Retirement IQ is the podcast designed to help you thrive before and during your retirement years. Hosted by retirement wealth coach John Stregger, each episode tackles the real questions facing people in their 50s and 60s - how to turn savings into income, when to take CPP, how to reduce taxes, and how to build a financial plan that’s as solid as blueprints for a home. With over 25 years of experience guiding clients, John shares practical insights, proven strategies, and conversations with experts to help you make smart decisions with your money and create the retirement lifestyle you’ve dreamed of.
Episode 19: Are Your Assets Safe? Liability & Insurance Advice
On this episode of Retirement IQ, host John Stregger and insurance expert Danny Franchino explore a critical, often-overlooked question: is your multi-million dollar net worth truly protected against unexpected disasters?" Individuals approaching retirement spend decades building substantial wealth, only to retire without a strategy to shield it from devastating property or liability claims. John and Danny examines how the right coverage can help secure peace of mind. Tune in to discover how ...
24 Aug 2026
Episode 18: Unlocking Home Equity - How Downsizing Can Transform Your Retirement
On this episode of Retirement IQ, host John Stregger explores a major financial crossroad: is selling your family home the key to unlocking an ideal retirement? Countless homeowners spend decades building substantial property equity, only to stop working without a strategy to tap into that wealth. Alongside expert guest Wayne Clements, broker at Bolton & Clements Real Estate Group, John examines how freeing up an extra $1,000 a week could completely redefine your lifestyle, empoweri...
20 Jul 2026
Episode 17: From Savings to Strategy: Your Pre-Retirement Checklist
In this episode of Retirement IQ, host John Stregger shares twelve important steps to help you smoothly move from your working years to a comfortable lifestyle lived on your savings. Many people spend their careers focused only on saving money but reach their retirement without a clear plan. John explains how key steps, like paying off debt, handling big upcoming expenses, and timing your CPP and OAS benefits - can make a huge difference in your life after work. Tune in to learn how planning ...
13 Jul 2026
Episode 16: Why Saving is Only Half The Battle - Jim & Susan's Story
In this episode of Retirement IQ, host John Stregger delves into a critical yet often-overlooked aspects of retirement planning, illustrating how even diligent savers can face unexpected post-retirement tax challenges. Many savers spend their working years building wealth but enter retirement without a strategy to effectively manage it. John explains how multiple income sources—such as the Canada Pension Plan, OAS, pensions, and mandatory RIF withdrawals - can collide to trigger costly pitfal...
8 Jun 2026
Episode 15: Avoiding the RRSP Tax Trap: A Strategy for Reducing Lifetime Taxes
In this episode of Retirement IQ, host John Stregger delves into the often-overlooked intricacies of tax planning during retirement, specifically discussing the concept of the "RRSP Meltdown". Many retirees spend their working years focused on tax reduction but enter retirement without a solid plan to manage their tax liabilities. John explains how multiple income sources—such as the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, company pensions, RIF withdrawals, and investment income—can sign...
22 May 2026
Episode 14: The "Real" Five Steps to a Successful Retirement Plan
In this episode of Retirement IQ, host John Stregger explains why retirement planning often feels like assembling IKEA furniture without the instructions. He moves past generic advice to focus on the "gaps" that actually matter—like the difference between hitting a target number on a bank statement and actually having the cash flow to fund your daily life. John explains why deciding when to start your benefits can dictate your income for the next thirty years and why you need a plan for the e...
26 Apr 2026
Episode 13: Lifespan vs. Health Span: Are You Wasting Your Best Years?
In this episode of Retirement IQ, host John Stregger tackles a hard truth: simply living longer doesn't mean living better. He breaks down the critical difference between lifespan and health span, and warns listeners to stop treating every retirement year as equal. John challenges the common habit of delaying major goals for a "someday" that may not arrive. Prompting the vital question: what are you really saving for? Join us as we explore shifting your retirement mindset. Because...
12 Mar 2026
Episode #12: Seven Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Financial Advisor
In this episode of the Retirement IQ, host John Stregger breaks down one of the most important steps in retirement planning: finding and evaluating the right financial advisor. While many people know they might need a second set of eyes on their financial situation, John explains that knowing exactly how to interview and select an advisor is crucial for building a successful, long-term partnership. The episode then explores seven vital questions to ask a potential advisor: identifying your ad...
6 Feb 2026
Episode #11: The Top Four TFSA Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
In this episode of the Retirement IQ Podcast, host John Stregger breaks down one of the most misunderstood tools in retirement planning: the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). While TFSAs offer tax-free growth and flexibility, John explains that many Canadians make common mistakes that reduce their long-term value. John begins with a simple overview of how TFSAs work, including how contribution room accumulates, how unused room carries forward for life, and why TFSA withdrawals don’t affect inc...
