How Should You Pay Yourself as a Business Owner? Salary, Dividends, or an IPP?

In this episode, Joe chats with Braden Warwick from PWL Capital about how business owners can pay themselves in the smartest way. They break down the pros and cons of taking a salary, dividends, or using an Individual Pension Plan (IPP), a lesser-known but powerful option.

Braden shares what he’s learned from co-authoring a paper with Ben Felix, and they talk through real-life examples. You'll learn how taxes play into each option, what “notional accounts” are (in simple terms), and how a flexible income plan could help you get the most from your money,both now and in retirement.

Here’s what you’re in for:

• 00:00 – Welcome and intro
• 00:24 – Meet Braden and his role at PWL
• 01:57 – What the research says about business owner pay
• 04:03 – Tax pros and cons of each method
• 08:46 – What are notional accounts, anyway?
• 13:02 – How IPPs work and who they’re good for
• 17:35 – Using a flexible salary strategy
• 25:49 – Final thoughts and where to learn more

ABOUT BRADEN WARWICK

Braden Warwick is a PhD Research Engineer who loves turning complex research into practical, high-performing software. With a background in optimization, Monte Carlo and statistical analysis, and stochastic modeling, he’s passionate about solving tough problems and making data-driven tools that work in the real world. Braden has hands-on experience with GPU-accelerated simulations, parallel processing, and modern Python and JavaScript frameworks, bringing innovative ideas from theory to production.

You can reach out to Braden through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-warwick-a40b48a3

Website: https://www.bradenwarwick.ca (Personal)

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ABOUT JOE CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.

You can reach out to Joe through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/RetirementPlanningSimplified/

https://matthewsandassociates.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS AND EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

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Disclaimer:

Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.