Tag Archives: Financial Independence

Unconventional Wealth-Building Strategies: 10 Surprising Paths to Financial Freedom

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Photo by Tony Schnagl on Pexels

Discover unconventional paths to Financial Freedom that go beyond traditional advice. This article presents surprising strategies, backed by expert insights, that can transform your approach to wealth-building. From maintaining your lifestyle despite income increases to investing in non-financial assets, these innovative methods offer fresh perspectives on achieving financial success.

  • Maintain Lifestyle Despite Income Increases
  • Access High-Value Real Estate Through Syndications
  • Build Wealth with Niche Websites
  • Invest in Non-Financial Assets for Growth
  • Profit from Surplus Business Equipment Sales
  • Turn Discarded Inventory into Profitable Ventures
  • Monetize Legal Downtime with Tech Solutions
  • Transform Teaching into Wealth-Building Opportunity
  • Generate Passive Income by Renting Unused Space
  • Leverage Prop Trading Firms for Capital Growth

Maintain Lifestyle despite Income Increases

One unconventional yet effective method I tried to grow wealth and become financially independent is strategically managing lifestyle deflation in alignment with income changes. In simpler words, this means continuing to maintain the same lifestyle and budget even when your income increases, instead of adjusting your expenses alongside it.

I learned to prioritize this in my younger years after seeing people around me struggling to maintain their lifestyles despite rising income. I noticed they were increasing their expenses as their income grew. Most of these expenses were smaller differences that usually go unnoticed but compound to a bigger sum when you see them in total. Examples include subscribing to more services than before, buying more expensive items because they can now afford them, etc. Seeing all this, a thought nagged me often: “What would happen if they saved the raise they got instead of spending it immediately?”

As I learned more about personal finance, budgeting, etc., I started making a conscious effort to maintain the same lifestyle as always even as my salary grew. I funneled the extra sum into various investments instead. Over the years, this habit helped my net worth increase without compromising my quality of life.

Here are some tips I will offer others in this regard:

  1. Automate the transactions into specific accounts: Immediately redirect your extra amount into another savings account for debt repayment and investments. This will help you avoid impulsive spending.
  1. Understand wants vs needs: Take a broader look at your budget, including things you spend on usually. List all the expenses you make and consider which are important and which you can postpone for later since there is no immediate need. Doing this will help you stay focused.
  1. Track net worth monthly: Make sure to track your investments frequently. Seeing your net worth grow will keep you motivated to continue your habit and avoid unnecessary purchases. — Lyle Solomon, Principal Attorney, Oak View Law Group

Access High-value Real Estate through Syndications

One unconventional way I’ve built wealth that surprised me on my journey to Financial Independence is through the strategic use of real estate syndications. While many focus on buying individual properties, I discovered that pooling resources with other investors allowed me to access high-value opportunities I wouldn’t have been able to tackle alone.

This method allows you to invest in larger commercial properties with a group of people, benefiting from economies of scale and shared risks. I first came across this approach through networking with experienced investors and learning about the power of group investment.

My advice to others would be to build a solid understanding of how syndications work and start small with reputable groups. It’s a unique way to scale wealth while minimizing individual risk, and it’s often overlooked compared to traditional property purchases. Collaborating with experienced partners can unlock doors to lucrative projects that wouldn’t be accessible otherwise. — Jonathan Ayala, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson | Founder, Hudson Condos

Build Wealth with Niche Websites

One unconventional way I’ve built wealth that really surprised me was by doubling down on building tiny niche websites. Early in my career, I thought the only path to success was creating huge, authority-style blogs. But after some experimentation, I realized that smaller, hyper-focused sites could generate a steady income without requiring a massive team or overhead.

I stumbled onto this by accident while testing out ideas that didn’t quite fit my main business. A few of these small projects started making a few hundred dollars a month each, and when you scale that up across multiple sites, it becomes something compelling. The magic is in finding a narrow topic where you can be the absolute best resource online, even if it’s something super specific.

