Weekly Round-Up -- May 7, 2026

Good morning! This week Dave welcomes back Mark McGrath for a thoughtful conversation on investing, retirement planning and why keeping things simple often leads to better financial outcomes. From all-in-one ETFs and the 4% rule to renting vs. owning and navigating online financial advice, Mark brings a practical, evidence-based perspective throughout.

Also this week: Part 3 of our “How to find a financial advisor” series is now live. Check that out along with some podcast highlights below.

PODCAST
Mark McGrath: All-in-One ETFs, Rent vs. Buy and Financial Trade-Offs

Our guest this episode is Mark McGrath — one of Canada's top voices on evidence-based personal finance and a returning guest from episode #12. Mark recently came out of semi-retirement to launch his own advice-only practice called Phynance which focuses on helping physicians with financial planning. He is also co-author of "Wealthier: The Investing Field Guide for Canadian Millennials."

In this episode, Dave and Mark dive into all-in-one ETFs and why simplicity often beats last-mile portfolio optimization for the typical Canadian. They also discuss the renting vs. buying debate as Mark’s family has recently decided to sell their house and become renters.

The conversation also explores the limits of the 4% rule, how safe withdrawal rates differ across countries, and whether retirees are more comfortable holding stocks today than they used to be. Along the way, Mark talks about calling out charlatans on Twitter and shares which personal finance opinions he has changed his mind on over the years.

Whether you're a DIY investor, a homeowner weighing your options, or anyone trying to cut through the noise of online personal finance commentary, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based perspective from one of Canada's most trusted financial voices. Tune in now on our website, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other podcasting platforms!

THROWBACK THURSDAY
All In or Ease In? The Best Way to Invest a Big Pile of Cash

⏪Throwback Thursday: Got a lump sum to invest? Watch this video.

“You’ve just come into some money! Woohoo! But now what? You want to invest it in equities for the long term, but do you put it all in immediately, or invest it slowly over time?”

INVESTING
How Do You Find the Right Financial Advisor? Part 3

Part 3: Dave shares how to actually choose the right financial advisor—from credentials to chemistry.

RETIREMENT PLANNING
Retirement Mistake: Risking Capital When You Don’t Have To

Dave and Fred Vettese explain why taking unnecessary risk in retirement can be a costly mistake.

RETIREMENT PLANNING
What The 4% Rule Leaves Out for Near-Retirees

Dave and Mark McGrath explain why the 4% rule is often misunderstood — and shouldn’t be treated as a plan.

RETIREMENT PLANNING
When Do Reverse Mortgages Make Sense in Retirement?

Fred Vettese breaks down when a reverse mortgage can make sense in retirement.

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