
The Rational Reminder Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

46 snips
Dec 21, 2023 • 1h 9min
Episode 284: Prof. Scott Cederburg: Challenging the Status Quo on Lifecycle Asset Allocation
Prof. Scott Cederburg challenges traditional life cycle asset allocation in retirement planning. He discusses modeling returns, optimal allocation between domestic and international stocks, safe withdrawal rates, and the perception of volatility in investments.

12 snips
Dec 14, 2023 • 53min
Episode 283: When Volatility is Risk, and Introducing The Money Scope Podcast
Guests Mark Soth and Mark McGrath join the podcast to discuss volatility and investor behavior, the upcoming Money Scope podcast, incorporating a medical practice in Canada, complexity in estate planning, factors affecting job satisfaction, and community discussions and promotions.

47 snips
Dec 7, 2023 • 1h 14min
Episode 282: Dr. Jim Grubman: The Psychology of Wealth
Renowned expert in family wealth psychology, Dr. Jim Grubman, discusses the evolving landscape of financial wealth planning, including the definition of wealth and the hurdles faced by families adapting to elevated levels of wealth. They explore the role of parents in imparting financial responsibility, embracing cultural norms, and the changing landscape of family wealth management. Dr. Grubman also shares insights on the evolution of wealth management, from traditional approaches to transformative Wealth 3.0, and the importance of nurturing strong family relationships in the context of affluence.

14 snips
Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 5min
Episode 281: Lifecycle Asset Allocation, and Retiring Successfully with Justin King
Justin King, an expert in lifecycle asset allocation and retiring successfully, joins the show to discuss the optimal mix of assets in a portfolio, understanding risk tolerance, and the nine accelerators for a successful retirement. The hosts also delve into the tax implications of insurance policies in corporation ownership and the importance of actively preparing for a fulfilling retirement.

70 snips
Nov 23, 2023 • 59min
Episode 280: Shane Parrish: Clear Thinking in Everyday Life
Shane Parrish, best-selling author, talks about clear thinking in everyday life. They discuss the power of ordinary moments, defining true goals, and building self-confidence. They also explore the barriers to clear thinking and the value of continual growth.

4 snips
Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 35min
Episode 279: Stock Returns in Recessions, and FSRA's Approach to Regulation
In this episode, Huston Loke and Jordan Solway from the FSRA discuss protecting consumers in the financial investment space, including upcoming regulations and enforcement strategies. They also explore the relationship between recessions and stock returns, emphasizing the importance of long-term investment strategies and avoiding attempts to time the market. The podcast also features discussions on auto insurance requirements, title protection for financial advisors, consumer harm in insurance products, commission-based compensation in the life insurance industry, initiatives and challenges in the financial services industry, navigating tax legislation for Canadian shareholders, challenging active management, and the importance of conviction in investing.

17 snips
Nov 9, 2023 • 58min
Episode 278: Juhani Linnainmaa: Financial Advisors, and the Cross-Section of Returns
The podcast discusses the impact of financial advisors' portfolios on their clients' portfolios, the factors that determine variation in investment portfolios, the role of financial advisors in influencing equity market participation, the impact of increasing regulation on consumers and the positive effect of charlatans, the influence of data quality on investment factors, and the implications of pursuing momentum as a strategy.

20 snips
Nov 2, 2023 • 49min
Episode 277: The Cash Wedge w/ Phil Briggs, and and the Four Ds of Tax Planning
Financial Advisor Phil Briggs discusses the cash wedge strategy for retirement planning. Mark McGrath explains the four D's of tax planning. The hosts review past episodes on investing and Seth Godin's book 'The Song of Significance'. They also explore infinite banking and leadership philosophy. Listeners express appreciation for the diverse topics covered on the podcast.

9 snips
Oct 26, 2023 • 54min
Episode 276: Darin Soat: The Problem with Finfluencers, and Why it Won’t Get Better Anytime Soon
Darin Soat, aka Mr. How Money Works, reveals his real identity and discusses the problems with finfluencers and the lack of quality financial information on YouTube. Topics include the gamification of investing, creating passive income, and the negative impact of scammers and influencers on retail investors.

Oct 19, 2023 • 39min
Episode 275: Live from Future Proof 2023: Decoding Financial Decision-Making with Hal Hershfield
Hal Hershfield, Associate Professor of Marketing and Behavioral Decision Making, shares insights on framing insurance decisions and the impact of generative AI on financial choices. Also, the importance of personalized decisions, optimizing client meetings, and understanding different consumer segments. Plus, exploring end-of-life decisions, donation choices, inheritance, and the impact of money on happiness.