For anyone interested, I suggest thinking smaller, not bigger. Find those underserved niches where competition is low, but passion or need is high. Focus on genuinely helpful content, optimize it properly, and be patient. It’s not a get-rich-quick strategy, but it is an incredibly reliable way to build passive income streams.

This approach allowed me to diversify without putting all my eggs in one basket and played a big part in reaching Financial Independence sooner than I expected. — James Parsons, CEO, Content Powered

Invest in Non-Financial Assets for Growth

One unconventional way I built wealth was by keeping a “no-market” year. For twelve months, I chose to remove myself from investing in anything that required speculation, interest, or growth. Instead, I focused on building non-financial assets: time, skill, energy, and relationships. I tracked it like a portfolio: hours of learning, time saved by simplifying routines, days reclaimed from overcommitting, and people I could count on for collaboration. That “quiet compounding” brought in far more than my typical quarterly gains ever did. I walked into the next year with three new paid projects, two solid partners, and almost double the free time.

I discovered it accidentally after turning down a contract that would have pulled me out of integrity. I gave myself permission to step back and see what kind of return I could build without putting money anywhere. I suggest trying this as a 90-day experiment. Track the non-financial gains as seriously as you would your net worth. Value created in learning, trust, and creative space often turns into money later. The catch is, you have to believe it is real before anyone else does. Once you see it, it is hard to go back. — Adam Klein, Certified Integral Coach® and Managing Director, New Ventures West

Profit from Surplus Business Equipment Sales

Purchasing and selling surplus business equipment was much more profitable than previously thought. Initially, it was just a game of turning what companies didn’t want into something useful. But as time went by, I learned what had actual value was an awareness of where the demand was: what buyers were searching for but couldn’t be found easily. That gap became an opportunity.

I became interested in it on a whim when assisting someone with liquidating their lab, and saw its inefficiency. So we built a system around it. My advice? Identify supply chain omissions or inefficiencies in industries that people do not pay much attention to. The more untrendy it sounds, the more opportunities you’ll have if you’re willing to master it inside out. — Joe Reale, CEO, Surplus Solutions

Turn Discarded Inventory into Profitable Ventures

I started buying leftover inventory from failed event suppliers. Half the time they were happy just to offload it for $0.10 on the dollar. I mean, we once picked up $35,000 worth of LED wall panels for $2,800, stacked them in our warehouse, and rented them out per gig for $650 a pop. In under four months, they paid for themselves, and we have since generated over $48,000 in revenue from those same panels. Everyone wants to build wealth from stocks or SaaS. I just bought junk others walked past and turned it into profit. Continue Reading…

Fritz Gilbert on why he’s Retiring from full-time blogging about Retirement

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By Fritz Gilbert, TheRetirementManifesto

Special to Financial Independence Hub 

 

On April 12, 2015, I wrote my first post on this blog.

  • A decade of writing.
  • 441 articles.
  • 1 Million Words.

Wow.

It’s been a heckuva ride. I’m in awe that over 16,000 of you subscribe to my blog and read what I write (a sincere “Thank You!” to all of you).  It’s an honor, and I take it seriously.  In that very first post, I wrote the following:

“This is the story of my journey, told in The Present before it becomes The Past.”

I’ve always liked that sentence, and it’s become one of my goals with this blog.  To share my journey, as I’m living it, with the hope that sharing my experiences will help others achieve a great retirement.

At this point in my journey, I feel I’ve accomplished that goal.

As I seek to continually experiment with my retirement lifestyle, I challenge myself to embrace the freedom these years offer. Sometimes it’s hard, and today is one of those days.  As that journey has evolved, it’s reached the point where it’s led to a major decision for this blog.

That decision?

I’m retiring from full-time blogging.

But…I’m getting ahead of myself.  To gain insight into my decision and what it means for this blog, read on…

I’m retiring from full-time blogging. Today, the story behind my decision, and my plans for the future… Share on X

Shifting Gears after 10 years of Blogging

I’ve known a lot of bloggers over the past decade, most of whom have faded away. That’s not a surprise, given that 80% of blogs fail to survive beyond 18 months.

