Retirement planning getting you down? There are always smart ways to plan the financial aspects of your retirement.
Latest News
Canadians fear a tougher road to retirement—and plan to help their kids along the way + MORE Feb 14th
Canadians are going into this year’s RRSP season in a somewhat pessimistic mood. Two-thirds say it will be more difficult for them to save and invest for their retirement than it was for their parents, according to BMO’s latest Retirement Survey.
Canadians expect a tougher retirement than the.... More »
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 »
Do you need a planner if you’re a DIY investor? May 23rd
In today’s digital age, there’s an increasing number of Canadians who choose do-it-yourself investing. Online brokerages and low-cost trading platforms allowed for a new style of investing to emerge: a new generation of DIYers. We’ve seen a shift in the financial planning industry. Well, self-.... More »
Common risks to retirement, investing and financial freedom Oct 11th
No matter what stage of financial planning you are in, it is important to be aware of and understand the common risks to your retirement plan and financial stability. The Toronto Star published the following chart showing reasons why Canadians delay their retirement:
While enthusiasm may be nece.... More »
RRIF and LIF withdrawal rates: Everything you need to know
– moneysense.ca
At some point, a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) is typically converted to a registered retirement income fund (RRIF). The latest you can defer the conversion of your account is the end of the year you turn 71. This means that by December 31 of your 71st year, you need to either withdraw the balance of your RRSP and pay tax on it, use the account to purchase an annuity from an insurance company, or convert it to a RRIF. Most Canadians choose to convert their RRSP to a RRIF.
You do not have to wait until age 71 to convert your RRSP. Most people consider doing so once they have retired.
RRIF withdrawal rates
The minimum age at which you can convert an RRSP to a RRIF varies by province: it’s 50 in some, and 55 in others. But starting the year after conversion, you must begin to make minimum withdrawals from your RRIF. The table below includes the minimum withdrawal rates for all RRIFs set up after 1992. It shows the percentage of the account balance (at the previous year-end) that must be paid out in the current year…


