Shows
Plain English FinanceEp. 39 | Behind the Planner: A Candid Conversation with Tré BynoeIn this special off-script episode, Sierra flips the mic and asks Tré Bynoe, CFP, CIM, some personal and thought-provoking questions—from career paths not taken to his philosophy on helping people who actually want to be helped.This is the human side of financial planning, where mindset, motivation, and money collide.You’ll learn:The financial myth Tré really can’t standWhat he’d do if he weren’t a financial plannerThe truth about who he’ll help (and who he won’t)The personal reason behind his early retirement planningWhy separating income from expe...
2026-02-2030 minPlain English FinanceEp. 28 | The Smart Path to Buying Into Your FirmIn this episode of Plain English Finance, host Tré Bynoe, CFP®, CIM®, breaks down the step-by-step plan for professionals thinking about buying into their firm — lawyers, engineers, accountants, and doctors alike.Tré explains how to build your finances in the right order so you’re ready when the chance to buy in comes. From mastering personal spending to building a non-registered account and structuring your debt for tax savings, this episode lays out a simple roadmap for professionals who want to move from employee to part-owner.With Sierra joining the conversation, they cover what rea...
2025-12-0529 minPlain English FinanceEp. 27 | Case Study: What Comes After “We’re On Track”?In this episode of Plain English Finance, Tré Bynoe, CFP®, CIM® walks through a real-life case study (with names changed) to explore what happens when you’ve already “made it” — when your retirement savings are on track, your debt is under control, and your financial plan is stable.Tré and Sierra unpack the next stage of wealth building: turning a strong foundation into long-term flexibility and opportunity. They discuss how to transition from saving for retirement to managing money for life, including optimizing taxes, separating income from expenses, and building an “opportunity fund” that gives you the freedom...
2025-11-2838 minPlain English FinanceEp. 26 | Investing Basics: Understanding RiskIn this episode of Plain English Finance, Tré Bynoe, CFP®, CIM® breaks down the foundations of smart investing. Joined by Sierra, he walks through the same conversation he has with every new client — what “risk” really means, why most people misunderstand it, and how to build a portfolio that matches both your goals and your comfort level.Tré explains how to think about equity versus fixed income, why the U.S. still dominates global markets, and how to stay calm through inevitable market drops. If you’ve ever wondered how to invest confidently without losing sleep, this...
2025-11-2142 minPlain English FinanceEp. 25 | The 4% Fallacy: Why Lazy Planning Hurts ClientsSome financial planners still use the same flat “4% return” rate for every client’s retirement plan. Tré and Sierra explain why that’s not just inaccurate—it’s unprofessional. In this candid episode, Tré shares what happened at a due diligence event that left him frustrated with the industry’s bad habits. You’ll learn why using made-up assumptions leads to misleading plans, what FP Canada actually requires, and how real professionals base projections on evidence, not convenience. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to know whether their financial planner is doing the job right or just guessing....
2025-11-1445 minPlain English FinanceEp. 24 | Should You Incorporate? What Canadians Should KnowShould you incorporate your business, or stick with a sole proprietorship? In this episode, Tré and Sierra unpack what a corporation really is, how it works, and why it’s one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available to Canadians. Tré explains the real advantages—legal protection, tax efficiency, and control over income timing—while also calling out the pitfalls that sink small business owners who treat their corporations like personal piggy banks. Whether you’re a freelancer, professional, or business owner, this episode helps you understand how corporations create opportunity and what mistakes to avoid before you make the move.
2025-11-0742 minPlain English FinanceEp. 23 | The Real Purpose of InsuranceMost people think insurance is for “what if I die?” scenarios—but that’s not the real risk. In this episode, Tré and Sierra break down how smart families and business owners actually manage risk. From life insurance to disability and liability coverage, Tré explains how to identify what’s truly at stake—your ability to earn, live, and protect your family’s future—and how to match your coverage to your real financial needs. You’ll learn the difference between guessing and planning, and why overinsuring small things while ignoring the big ones is one of the most expensive mistakes C...
2025-10-3149 minPlain English FinanceEp. 22 | Buy Now, Regret Later.“Buy now, pay later” sounds harmless. Four easy payments, no interest, and you’re done. But in this episode, Tré and Sierra Bynoe break down why services like Klarna are anything but free. They uncover how BNPL programs encourage overspending, trap users in hidden fees, and target the most financially vulnerable. From financing groceries to making payments on a coffee, this trend is reshaping how young Canadians use debt—and not for the better. Tré explains why “borrowing from your future self” always comes at a cost, and what to do instead if you want lasting financial stability.You’ll le...
2025-10-2431 minPlain English FinanceEp. 20 | Compounding, Inflation, and Stock Splits — Made SimpleWant a $40,000 car but only pay $10K out of pocket? That’s the power of understanding time, interest, and inflation. In this episode, Tré and Sierra are joined by his in-laws to break down the basics of financial math using an online calculator and show how these “boring” numbers can radically change your financial future.This real conversation about how money grows, why debt costs more than you think, and how to use tools that anyone can access will give you an inside look into conversations Tré often has with friends and family.You’ll learn:...
2025-10-1041 minPlain English FinanceEp. 7 | What Is Money, Really?Most people think of money as cash in the bank. But in this episode, Tre unpacks a bolder truth: money is just a middleman for value. Joined by his wife Sierra, Tre explains why viewing money as value—rather than currency—can change how you spend, save, and invest. This isn’t your usual budgeting talk. It’s a direct conversation about how our financial system works, why inflation erodes your purchasing power, and how to make smarter decisions with the money you earn.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why money is no longer a s...
2025-07-1129 minPlain English FinanceEp. 3 | How We Built Wealth by Ignoring Bad AdviceEpisode 3: How We Built Wealth by Ignoring Bad AdviceMost financial advice is either too generic or completely off base. In this episode, Tre Bynoe CFP CIM and his wife Sierra explain why smart money decisions aren’t about rules—they’re about principles. From dissecting Tre’s evidence-based decision-making model to discussing how emotion and outdated advice derail financial progress, this conversation is raw, real, and full of practical insight. If you’ve ever wondered why "common sense" financial wisdom can lead you astray, this one’s for you.What you’ll learn:
2025-06-1331 min