

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

19 snips
Jun 13, 2024 • 1h 9min
Episode 309 - Are Robo-Advisors Passive Investors?
Podcast discusses robo-advisors like Wealthsimple and Wealthfront, their passive investment strategies, performance variations, and comparison with active bank mutual funds. Explores evolution, fee transparency, competition, and impact on the financial industry. Also touches on personal experiences with car leasing, Excel modeling, and project dedication.

37 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 5min
Episode 308 - Dan Bortolotti: The Canadian Couch Potato
Dan Bortolotti, Associate Portfolio Manager at PWL Capital, discusses DIY investing simplicity, asset allocation, index funds, fees, taxes, and performance insights. He shares his surprising advisor journey, evolution of index investing in Canada, and benefits of using asset allocation ETFs. The conversation also covers financial blogging evolution, transitioning to a family advisor, and the dedication and talent required for success.

14 snips
May 30, 2024 • 1h 7min
Episode 307 - How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
Delving into life insurance calculations and capital gains exemptions, the podcast covers maximizing tax savings and understanding optimal coverage. Topics include using safe withdrawal rates, free resources for insurance costs, principal residence exemptions, and a financial 'Would you rather' game. Listeners can also expect insights on real estate investments, wealth management strategies, navigating capital gains, private credit investments, and the car leasing maze.

7 snips
May 23, 2024 • 1h 12min
Episode 306 - Wei Dai: Fighting for Every Basis Point
Wei Dai, Head of Investment Research at Dimensional Fund Advisors, delves into portfolio design, expected returns, risk, and costs. They explore factors impacting equity strategies, security weighting schemes, customizing factor exposure, premium timing strategies, and the benefits of diversification. The conversation also covers stock reversals, momentum, and the importance of research collaboration for optimizing investment portfolios.

23 snips
May 16, 2024 • 44min
Episode 305 - Is Private Credit Special?
Exploring the rise of private credit, its appeal to investors and businesses, and the risks involved with high fee structures. Discussion on proposed capital gains tax changes, the death of value, and more in the after-show section.

May 9, 2024 • 57min
Episode 304 - Budget 2024: The Capital Gains Inclusion Rate
Delve into proposed Canadian capital gains tax changes, historical trends, and impacts on financial planning. Learn about AMT complexities, tax diversification strategies for long-term investments, and implications for business owners. Explore the importance of understanding individual circumstances and planning ahead to navigate the proposed changes effectively.

14 snips
May 2, 2024 • 1h 7min
Episode 303 - Scott Galloway: The Algebra of Wealth
Scott Galloway, a renowned public speaker and author, shares valuable insights on economic success in his latest book. He discusses the role of luck, the importance of diversification, and why following talents is crucial. Galloway also touches on managing financial worries, parental concerns, and defining success. Tune in for his perspective on achieving long-term prosperity.

17 snips
Apr 25, 2024 • 1h 6min
Episode 302 - Michael Green: Market Efficiency Is Not The Question
Michael Green, Chief Strategist and Portfolio Manager for Simplify Asset Management, discusses the problems with passive investing in financial markets. He covers the negative effects of indexing, implications of market inelasticity, and policy recommendations to address structural issues. The conversation dives into the risks posed by index funds, regulatory impact, societal wealth valuation, and nuances of investing in US stocks and Bitcoin.

14 snips
Apr 18, 2024 • 54min
Episode 301 - Optimal Government Pension Claiming
Prof. Meir Statman discusses optimal CPP claiming, financial well-being. Insights on CPP benefits, wage growth ties, deferring claims. Exploring finances' impact on life domains like dating, education. Transitioning from wealth to well-being advisors. Investigate nuances of CPP benefits and financial correlations shaping well-being.

Apr 18, 2024 • 36min
Bonus Episode - Prof. Meir Statman: A Wealth of Well-Being
Financial expert Prof. Meir Statman discusses the impact of finances on well-being, why wealth advisors should become well-being advisors, and the correlations between finances and happiness in various life domains like dating, education, and work. Discover how self-control in spending, social status, marriage, and religion can influence overall well-being.