How to go about securing the best Retirement Plan in Canada.
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“Which reverse mortgage is right for me?” + MORE Sep 14th
When Vancouver condo owners Maggie and Rob found out they were on the hook for $400,000 in improvement costs to their building and unit as required by an assessment from their Strata Council, they weren’t sure what to do. (We’ve changed their names and some details to protect their privacy.)
.... More »
How annuities work in Canada + MORE Apr 18th
Annuities are life insurance products that pay a regular income to a purchaser. When you buy an annuity, it’s like buying a pension plan with a lump sum premium paid from your savings. The payments you receive include a return of your original capital and interest income on that capital. It ma.... More »
How much should I have in my RRSP? + MORE Feb 22nd
For many Canadians, investing in their registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) is the primary way they save for retirement. RRSPs are an invaluable tool, allowing you to stow away funds for golden years while reducing your taxable income today. However, there is no one-size-fits-all way to use the.... More »
Should you collect CPP and OAS while working in your 60s? Dec 7th
I have lived in Canada for 24 years and I’m 65 years old now. I am still working at a company making a $78,000 salary. Since my health condition is OK, I am going to continue to work for two to four years. My question is: In my situation, it is better for me to apply for OAS and CPP now or delay t.... More »
Russ Dyck financial advisor Nov 8th
Meet Russ Dyck
Russ Dyck, a Certified Financial Planner and founder of Finovo, specializes in financial planning for professional couples and young professionals. He is passionate about helping clients navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence, tailoring each plan to meet t.... More »
Is the 4% Rule obsolete?
– moneysense.ca
Over the half decade I’ve written this column and attempted to practice what it preaches, a central pillar has been the so-called 4% Rule. As originally postulated by Certified Financial Planner and author William Bengen, that’s the rule of thumb that retirees can safely withdraw 4% of the value of their portfolio each year without fear of running out of money in retirement. (That’s the gist, although you have to make adjustments for inflation.)
Problem is, with “lower for longer” interest rates and the spectre of negative interest rates, is it still realistic for retirees to count on this guideline? Personally, I find it useful, even though I mentally take it down to 3% to adjust for my own pessimism about rates and optimism that I will live a long, healthy life. I polled several sources to see if they still believe in the 4% Rule, or whether a 3% or even 2% rule might be more appropriate now.
“I think the 4% Rule is a reasonable rule of thumb,” says financial planner Aaron Hector, vice-president of Calgary-based Doherty & Bryant Financial Consultants…
Problem is, with “lower for longer” interest rates and the spectre of negative interest rates, is it still realistic for retirees to count on this guideline? Personally, I find it useful, even though I mentally take it down to 3% to adjust for my own pessimism about rates and optimism that I will live a long, healthy life. I polled several sources to see if they still believe in the 4% Rule, or whether a 3% or even 2% rule might be more appropriate now.
“I think the 4% Rule is a reasonable rule of thumb,” says financial planner Aaron Hector, vice-president of Calgary-based Doherty & Bryant Financial Consultants…
Which savings plans should a 37-year-old with a military disability income contribute to, and when?
– moneysense.ca
Q. I am 37 with a military disability income that will pay monthly until I die. Could you give your advice on which savings plans I should be investing in, and the order in which I should make my investments?
To date, I contribute to my and my spouse’s registered disability savings plan (RDSP), then our TFSAs. When I max out these savings plans, should I contribute to a RRSP, or should I use an unregistered trading account?
–Jason
A. Structuring your cash flow so that you have more money coming in than going out is an important first step in the retirement planning process. But once you have that extra cash flow, deciding the best ways to allocate it is not always simple.
I would generally prioritize paying off high interest-rate debt like credit cards before saving, but I will assume that is not a consideration for you and your wife, Jason.
It sounds as though you both qualify for the disability tax credit (DTC), which is a requirement to open a registered disability savings plan (RDSP)…
To date, I contribute to my and my spouse’s registered disability savings plan (RDSP), then our TFSAs. When I max out these savings plans, should I contribute to a RRSP, or should I use an unregistered trading account?
–Jason
A. Structuring your cash flow so that you have more money coming in than going out is an important first step in the retirement planning process. But once you have that extra cash flow, deciding the best ways to allocate it is not always simple.
I would generally prioritize paying off high interest-rate debt like credit cards before saving, but I will assume that is not a consideration for you and your wife, Jason.
It sounds as though you both qualify for the disability tax credit (DTC), which is a requirement to open a registered disability savings plan (RDSP)…
