Old Age Security (OAS)
National Post article: Should Ottawa couple defer CPP and OAS if they retire early next year?
The National Post asked me to look at the retirement plan for Arnold, 56, and Heather, 60, an Ottawa couple hoping to retire as early as next year. They both have strong, inflation-indexed defined benefit pensions, but they’re not sure they’ll actually have the retirement they want if they stop working now. They’re also not…
Read MoreNational Post article: Is $15,000 for cross-border tax help too much?
The National Post asked me to look at the retirement plan for Rita, 61, and Darcy, 60, a Quebec couple who spent half their careers in the U.S. and the other half in Canada. Most of their retirement money is still in U.S. employer plans, and they’ll both receive U.S. Social Security as well as…
Read MoreShould I Delay CPP & OAS Until Age 70? – Complete Answer with Real-Life Examples (Updated)
Most seniors start their CPP and OAS when they retire or at age 65, without evaluating the options. The truth is that many seniors would benefit from delaying CPP until age 70. Here is how you can figure out what is best for you. The government pensions, CPP and OAS, are full of cool opportunities…
Read MoreNational Post Article: Can Gerard and Penelope afford to leave the corporate grind before reaching 60?
The National Post asked me to review the retirement plans of Gerard and Penelope, a couple in their late 50s eager to leave the corporate grind behind. They hope to retire within the next two to four years with $90,000 per year before tax to support their lifestyle, which includes $4,700 in monthly expenses and…
Read MoreNational Post Article: Now retired, how do we withdraw funds without running out of money?
The National Post asked me to review the finances of Walter and Joanne, a retired couple in their late 60s, who have been struggling for years with the same question: How do we draw income from our investments in the most tax-efficient way—so we can maintain our lifestyle without running out of money? They’ve built…
Read MoreCanadian Affairs Article: Can James, 71, and Valerie, 63, afford to move to a nicer neighbourhood?
Canadian Affairs asked me to review the financial situation of James and Valerie, a retired couple in Montreal. They dream of traveling twice a year, upgrading to a nicer neighbourhood, and replacing their car in a few years—all while maintaining a comfortable retirement with $64,000 a year in spending for the next decade. Currently, their…
Read MoreNational Post Article: Couple shy of retirement goals with $2.1 million portfolio
The National Post asked me to review the finances of Tom and Amanda, a semi-retired couple in their early 60s, who are debt-free, own a $1.9 million home in Southwestern Ontario, and plan to spend $115,000–$120,000 annually in retirement. Tom and Amanda enjoy part-time consulting work, which brings in $24,000 annually before tax, but the…
Read MoreNational Post Article: B.C. couple, both 49, wonder if retiring at 60 is possible
The National Post asked me to review the finances of a B.C. couple who are both 49-years old, wondering if they can retire at 60. George has a full-time position in the public sector, a private business and takes on consulting projects. His wife Elyse is a stay-at-home mom to their two teenage children. One…
Read MoreDo You Need Savings in Addition to a Government Pension Like OMERS?
When planning for retirement, many Canadians rely on a government pension like OMERS (Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System) as their foundation. Do you need savings in addition to your government pension to maintain the lifestyle you want? A buddy called me from his car and said, “I’m driving. Will I get to my destination on…
Read MoreNational Post Article: Couple has a compelling reason for wanting to break with the retirement mould
The National Post asked me to review the finances of a couple who want to retire in their 50s. They’d like to spend three to four months a year in a warmer climate. They have a $1.6 million investment portfolio that generates about $52,000 a year in dividends, they have a combined annual income of…
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