Retirement Unpacked

On episode 48 of Retirement Unpacked, Adam Bornn and Mathieu Huneault discuss how retiring early affects CPP and non-contributory years, what to consider if you have multiple RRSP accounts, why most retirees should consolidate their accounts, when it makes sense to convert your RRSP to a RRIF, and what to do if you took CPP early and realize you made a mistake.
Later in the episode, Michael Barichello joins the show to discuss a real case study where the client was set on starting CPP early. He discusses how the goal isn’t to find the “right” CPP decision, but to understand the trade-offs, see how starting at different ages impacts the overall plan, and make an informed decision.
Chapters0:00 Intro
0:34 Why delay CPP if you already have a pension?
3:37 Delaying CPP: Do ages 65 to 70 count as non-contributory years?
4:52 How does retiring early affect CPP?
7:05 What happens if you have multiple RRSPs?
10:42 Should you convert to a RRIF prior to 65?
15:36 Retiring with 2 pensions: should I convert my RRSP now?
18:36 RRIF withdrawals: Should you put money back into an RRSP?
24:54 RRIF vs. non-registered accounts: Understanding the tax differences
30:50 Do you need a cashflow wedge if you have a pension?
37:22 I made mistake of starting CPP at 60, should I delay OAS?
39:57 A real CPP timing case study
43:46 Tax implications of converting a property to your principal residence

In episode 47 of Retirement Unpacked, Brett Martinson and Matthew Dennis discuss whether you should make your spouse a joint owner of your non-registered account, the key considerations before downsizing your home and renting, LIRA unlocking rules and how they vary by province, tax loopholes versus legitimate tax planning, and much more.
 
Later in the episode, Gord Manzer joins the show to discuss what to expect from a retirement plan when you're still 10+ years away from retiring, why plans change over time, and how to use that information to make better financial decisions today.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:22 Non-registered accounts: should you make them joint?
10:28 Selling house: should I downsize or rent?
18:19 Can you transfer investments in-kind from RRIF to TFSA?
23:44 Should I name my estate the beneficiary on my RRSP?
32:25 LIRA unlocking rules: every province is different
40:36 RRSP meltdown strategies for high-income earners
46:32 Tax loopholes: what's legal vs. what's risky
1:01:03 Can the FHSA be used as a tool for retirement
1:05:36 Planning for retirement 10+ years away
1:19:07 CPP survivor benefits explained: does delaying CPP hurt you?

In episode 46 of Retirement Unpacked, Adam Bornn and Kyle Martins discuss how CPP adjusts for inflation, the risk of delaying to 70, how to manage and replenish your cashflow wedge as you walk through retirement, the trade-offs of selling your home to rent, where to save after maxing out your RRSP and TFSA, and much more.
Later in the episode, Paul Grenier joins the show to discuss a unique client situation where a 65 year old used the Home Buyers’ Plan to withdraw from her RRSP and purchase a home. He explains why she was eligible, how the strategy fit into her retirement plan, and why you shouldn’t assume you don’t qualify for certain government programs.

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:24 CPP inflation adjustments explained
3:11 How the CPP survivor benefit works
5:52 The risk of delaying CPP to 70
8:27 Should my holding company be out of the market?
11:47 How to manage your cashflow wedge during strong markets
14:41 How to replenish your cashflow wedge
17:03 Can bonds be used as your cashflow wedge?
20:59 Spousal RRSP strategy before retiring
24:15 The trade-offs of selling your home to rent
29:01 Where to save after maxing out your RRSP and TFSA
32:10 Using the Home Buyers' Plan at age 65 (case study)
38:50 The tax benefits of donating investments in-kind

In episode 45 of Retirement Unpacked, Kyle and Michael discuss the pros and cons of DIY retirement planning and DIY retirement planning software, whether it makes sense to carry a mortgage into retirement when you have a defined benefit pension, when spousal loans can be a useful tax strategy, how to coordinate retirement withdrawals between pensions and RRSPs, and much more.
Later in the episode, Mathieu joins the show to go over a client case study and discuss the benefits of updating your retirement plan, including how changes to QPP and locked-in account rules allowed the client to make adjustments that improved their plan.

0:00 Intro
0:30 Pros and cons of DIY retirement plans
4:13 Which year’s income determines your OAS clawback?
7:28 Should you pay off your mortgage before retirement?
12:05 How is the RRIF minimum calculated?
15:13 Spousal loans explained
21:01 Advantages of converting your RRSP at 55
24:57 Considerations when your pension is not indexed to inflation
29:19 Potential changes to Ontario LIRA unlocking rules
31:54 Coordinating a pension and RRSP in retirement
34:15 How changing legislation impacts retirement plans
38:16 RRSP strategies for one time high income years

In episode 44 of Retirement Unpacked, Matthew and Gord discuss when you should actually use your cashflow wedge and how to structure it, whether you need RRSP contribution room to unlock a LIRA, if it makes sense to structure your income in a way to qualify for GIS, when non-registered accounts can become a tax problem, and much more.
Later in the episode, Adam and Martin join the episode to discuss the importance for high net worth retirees to shift from wealth building to wealth distribution. They talk about the tax problems that can come from holding too much in taxable accounts, why delaying decisions can lead to larger tax bills later, and how strategies like gifting, charitable giving, and intentional estate planning can help make a bigger impact with your wealth.Chapters0:00 Intro
0:30 When should you use your cashflow wedge?
5:55 Can you unlock your LIRA if you have no RRSP contribution room?
8:08 Do spousal RRSP contributions use my contribution room?
10:12 Should you structure your income to qualify for GIS?
15:22 Can you unlock a LIRA more than once?
19:22 What happens to locked-in accounts when a spouse dies?
21:52 How should a cashflow wedge be structured?
25:48 Selling a rental property and OAS clawback implications
29:56 Should couples retirement plan together?
33:57 When non-registered accounts become a tax problem
40:41 Shifting from wealth building to wealth distribution (case study)
46:26 The smith manoeuvre in retirement: Keep it or unwind it?