Kornel Szrejber, the host of the Build Wealth Canada Podcast, gained recognition for achieving a significant milestone early in life—paying off his mortgage in his 20s.

In a world where many Canadians face mortgage payments well into their 50s, Kornel took a different path. He refused to be bound by debt and made it his mission to attain financial freedom.

How Kornel Szrejber Achieved Financial Independence

After paying off their mortgage, Kornel and his wife embraced frugality, saving 50% of their income. They redirected their focus to maxing out their retirement accounts. By age 32, Kornel achieved financial independence, proving that with discipline and a clear vision, early retirement is attainable.

Prioritizing Freedom Over the 9-to-5 Grind

In a culture dominated by consumerism, where many live paycheck to paycheck, Kornel chose to tune out the noise. He prioritized freedom—freedom to spend quality time with his family and to structure his days on his terms, rather than adhering to the demands of an employer.

Kornel Szrejber’s Story Proves Anyone Can Build Wealth

Kornel didn’t have an extraordinary salary—he earned a typical middle-class income. What set him apart was his focus on saving instead of spending. By age 32, he had accumulated enough wealth to stop working if he chose to. His journey demonstrates that financial independence is possible for anyone willing to increase the gap between their earnings and expenses.

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Why Kornel Created the Build Wealth Canada Podcast

In his quest to deepen his financial knowledge, Kornel launched the Build Wealth Canada Podcast, now one of the most popular personal finance shows in the country.

Kornel realized that while there’s a wealth of financial advice available, much of it is either misleading or sales-driven. He created the podcast to:

• Distinguish high-quality advice from the bad.
• Expose hidden agendas in financial products and services.
• Interview experts across the personal finance spectrum to share unbiased, actionable insights.

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Most Actively Managed Mutual Funds Underperform

One of Kornel’s key lessons is the importance of low-cost index investing. Referencing the SPIVA report, Kornel highlights that:

• 84% of actively managed mutual funds in the U.S. fail to beat the S&P 500.
• 81% of actively managed mutual funds in Canada underperform the Canadian index.

Despite this data, many Canadians still invest in high-fee mutual funds pushed by commission-based financial advisors. Kornel advocates for fee-for-service financial advisors, who provide unbiased advice, helping Canadians save hundreds of thousands over time.

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Real Estate: More Stress Than Reward

While Kornel dabbled in real estate, he ultimately found the returns didn’t justify the added stress and responsibility. After five years, he decided to shift his focus entirely to stock market investing.

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Kornel’s Most Popular Podcast Episode

One standout episode of the Build Wealth Canada Podcast is: “How to Save Thousands at Your Bank – Secrets of an Ex-Banker.”

In this episode, Kornel shares practical tips on:

• Negotiating with banks.
• Identifying where banks are flexible.
• Avoiding conflicts of interest.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to optimize their banking and financial strategies.

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Kornel’s Investment Strategy

Kornel’s portfolio consists entirely of equities:

• 1/3 Canadian stocks
• 1/3 U.S. stocks
• 1/3 international stocks

While he may add bonds after selling his real estate holdings, this decision is unrelated to his age. Instead, it reflects his shift from wealth accumulation to preservation, as he’s already achieved financial independence.

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