They just … disappear.

One day, you’re reading their stuff, and a few months later, you realize you haven’t seen anything from them in a while.  A year later, they’re all but forgotten.

I’m taking a different approach

As always, I’m being transparent about this phase of my journey, and I’d rather tell you what I’m thinking than have you wonder where I’ve gone. This is my Present, before it becomes my Past.

After 10 years of diligent writing, it’s time to shift gears.  I still enjoy writing, but it’s becoming more of an obligation than the true joy it’s been in the past.  With over 440 articles in my archives, it’s harder to find fresh topics to challenge my mind.  I think less and less about potential topics, a sharp contrast to the earlier years of writing when ideas were constantly flooding my mind.

It’s time to move on

I’ve always encouraged you to remember that Retirement Is Like A Game of Poker, and challenged you to constantly improve the cards you’re holding.  If a card is getting stale, don’t hesitate to exchange it for a new card from the deck.

I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t apply the same advice. The blogging card has gotten a bit stale, so I’m shuffling the deck and putting the cards down for a while.

I hope you’re doing the same.

Never stop experimenting.

Never stop improving your hand

The Future of The Retirement Manifesto

The good news is, this blog isn’t going anywhere.  I have no intention of selling it, and I plan on keeping it online well into the future.  I’ll still write when the urge strikes.

The thing that will change is the frequency of my writing.

After all, I’m retiring from full-time blogging.  😉

I don’t know exactly what that means yet, but I’m going to explore it for a while to see where it leads. I’ve been writing about retirement for a long time, perhaps I’ll use this platform to share thoughts on other topics in the future.  Most likely, I’ll follow the path that Mr. Money Mustache and JL Collins have taken, and write when I feel I have something worthwhile to say.  They both only write a few times a year, but I still read every word.  I hope my readers will do the same for me.

Stay tuned (and please don’t unsubscribe)…

I’m getting busier with other activities that I enjoy, and the blogging card has become more intrusive. I seldom find time to sit at my keyboard, and I’m fine with that.  I prefer to be out… .. Continue Reading…

Unconventional Income Streams: 16 Real Stories from the Financially Independent

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Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels

Looking for creative ways to generate income beyond the typical 9-to-5? In this article, 16 financially independent people share real-life stories of unconventional income streams they’ve successfully leveraged on their path to financial freedom.

From flipping niche collectibles online to building mobile apps and renting out specialized equipment, these insights offer practical advice and inspiration for anyone seeking to diversify their income and think outside the box.

 

  • Flip Niche Collectibles Online
  • Flip Expired Domains for Profit
  • Develop Useful Mobile Applications
  • Create Online Courses for Therapists
  • Offer Ice as a Subscription Service
  • Provide Emergency Phone Consultations
  • Monetize Drone Inspections Separately
  • Acquire and Improve Underperforming Blogs
  • Sell Niche Digital Products Online
  • Rent Out Specialized Equipment
  • Sell Stock Photos Online
  • Invest in Income-Generating Websites
  • License Valuable Industry Data
  • List Properties on Airbnb
  • Publish Ebooks on Amazon Kindle
  • Embrace Unexpected Opportunities

1.) Flip Niche Collectibles Online

Exploring unconventional income streams is like finding hidden treasures; it’s about spotting opportunities in unexpected places. One such stream I’ve tapped into is buying and flipping niche collectibles sourced from online marketplaces. Initially, I stumbled upon this while pursuing a personal hobby. Seeing the high demand and low supply for certain vintage items, I realized there was potential to turn this into a lucrative side business. The key here is to develop a keen eye for what has high resale value and stay informed about the trends within that niche.

For anyone interested in pursuing this avenue, I’d recommend starting with a category you’re passionate about, as this naturally increases your understanding and interest in collecting items.

