Retirement Planning

15 Ways to Damage your Financial Well-Being Mid-Life

Since my 1980 start in the financial industry, I have had many clients retire only to realize a big disconnect between how they envisioned their retirement versus the assets that they have accumulated.

For most people, it is not just one mistake made over the years, but rather a multitude of poor financial decisions, many of which were implemented mid-life (from age 35 to 55).

The 15 most common reasons that financial health was negatively impacted:

Fundamental Estate Planning Concepts

Draft a Will

Dying “Intestate” creates legal and financial obstacles for your family, something which could easily be avoided with a Will.

By not having a Will the government will use a default selection, stating how assets are to be split between your spouse and children

RRSP Withdrawal Options at Retirement

With February being the busiest month of RRSP season, I am often asked during annual reviews “what is the best way to get the money out of my RRSP?”

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) allows RRSP holders to defer withdrawals until the end of the year they turn 71. At this point in time, the RRSP must be turned into a pension (either an Annuity or RRIF) or it will be redeemed in full on December 31st of that year.

RRSP, CPP & TFSA Contribution Changes for 2021 Plus 6 Interesting Facts About TFSAs

Annually the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) adjusts the contribution schedules for three of our most popular retirement and investment vehicles.

Increase in RRSP Contribution Room

The maximum allowable room has now been increased from $27,300 (in 2020) to $27,830 as of January 1st, 2021.

Protecting Investments for Your Heirs

Many investors over the age of 60 find themselves in a quandary regarding investments that they intend to leave to their heirs. The primary concern involves the desire to conserve the investments they are bequeathing while at the same time earning a reasonable rate of return. As we all know, the volatility of the equity markets can be cruel and this can be most detrimental when investments do not have time to recover after a downturn.

TFSA or RRSP? 2020

One of the most common investment questions Canadians ask themselves today is, “Which is better, TFSA or RRSP”?

Here’s the good news – it doesn’t have to be an either or choice. Why not do both? Below are the features of both plans to help you understand the differences.

Segregated Funds for Estate Planning

As we age and our thoughts turn to estate planning, Segregated Funds may present a valuable planning opportunity. As we progress through the stages of life our investment focus changes from growth to income to preservation. Usually, the expected rates of return reduce as we age, primarily because we have less time to make up for a loss and feel the need to be more conservative in our approach.

11 Financial Tips for Newlyweds

Newlyweds are no longer just considered to be “twenty-something” in age as many Canadians are waiting longer to get married. In addition, many partners are getting married for a second or even third time.

Sound financial management of assets and liabilities plays a major role in any relationship, regardless of the age of the couple. Here are a few items that anyone can benefit from in order to maintain harmony over money matters.

Retirement Income Calculator

As Financial Advisors, Adam and I are always asked by clients about how much income they will need in retirement.

Empire Life has created a very useful and easy to use Retirement Income Calculator which we have posted to the website

Steps to Avoid the OAS Clawback

According to the Canadian government website, Old Age Security is the largest pension program in Canada. OAS pays a monthly income to seniors who are age 65 and over. The amount of the payment is not based on past income but rather how long you resided in Canada after the age of 18. If you have turned 65 you are eligible for the maximum OAS income if you have resided in Canada for at least 40 years after turning 18 AND have resided in Canada for at least 10 years prior to receiving approval for your OAS pension. There are some exceptions for those who don’t fully qualify based on temporary absences during that requisite 10-year period.