15 Jan 2026
Episode #10: Looking Back and the Road Ahead - A Sneak Peak at 2026
Kick off 2026 with Retirement IQ! In this episode, host John Stregger looks back at the key topics from 2025 - CPP strategies, OAS planning, retirement myths, and gives a sneak peek at what’s coming this year. From how your insurance choices can affect your retirement to avoiding probate and estate planning pitfalls, John shares practical tips to help you build a smarter, more confident financial future. New episodes drop every two weeks - subscribe now and start 2026 with a clear...
29 Dec 2025
Episode #9: I Wish I'd Never Bought RRSPs
In this episode of the Retirement IQ Podcast, retirement wealth coach John Springer tackles a concern he hears all the time from friends and family: “I wish I’d never bought RRSPs.” That frustration usually comes from the shock of paying tax when RRSP money is withdrawn. In this episode, John sets the record straight and explains why RRSPs are not the problem — poor planning is. John walks through how RRSPs are designed to work, from tax-deductible contributions during high-earning years to t...
17 Dec 2025
Episode #8: Creating a Guaranteed Retirement Income Stream
In this episode of the Retirement IQ, retirement wealth coach John Stregger walks listeners through the essentials of building a secure and reliable retirement income plan. With the number one concern for Canadians over 55 being the fear of running out of money, John focuses on how to create guaranteed lifetime income that can support you through an unknown retirement timeline. John breaks down the five key sources of retirement income, including Old Age Security (OAS), the Canada Pension Pla...
1 Dec 2025
Episode #7: Understanding Old Age Security (OAS)
In this episode of the Retirement IQ Podcast, retirement wealth coach John Stregger takes a closer look at one of Canada’s most important retirement benefits, Old Age Security (OAS). Building on last week’s discussion about the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), John explains how OAS works, who qualifies, and how to make the most of this lifetime benefit. Learn why OAS is a taxable benefit starting at age 65, how your income affects what you receive, and what happens if you cross the OAS clawback thr...
17 Nov 2025
Episode #6: CPP and Your Retirement Income Strategy
In this episode of the Retirement IQ Podcast, retirement wealth coach John Stregger tackles some of the most common misconceptions about the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Many Canadians wonder if the CPP will still exist when they retire or how much income they can really expect. John breaks down the facts to help you plan with confidence. Learn how CPP benefits are calculated, when it might make sense to start or defer payments, and why the plan remains financially stable for decades to come. J...
3 Nov 2025
Episode #5: Money, Life, and Meaning with Carl Richards
In this episode of the Retirement IQ Podcast, host John Stregger welcomes renowned financial planner, author, and New York Times columnist Carl Richards to explore the powerful connection between money and life. Carl, famously known as the “Sketch Guy”, shares how his simple illustrations make complex financial concepts easy to understand. Discover why financial planning should align with your life goals, and the importance of having open, honest money conversations within families. Packed wi...
24 Oct 2025
Episode #4: Managing Investment Volatility in Retirement
In this episode of the Retirement IQ Podcast, retirement wealth coach John Stregger unpacks one of the biggest risks to your retirement: market volatility. Learn why volatility can help during your savings years but harm you during retirement withdrawals, and how to protect yourself with smart strategies. John explains the cash wedge strategy, a proven approach to secure income for the first three years of retirement while keeping your long-term investments working for growth. With insights o...
1 Oct 2025
Episode #3: When Is the Right Time to Retire?
In this episode of the Retirement IQ Podcast, retirement wealth coach John Stregger explores the overlooked side of retirement planning: knowing when to retire and how to create a meaningful life beyond money. Learn why retirement is more than just financial stability, how to identify your core values and passions, and the importance of “test driving” activities before leaving work. With real client stories and practical strategies, John shows you how to design a retirement that balances fina...
15 Sept 2025
Episode #2: Why You Need a Retirement Plan (Not Just an Investment Plan)
In this episode of the Retirement IQ Podcast, retirement wealth coach John Stregger explains why a true retirement plan goes far beyond investment strategies. Discover how to align your money with your values and goals, the difference between a retirement plan and an investment plan, and why your plan should be a living document that evolves with life changes, markets, and tax laws. Packed with real client stories and practical advice, this episode will help you build a retirement strategy th...
31 Aug 2025
Episode #1: Welcome to Retirement IQ: Your Guide to a Successful Retirement
In the first episode of Retirement IQ Podcast, retirement wealth coach John Stregger reveals how to take control of your financial future and avoid “financial autopilot” in your 50s and 60s. Learn how to build your retirement blueprint, turn savings into reliable income, reduce taxes, and make smart choices about CPP, pensions, and estate planning. With 25+ years of experience, John shares proven retirement strategies, practical money tips, and inspiring stories to help you create financial f...
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