Next, it’s crucial to learn the best places for acquiring collectibles at lower prices, whether that’s thrift stores, estate sales, or online auctions. Regularly engaging with communities and forums can also provide insights and opportunities to buy and sell. Ultimately, while this might seem like just a fun hobby, with the right approach, it can become a significant part of achieving Financial Independence.

It’s essential to approach this with a mixture of enthusiasm and caution; start small to understand the market dynamics before fully diving in. Balancing patience with smart, informed decisions can open up an exciting path towards not just financial goals, but also personal fulfillment in seeing your collections bring joy to others as well. — Alex Cornici, Writer, The Traveler

2.) Flip Expired Domains for Profit

One of the most unconventional income streams I leveraged on my path to Financial Independence was expired domain flipping: buying undervalued domain names with strong SEO authority and reselling them at a premium.

A few years ago, I was searching for a domain for a side project when I stumbled upon an auction site selling expired domains. Out of curiosity, I bought one for $15 that had thousands of quality backlinks from reputable sites. Within two weeks, I flipped it to a niche blogger for $750: a 4,900% return on investment. That’s when I realized there was a hidden market for domains that still carried strong SEO value.

After that first success, I developed a system to find, evaluate, and flip domains efficiently:

  • Finding High-Value Expired Domains – I used tools like Ahrefs, SpamZilla, and ExpiredDomains.net to search for domains with strong backlink profiles.
  • Assessing SEO Value – Instead of buying any expired domain, I looked for high-authority links, clean backlink profiles, and past relevance to industries in demand (finance, health, tech).
  • Selling to the Right Buyers – I joined Facebook groups, niche forums, and SEO communities, where bloggers and businesses actively sought pre-aged domains to boost rankings.

One of my best flips was a tech-focused domain I purchased for $120. It had backlinks from major publications and had been a trusted resource in the industry. Within a month, I sold it to a startup for $5,000: because for them, the built-in SEO authority saved months of ranking effort.

If you want to get into domain flipping:

  • Start small – Buy one or two domains and learn the process before scaling.
  • Focus on SEO value, not just catchy names – A strong backlink profile is what makes an expired domain valuable.
  • Network in the right places – Many buyers are in SEO communities, niche blogs, and online business groups.

Expired domain flipping isn’t about luck: it’s about recognizing digital real estate opportunities before others do. If you can spot value where others see nothing, you can build a profitable and scalable income stream. — Ahmed Yousuf, Financial Author & SEO Expert Manager, CoinTime

3.) Develop useful Mobile Applications

I earn well as a CTO, but I want that financial security where I do not have to depend on a single income stream. That is why I started developing mobile applications as an additional source of revenue. Since I am already a software developer, shifting into mobile apps was a natural transition. The technical foundation was there, and I saw an opportunity to build something outside of my daily work.

I discovered this opportunity from a colleague of mine who had been making passive income through mobile apps for years. He built simple apps that solved everyday problems and made money through ads and subscriptions. That conversation changed how I looked at mobile development. I decided to start with something I understood well. My first app was an expense tracker designed for freelancers who struggle with budgeting and tax prep. I kept it simple, focusing on an intuitive interface and automation features. After launching it in the app stores, I introduced a premium version with added features, which turned it into a passive income stream. I earn about $5,000 to $7,000 per month from this app alone, and that number grows as more users download and subscribe.

For anyone interested in pursuing this, the first thing that you need to do is find a common problem that does not have a convenient solution yet. Successful apps do not have to be groundbreaking. They just need to be useful. Start small, validate your idea with a test audience, and make the experience smooth and reliable. Mobile app development is one of the few income streams where effort upfront can turn into long-term financial stability without constantly trading time for money. — Paul DeMott, Chief Technology Officer, Helium SEO

4.) Create Online Courses for Therapists

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and digital nomad, one unconventional income stream I’ve leveraged is the creation of online courses and communities for therapists. It started with “DIY Insurance Billing for Private Practice,” which has attracted over 950 clinicians. This course was born out of my own struggles with insurance billing. By changing my learning into a resource, I’ve tapped into an overlooked need among therapists seeking autonomy and financial stability.

