Meet Joseph Curry
Joseph Curry co-hosts Canada’s fastest-growing retirement planning podcast, Your Retirement Planning Simplified, which delivers practical, in-depth guidance on retirement planning in a clear and accessible way. His goal is simple: make high-quality financial information available to as many people as possible so they can sleep better at night, while also emphasizing the non-financial aspects of retirement—purpose, routine, and meaningful relationships—that help people wake up eager to start the day.
As the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario, Joseph focuses on retirement-focused financial planning. He holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), and is an active member of the Financial Planning Association of Canada. His professional work centers on helping clients translate their financial resources into reliable retirement income, tax-efficient plans, and well-executed business exits when applicable.
Joseph believes true wealth includes more than financial independence. It means having the time and relationships to enjoy the life you want and the opportunity to leave a positive legacy for the next generation.
Outside the office, Joseph stays active—he plays hockey and golf and enjoys travelling. Most of all, he values time with his wife Ashley and their two young sons, Louis and Harry, and intentionally builds his schedule around family life.
| Services | • Financial Planning • Investment Planning & Implementation |
| Specializations | • Comprehensive Financial Planning • Retirement Income Planning • Business Exit Planning |
| Payment Model | • Fees paid by clients based on assets managed by advisor • Fees paid by clients for advice (not based on assets) |
| Languages written and spoken | • English |
What are three services that are unique to you?
“My practice centers on three areas where we consistently deliver measurable value: retirement income and tax planning, business-value building, and exit planning. For clients nearing retirement, we develop income strategies designed to turn savings and investments into dependable cash flow while minimizing taxes. For business owners, we focus on increasing the enterprise value and designing an exit strategy that can convert the business into a sustainable retirement income and personal freedom. These services are tailored so clients move into retirement confident in their finances and in their plan for life after work.”
Why did you become a planner?
“My interest in financial planning began early. When I was 15 I watched my father, who worked in the industry, console a client during the dot-com crash. She was in her mid-70s and told him his advice allowed her to sleep at night. Seeing the tangible emotional impact of clear, steady guidance made an impression on me. That moment helped shape my commitment to providing practical advice that reduces stress and improves clients’ lives.”
What is your approach to financial planning?
“We put advice first. Financial planning at our firm is not about selling products, but about understanding people’s goals and designing plans that support their desired lifestyle. We recognize that no single planner can be everything to everyone, so we specialize in serving those approaching retirement and business owners planning to exit within five years. This focus allows us to build deep expertise and deliver highly relevant, actionable plans—whether that means sequencing retirement income, managing tax implications, or preparing a business for transfer or sale.”
What is your proudest achievement as a financial planner?
“One of the most rewarding experiences was helping an elderly client make a meaningful early inheritance gift to her adult children. She chose to distribute a portion of her estate while she was still able to witness the effect. At our follow-up meeting she shared her joy and the plans her family had for the gift. Knowing we helped create that experience—both the financial structure and the emotional benefit—was deeply gratifying.”
What is a client success story you can share?
“Many clients arrive at our first strategy session anxious about how long they’ll need to keep working. In numerous cases, after a single, focused conversation we’re able to clarify what’s actually possible. Clients often leave with a clear plan and the realization they may already be in a position to retire comfortably. That transformation from fear and uncertainty to clarity and confidence is a common and satisfying outcome.”
What would you do if money were no object?
“I would continue to consult part-time with business owners to help them maximize their exit options, while spending the majority of my time travelling and being present for my family. For me, the ideal blend is meaningful advisory work combined with plenty of time for my children’s milestones and family adventures.”
What is the best money advice you ever received?
“Invest in yourself. Skills, health, relationships and continuous learning compound over time and often produce the best long-term returns.”
What is the worst money advice you ever received?
“That ‘everyone needs permanent life insurance.’ Financial solutions should be tailored to individual circumstances; blanket recommendations can be costly and unnecessary for many people.”
Contact Joseph Curry
- 📍 Peterborough, Ont.
- 🔗 Matthews & Associates
- ☎️ 705-743-9064
- 🤳 linkedin.com/in/curryjoe/