

The Rational Reminder Podcast
Benjamin Felix, Cameron Passmore, and Dan Bortolotti
A weekly reality check on sensible investing and financial decision-making, from three Canadians. Hosted by Benjamin Felix, Cameron Passmore, and Dan Bortolotti, Portfolio Managers at PWL Capital.
Episodes
Mentioned books

65 snips
Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 36min
Episode 321 - Evidence in Practice with Håkon Kavli
In this discussion, Håkon Kavli, CIO of Reitan Kapital, reveals insights into managing wealth for one of Norway's foremost families, emphasizing evidence-based investing. He explores portfolio optimization challenges and introduces unique asset classes like catastrophe bonds. The conversation also highlights a forthcoming investing conference in Norway. Joining him is Dan Bortolotti, who critiques the risks of concentrated tech investments, advocating for global diversification using the VEQT ETF as an example. Expect engaging advice for both newbies and seasoned investors!

Aug 29, 2024 • 54min
Episode 320 - Kyla Scanlon: In This Economy?!
Kyla Scanlon, a financial educator and content creator, breaks down complex economic concepts with a fresh and engaging approach. She discusses the significance of vibes in the economy and the housing market's implications on generational wealth. Kyla shares insights into the rise of meme-driven markets, particularly during the GameStop frenzy, and critiques the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency. Additionally, she highlights the disconnect between consumer sentiment and economic indicators, offering strategies to improve public perception during downturns.

14 snips
Aug 22, 2024 • 60min
Episode 319 - The Ultimate RRSP vs. TFSA Showdown
Dive into the debate between RRSPs and TFSAs, both key savings accounts for Canadians. Explore common misconceptions and discover surprising advantages of RRSPs. Delve into tax implications and learn how income and family size can influence your decision. The podcast uses advanced modeling tools to clarify complexities and provides practical scenarios for retirement planning. Unpack the long-term impacts of these accounts, while also touching on personal anecdotes about family life and the housing market.

Aug 15, 2024 • 46min
Episode 318 - Assia Billig: Is Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Sustainable?
Assia Billig, Canada's Chief Actuary since 2019, dives into the Canada Pension Plan's sustainability. She clarifies the financial mechanics behind the CPP and underscores its robustness, reassuring listeners that it's set for 75 years of stability. Assia discusses the rigorous assessments conducted every three years and highlights how demographic trends and climate change factor into financial projections. With her expert insights, she addresses public concerns, emphasizing the independent and analytical work that sustains this crucial retirement asset.

Aug 8, 2024 • 1h 23min
Episode 317 - An Economist's Perspective on Capital Gains Taxes with Kevin Milligan
Join Professor Kevin Milligan, an expert in public and labor economics from the University of British Columbia, as he navigates the complexities of Canada’s capital gains tax. He discusses how recent changes impact various income groups and the interplay between corporate and personal taxes. Milligan dives into the intriguing connections between income levels and life expectancy, revealing how socioeconomic factors affect health and financial planning. His insights shed light on the broader implications of tax policies for Canadians and economic equity.

35 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 44min
Episode 316 - Andrew Chen: "Is everything I was taught about cross-sectional asset pricing wrong?!"
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Chen, a Principal Economist at the Federal Reserve Board, dives into the complexities of asset pricing. He challenges traditional views, exploring the intricate dynamics of cross-sectional asset pricing predictors and the replication crisis in financial research. Andrew highlights his groundbreaking Open Source Asset Pricing project, emphasizing the need for high-quality data and transparency. The talk also touches on publication bias, transaction costs, and the evolving role of machine learning in identifying market anomalies—all crucial for refining investment strategies.

4 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 59min
Episode 315 - An Update from Avantis with Eduardo Repetto
Eduardo Repetto, CIO of Avantis Investors, shares insights on active management, launching in Europe, capacity issues, advisor feedback, and small-cap value strategies. The conversation covers factors informing asset allocation, short-term reversals, and the future potential for emerging markets. The podcast also includes humorous banter and analysis of recent performance of small-cap value stocks.

12 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 1h 1min
Episode 314 - Professor Valentin Haddad: How Competitive is the Stock Market?
Associate Professor of Finance, Valentin Haddad, discusses passive investing, stock market bubbles, and the impact of COVID-19 on investment-grade corporate bonds. Topics include market elasticity, strategic interactions, the rise of passive investing, and the relationship between innovation and stock market bubbles.

6 snips
Jul 11, 2024 • 39min
Episode 313 - When Should You Hire a Financial Advisor?
This podcast discusses the benefits of hiring a financial advisor, including getting expert advice for complex decisions, overcoming investor inertia, improving wealth and wellbeing, and planning for retirement. They also touch on the importance of a Trusted Contact Person, financial literacy, and the value of delegation. The hosts share personal stories, talk about challenges financial advisors face, engage in casual conversations about social media and trip experiences, discuss Nvidia's addition to the S&P 500, and touch on collaborative research on infinite banking.

Jul 4, 2024 • 1h 3min
Episode 312 - Prof. John M. Griffin: Forensic Finance and the Power of Research
Leading forensic finance expert Prof. John M. Griffin exposes financial scams in crypto markets, pig butchering scams, and fraud in Paycheck Protection Program during COVID-19. Discussion highlights importance of rigorous academic research in uncovering financial fraud and calls for robust oversight and transparency in financial systems.