In addition, I founded the “Bill Like A Boss” community, offering a support network and a directory for therapists to find billers and virtual assistants. This not only provided value but established me as a thought leader in a niche market. By addressing this specific pain point, the model created additional revenue while enhancing client satisfaction and loyalty.

For those interested in a similar path, identify a gap in your professional area where you possess unique insights or skills. Develop a resource or service that addresses this need, and build a community around it. Emphasize practical support and collaboration to create a product or service that stands out. — Kym Tolson, Therapist Coach, The Traveling Therapist

5.) Offer Ice as a Subscription Service

One unconventional income stream I’ve successfully leveraged is the “as-a-service” business model, specifically in the ice equipment space. Most businesses traditionally buy or lease ice machines, dealing with maintenance, repairs, and eventual replacements. We flipped the script by offering ice as a subscription service-turning what used to be a hassle into a predictable, all-inclusive solution for businesses. Instead of making a significant upfront investment, customers pay a monthly fee for equipment, maintenance, and even backup ice if needed. This model creates steady, recurring revenue while eliminating customers’ most significant pain points.

I discovered this opportunity by recognizing an overlooked challenge in the food service and hospitality industries. Ice machines are essential but notoriously unreliable, and when they break down, it disrupts business. I saw how companies were stuck in a cycle of costly repairs or expensive replacements. We removed customers’ financial and operational headaches by shifting from ownership to service while building a long-term, scalable revenue stream.

For others looking to pursue unconventional income streams, my advice is to rethink how everyday products or services are delivered. Find something businesses or consumers rely on but don’t enjoy managing, then explore how a subscription or managed-service approach could make their lives easier. Stability, convenience, and predictability are powerful selling points. Look for inefficiencies, talk to customers, and see where to add value. Often, the best opportunities aren’t about reinventing the wheel but making it roll more smoothly. — Travis Rieken, Sr. Director of Product Management, Easy Ice

6.) Provide Emergency Phone Consultations

Plumbing work usually brings to mind hands-on labor, but there’s another way to earn: charging for emergency phone consultations. Plenty of homeowners panic over a small leak or a backed-up sink, and sometimes all they need is guidance rather than an immediate service call. I set up a system where customers could pay a flat $50 fee for a quick troubleshooting session, helping them avoid unnecessary expenses while making sure my time was compensated. This worked well for after-hours calls, since many people preferred a lower-cost solution instead of paying $200+ for an emergency visit. Over time, this turned into a consistent side income without extra travel or physical labor.

The idea came naturally after seeing how often customers called with simple problems. I figured if I was already answering questions, I might as well make it an official service. For anyone considering a similar approach, start by identifying where your expertise could provide quick, high-value solutions. Setting up a dedicated phone line or online booking system makes it easy, and promoting it through social media or existing clients can bring in steady business. Turns out, a small shift in how you offer services can add thousands to your income each year. — Caleb John, Director, Exceed Plumbing

7.) Monetize Drone Inspections Separately

Drones were originally just a tool for our roofing business, but it didn’t take long to see another opportunity. Homeowners, insurance companies, and real estate agents needed high-resolution roof inspections even when they weren’t planning repairs. So, we started offering drone-based reports as a separate service, charging $150 per scan. This turned into a profitable source of side income, especially since our AI analysis provided insights that traditional inspections didn’t. Given that a single drone could handle up to 10 inspections per day, this quickly added thousands in extra revenue without major operating costs.

The idea came after noticing that not every roof inspection led to a job, but the demand for assessments was still there. Instead of only using drones for internal purposes, we turned them into a paid service. For those in tech-driven industries, there’s often a way to take existing tools and monetize them separately. Sometimes, the things that support your main business can bring in just as much revenue when positioned as independent services. — Nathan Mathews, CEO and Founder, Roofer

8.) Acquire and Improve Underperforming Blogs

One unconventional income stream that worked surprisingly well for me was acquiring underperforming blogs, improving their content and SEO, and turning them into revenue-generating assets. Most people think of websites as businesses that require years to build, but I realized that buying neglected blogs with decent domain authority and traffic potential was a faster way to scale.

