Retirement Unpacked

In episode 25 of Retirement Unpacked, Adam and Paul break down how OAS clawback works year to year, whether it still makes sense to delay CPP to 70 if you stop contributing early, the best place to park money when you don't need the mandated withdrawals, and much more.

Later in the episode, one of our planners, Martin Goudreault, joins to discuss a couple client success stories, and the impact that a retirement plan can have for Canadians.Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:00 What happens if you die before you start your pension?
4:37 Can OAS clawback vary from year to year?
7:47 Planning around a large account size gap between spouses
10:34 Stopped contributing to CPP early: Does delaying still make sense?
14:08 Best ways to deplete RESPs
18:53 Moving money from LIF to RRSP
22:42 Best place to park money when you don't need it
26:35 In-kind transfers from RRIF to TFSA
29:42 Delaying CPP to 70: What if spouse passes early?
33:55 Client success stories
38:27 Warning: Firms are cutting planning, but not fees

In episode 24 of Retirement Unpacked, Brett and Matthew break down rate of return assumptions and what to do if the market significantly outperforms your plan, why you should drawdown your RRSP/RRIF even if it means forgoing future returns, cashflow wedge planning with a defined benefit pension plan, RRSP meltdown risk if your spouse unexpectedly passes away, and much more.
Later in the episode, one of our planners, Michael Barichello, joins to discuss fees in the financial industry, helping you understand how to weigh the costs of a advisor vs. the value they provide.Chapters:
0:00 Intro
00:35 How does RRIF drawdown affect your tax bracket?
3:46 Rate of return assumptions: When markets outperform your plan
12:17 LIF small balance allowance
16:37 Why bother withdrawing from your RRSP/RRIF?
22:49 Spousal RRSP/RRIF attribution rules
26:59 How does life insurance affect planning?
33:47 Cashflow wedge planning with DB plan
40:21 Strong returns increased LIF max. Should I withdraw max?
46:05 RRSP meltdown risk if spouse unexpectedly passes away early
55:02 Can you request withholding tax on RRIF withdrawals?
59:38 How to think about fees and value in financial planning
1:07:48 How to prepare for a meeting with your financial planner

In episode 23 of Retirement Unpacked, Adam and Brett break down tax planning strategies for high net worth retirees, how non-registered accounts can become a liability in retirement, how to create a retirement budget and plan for unexpected expenses, tax implications for spousal income transfers, and much more.
Later in the episode, one of our planners, Mathieu Huneault, joins to discuss what to consider if your kids are finishing school and you still have a balance in your RESP.
More information on LIRAs HERE
Adam's article in The Globe and Mail HERE
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:30 Does tax planning matter at the top marginal tax rate?
4:45 Drawdown order with LIRA, TFSA, RRSP, and holding company
9:58 Managing cash wedge in non-registered account
14:31 Do you need RRSP room to unlock a DCPP?
15:16 Do we offer a 'light' plan if you're 10 years from retirement?
18:08 Survivor benefit: Does the deceased need to have been collecting CPP?
20:00 How to create a retirement budget
27:08 Building a cash wedge for a LIF
29:46 Tax implications for spousal income transfers
37:26 What to do with your RESP when kids finish school
46:49 Tax filing if you're expecting a T3

In episode 22 of Retirement Unpacked, Brett and Kyle break down questions you should be asking your financial planner and also how to ask to have your fees reduced. They also touch on factors to consider before setting up a spousal RRSP, should you start CPP early and invest it, and much more. 
Later in the episode, one of our planners, Paul Grenier joins to discuss whether annuities make sense for retirees in 2026. 
Brett's book recommendation from John De Goey
Adam's video on investing your CPP payment
Chapters
00:00 Intro 
1:08 Drawdown with RRIF and corporate holdings 
5:14 Planning after taking CPP and OAS early 
8:54 Factors to consider for spousal RRSPs 
12:28 Questions to ask your financial planner 
18:03 Tax implications of gifting money to children 
21:43 How to ask to reduce your fees 
30:41 Should you start CPP early and invest it? 
37:23 Why are joint investment accounts hard to find? 
40:20 Is OAS clawback based on individual or couple income? 
43:39 How to reduce tax on sale of investment property 
49:40 Discussion on annuities 
56:08 Does delaying OAS increase years of eligibility?

In episode 21 of Retirement Unpacked, Adam and Michael break down a number of questions we have gotten about the cashflow wedge. 
They discuss whether a 75/25 investment can function as a cashflow wedge, whether it makes sense to only withdraw the minimum from your wedge in down markets, and how asset allocation and cashflow wedges should be handled across different accounts like RRIFs, LIFs, TFSAs, and non-registered accounts. The episode also covers the CPP post-retirement benefit, planning for real estate that continues to increase in value during retirement, and much more.  
Later in the episode, one of our planners, Peter Filippakis, joins to discuss planning considerations when there’s an age gap between partners, and the additional factors retirees need to think through in those situations. 

Chapters
00:00 Intro 
00:37 What is the Post Retirement Benefit? 
1:59 How gradual retirement in early 60s affects CPP 
3:34 Should DC pension balance be added to RRSP? 
4:54 Use a 75%/25% investment for cashflow wedge? 
7:29 What happens to DCPP when you retire? 
9:40 Can you reinvest dividends in RRIF? 
10:55 Withdraw minimum from LIF/RIF in down markets? 
15:33 Planning for real estate increasing in value in retirement 
17:43 Asset allocation & cashflow wedge across your accounts 
20:24 Do you still need bonds if you have cashflow wedge? 
23:26 Planning when there's an age gap