Barnett continues to advise clients globally through his writing and advisory work.

You can reach out to David through:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbarnettmoncton

Website: https://www.DavidCBarnett.com (Blog)

https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com (Other)

ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

—-------------------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer:

Business Exit Mastery Part 1: Avoid Pitfalls and Maximize Value with David Barnett

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:45:00 -0400

In this episode, Joe is joined by David Barnett, a seasoned expert in buying and selling small businesses. If you’re thinking about selling your business—now or in the future—this one’s for you.

David shares the biggest slip-ups owners make when trying to sell, like overpricing based on emotion instead of cash flow, and not realizing what buyers actually look for. They also talk about ways to boost your business’s value before selling—like reducing owner dependence, managing customer concentration, and keeping your equipment in good shape.

Here’s what you’re in for:

00:00 Selling Your Business? Avoid These Costly Mistakes First

00:24 Meet Our Guest + What You’ll Learn in This Episode

02:13 The Most Common Pitfalls Owners Regret Too Late

08:36 What Buyers Really Want — And How to Use It to Your Advantage

12:44 Simple Ways to Boost Your Business’s Value Before Selling

20:33 Final Tips + Where to Learn More Before You Sell

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ABOUT DAVID BARNETT

You can reach out to David through:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbarnettmoncton

Website: https://www.DavidCBarnett.com (Blog)

https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com (Other)

ABOUT JOE CURRY

You can reach out to Joe through:

https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/