There are plenty of retirement plan options in Canada! Stay on top of the best plans right here.
Latest News
How financial journalists plan their own retirement + MORE Aug 15th
It’s an occupational hazard of personal finance (PF) journalism that the writers’ lives are an open book. Anyone reading Retired Money knows my age and that I recently had to convert my RRSP into a RRIF. And I’m not alone: this summer has seen the retirement of some long-time PF columnists, no.... More »
Should you loan money to someone who is house rich and cash poor? May 18th
My daughter is 60, divorced, owns a house, perhaps $800,000 house value. She has a small mortgage and no savings of any kind. She lives on a line of credit and a credit card. Her only income is about $300 to $400 monthly CPP.
She is wondering how best to manage. Should she sell now and rent for a.... More »
Affordability tips for first-time home buyers to securing a mortgage Nov 2nd
Q. My partner and I rent a two-bedroom apartment in Toronto in a great neighbourhood for $1,850 a month—so, a great deal. We have been living together for three years and would like to buy a house together next year, when we both turn 30.
Get the mortgage rate that works for you.Find the bes.... More »
The best RRSPs in Canada for 2026 + MORE Jan 31st
Why should you open a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP)? This account type is often described as “tax-advantaged,” meaning it offers a tax-efficient way for savers and investors to build wealth for the future, usually for retirement. To maximize its potential, it helps to know the differ.... More »
How does a spousal RRSP withdrawal work? Feb 8th
I bought a spousal RRSP in December 2019 and I plan to withdraw from it this week. Is it considered to be my income or my spousal income? I called CRA four times but no one could answer this question for me.—Tom
Spousal RRSP withdrawal rules: Timing matters
Tom, the rules around the ti.... More »
Downsizing vs reverse mortgage: which option is right for you?
– moneysense.ca
For many Canadians approaching retirement, their home is by far their largest asset. With detached homes in major cities selling for well above $1 million, it’s not surprising that owners expect to tap into that equity to help fund their golden years, prompting the common refrain: “My home is my retirement fund.”
To make this strategy work, homeowners have a couple of options:
To make this strategy work, homeowners have a couple of options:
sell your home, buy one that’s cheaper and pocket the difference (also known as downsizing);
or, if homeowners are 55 years and older, take out a reverse mortgage, which provides up to 55% of the market value of a primary residence, tax-free.
Although a reverse mortgage charges monthly interest on the amount borrowed, you don’t have to make any payments—neither interest nor principal—until you sell the house, move out of your house, default on the loan or the last homeowner dies.
Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the factors that you should consider before deciding which one is best for you…