I discovered this by accident. I was deep into content marketing, and while working with clients, I noticed how many businesses let their blogs stagnate. Some had strong backlinks and history but were mismanaged or abandoned. So I started making offers, acquiring them for relatively minor costs, and applying the exact strategies I used for clients: cleaning up the content, fixing technical SEO issues, and creating a long-term content plan. Within months, traffic (and revenue) would grow through ad monetization, affiliate marketing, or even reselling the blog for a profit.

Anyone interested in this should start small. Look for blogs in niches you understand, ideally with decent backlink profiles and some organic traffic. Many are run by hobbyists who’ve lost interest so that you can negotiate good deals. But don’t just buy and hope; have a clear plan to improve the site. SEO, fresh content, and proper monetization can quickly turn a struggling blog into a valuable asset.

This strategy isn’t discussed enough, but it’s a scalable way to create income streams without starting from scratch. Knowing how to spot potential, move quickly, and execute effectively is key. — James Parsons, CEO, Content Powered

9.) Sell Niche Digital Products Online

Selling niche digital products is an unconventional yet highly effective income stream that provides scalability and passive revenue with minimal ongoing effort. Unlike content-driven monetization strategies that require continuous engagement, digital products — such as financial templates, investment research, and specialized e-books — offer a one-time creation model with unlimited sales potential. This approach is particularly useful for professionals who can leverage their expertise to create high-value, ready-made solutions for a specific audience.

My journey into digital products began when I realized that many individuals and small business owners struggled with financial planning and investment tracking. I had developed budget templates, financial calculators, and investment worksheets for personal use, but after refining them for broader usability, I started selling them through platforms like Gumroad, Etsy, and Sellfy. As demand grew, I optimized listings, bundled complementary products, and used SEO-driven marketing to reach more buyers, turning a side project into a steady revenue stream. Continue Reading…

I prefer Financial Independence Work On Own Terms (FIWOOT) over FIRE

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By Mark Seed, myownadvisor

Special to Financial Independence Hub

We all know what FIRE is in the personal finance community but what is FIWOOT?

(I’ve updated this original post from 2019 to reflect my current views and progress.)

Read on and find out why I still prefer FIWOOT vs. FIRE and what that means moving forward in 2025.

Why the FIRE burns bright on social media

Like any good movement, it takes courage to do what others won’t.

Financial Independence takes both know-how and long-term discipline. It takes time to remain invested when others are jumping in and out of the market. It also takes saving your brains out to retire early, usually from a high salary and a bit of luck.

This is not to say I disagree with the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement and what some folks are striving for. I think many FIRE principles have great merit:

  • Live well below your means.
  • Save early and often.
  • Avoid financial and lifestyle waste.
  • Avoid long-term debt that is not used for wealth generation.
  • Optimize your investing (i.e., keep your costs low and diversified).

I’ve written about FIRE concepts many times on this site. Many years ago I even questioned if FIRE was right for me at all.

Well, I know my answer.

Why I’m tired of retire early in FIRE and why FIWOOT works

In some circles (not all thankfully), the focus of FIRE is on the “retire early” part.

Work hard, make good money with the intention of leaving the corporate rat-race sooner than later.

That’s definitely aspirational:  if that were the end of it. But most of the “retire early” crowd doesn’t retire. They still work: just at something different.

If you expend energy, trade time or services for any income, that’s work. If that’s your blog or podcast or ebook or financial independence course that’s work.

And working is not a bad thing at any age. Just call it what it is.

Why I’m a fan of the Financial Independence (FI) part of FIRE

Maintaining your wealth and being happy doing it?

That sounds better and far more honest to me.

That’s the perspective that CFP Graeme Falco once shared on my site – when discussing his practical guide to financial independence book.

Like Graeme, I believe far more in the FI part of FIRE than the RE (retire early) part.

