Evolution of Index Investing in Canada

The chapter discusses the growth of index funds and ETF availability in Canada, the origin of the Canadian Couch Potato blog, and the evolution of the couch potato model portfolios over time. It also touches on the differences in investment opportunities between American and Canadian investors, cultural influences on investment choices, and the slower adoption of index investing in Canada compared to the US.

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When it comes to DIY investing, there’s always a temptation to make things more complicated than they need to be. But, in reality, embracing simplicity is one of the best ways to ensure good investment outcomes. Today’s episode features an exceptional conversation with our long-time friend and colleague, Dan Bortolotti, who has worked alongside us as an Portfolio Manager at PWL Capital for over ten years. Some of our Canadian listeners might recognize Dan as the man behind the Canadian Couch Potato blog (one of the most popular resources for Canadian investors) and the voice behind the Canadian Couch Potato podcast. Dan is a consummate communicator, both on paper and in person; beyond his extensive blogging, he has also written a number of books, both fiction and non-fiction, the most recent of which includes Reboot Your Portfolio: 9 Steps to Successful Investing with ETFs. Dan has played a pivotal role in making PWL Capital what it is today, and in this episode, we learn about his surprising journey to becoming an advisor, before hearing his wide-ranging insights on DIY investing. Dan breaks down key components for investors, from how to approach your asset allocation and picking index funds to navigating fees, taxes, and performance. We also discuss how the investing landscape has changed since Dan started writing and essential lessons he has learned over the years. To hear all about investing from the Canadian Couch Potato himself, be sure to tune in for this expansive conversation!

Key Points From This Episode:

(0:03:52) The origin story of the Canadian Couch Potato blog, by Dan Bortolotti.

(0:08:17) How the availability of index funds in Canada has changed since Dan started writing about them in 2010, and his role in the index fund revolution.

(0:10:01) Why Canadians have been slower to adopt index funds than Americans.

(0:12:09) How the model portfolios on his site have changed over time.

(0:14:20) Why simplicity is so important to a good investment outcome.

(0:16:38) The biggest obstacle Dan has observed when it comes to successful investing.

(0:19:40) Advice on how to approach decisions around stocks, bonds, and asset allocation.

(0:24:34) How to select the ideal ETF or index fund to express your asset allocation.

(0:27:22) Some of the ways that Dan’s views have changed since starting the Couch Potato portfolio, and the evolution of his blog.

(0:31:46) Why you should be clear on your financial goals before investing and the importance of saving rate relative to fees and performance.

(0:37:32) Understanding the value of financial advice if we consider investing to be effectively solved by low-cost ETF mutual funds.

(0:40:23) Why it’s so important to close the gap between providing a financial plan and implementing it.

(0:43:25) What surprised Dan about his clients during his transition from blogger to advisor, and what he has learned about earning his clients’s trust.

(0:48:22) Dan’s thoughts on how people should make the decision between DIY investing or hiring an advisor, and what people should look for in a financial advisor.

(0:55:46) The story of how Dan connected with PWL Capital and the key ways he has helped shape the company.

Links From Today’s Episode:

Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/

Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/

Rational Reminder on X — https://twitter.com/RationalRemind

Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/

Rational Reminder Email — info@rationalreminder.caBenjamin Felix — https://www.pwlcapital.com/author/benjamin-felix/

Benjamin on X — https://twitter.com/benjaminwfelix

Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/

Cameron Passmore — https://www.pwlcapital.com/profile/cameron-passmore/

Cameron on X — https://twitter.com/CameronPassmore

Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/