For me, financial independence is the amount wealth you need to be no longer dependent on any active source of income (i.e., work) to fund your lifestyle. That wealth could be from stocks, bonds, gold, real estate, and much more. Financial independence can also mean you might still want to work.

That’s something I intend to do in 2025 now I’m financially independent.

Financial Independence, Work On Own Terms (FIWOOT) Moving Forward

We realized financial independence in the summer of 2024 and since that date, I’ve been working on my employment status with my employer. I’ve been discussing the opportunity to scale back a bit and work part-time in 2025. After months of fruitful discussions, that plan is now in place.

As of April, I will be working three days per week versus five. Full-time work with my current employer is over: I’m starting a new chapter with them and thankful for it. Unless both parties decide something different, I will be working part-time from April to October 2025. After that date, I might be retired for good.

Our semi-retirement years are here. More life-work balance is ahead this year. 

via GIPHY

Actually, in this new part-time capacity, I’ve finally caught up to my wife!

My wife continues to work three days per week in 2025 (she started her scaled-back role in 2024).

Moving forward, it’s part-time work for both of us in this 2025 transition year.

FIWOOT Q&A:

Will this change how I invest?

Nope.

As subscribers to my site may know for well over a decade now, we invest this way and have no plans to change our hybrid investing strategy:

  1. We invest in many Canadian and a few U.S. dividend-paying stocks.
  2. We invest in some low-cost ETFs for extra diversification to own thousands of stocks. Continue Reading…

Retirement Club for Canadians 

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By Dale Roberts

Special to Financial Independence Hub

Hi, it’s Dale Roberts here. You know me from Cut The Crap Investing. My blog posts are often shared on Findependence Hub. 

Similar to Jonathan Chevreau I have a keen interest in helping Canadians prepare for retirement and make the most of retirement once they reach that wonderful stage in life. 

Too many Canadians enter retirement with some sense of anxiety. They may fear that they will outlast their money. They might not have created the all important life plan. 

More and more Canadians have self-directed their investment accounts. Now they need a resource that helps them set the course, and keep the course for a successful retirement. 

That’s why we created Retirement Club. Retirement Club for Canadians 

What is Retirement Club? 

Retirement Club is a community of like-minded Canadian retirees and near retirees. 

A successful retirement starts with financial security. Let’s call that fiscal fitness. We cover the financial essentials, in jargon-free plain-speak with clear demonstrations. You’ll learn how to spend down your portfolios in an efficient fashion. You’ll learn how to use free-use retirement calculators that create optimal retirement cash flow plans. That is, how to spend from your investment accounts, working in concert with CPP, OAS, pensions, and other income. 

The retirement portfolio will be discussed in detail. We need to align each account’s risk level to the task at hand: dictated by that retirement cash flow plan. 

As you may know, at Cut The Crap Investing I’ve offered a unique approach to managing risk: using lower volatility and defensive equities (consumer staples, healthcare and utilities) in concert with traditional risk managers such as cash, bonds, GICs, gold, annuities and more. During the volatility of 2025, these defensive assets have been the top performers. 

Of course the financial topics are numerous, from wills and estates, to insurance, tax tips, healthcare costs and more.

Retirement by design

Next comes the life plan. Each of us will decide on our level of travel and entertainment, family time, leisure and living life full of purpose. We’ll provide and share lifestyle inspiration. We’re doing it right when financial security enables a rich and rewarding lifestyle. We need to retire with vitality and purpose. How do we replace the ‘good stuff’ we got out of our working years? 

How do we learn and connect? 

At a minimum we’ll have …  

  • A monthly one hour Zoom presentation (the next one is April 25th at noon).
  • A monthly newsletter 

The Zoom presentations are lively and interactive. They start with a learning session but move on with Clubbers asking questions and taking part in break out sessions. We end with a 15 minute ‘after party.’ It’s a Club environment. 

Our Community Captain, Brent Schmidt of Strategic Fuel, l creates an engaging club experience.  Continue Reading…