Retirement Unpacked

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 Intro00:35 How does RRIF drawdown affect your tax bracket?3:46 Rate of return assumptions: When markets outperform your plan12:17 LIF small balance allowance16:37 Why bother withdrawing from your RRSP/RRIF?22:49 Spousal RRSP/RRIF attribution rules26:59 How does life insurance affect planning?33:47 Cashflow wedge planning with DB plan40:21 Strong returns increased LIF max. Should I withdraw max?46:05 RRSP meltdown risk if spouse unexpectedly passes away early55:02 Can you request withholding tax on RRIF withdrawals?59:38 How to think about fees and value in financial planning1:07:48 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 HEREAdam's article in The Globe and Mail HEREChapters00:00 Intro00:30 Does tax planning matter at the top marginal tax rate?4:45 Drawdown order with LIRA, TFSA, RRSP, and holding company9:58 Managing cash wedge in non-registered account14:31 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 budget27:08 Building a cash wedge for a LIF29:46 Tax implications for spousal income transfers37:26 What to do with your RESP when kids finish school46:49 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 GoeyAdam's video on investing your CPP paymentChapters00:00 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. Chapters00:00 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 

In episode 20 of Retirement Unpacked, Brett and Jon dive into CPP survivor benefits and whether delaying CPP can impact your survivor payout, the tax implications of moving investments from a non-registered account to your TFSA or RRSP, whether it makes sense to keep your emergency fund in a chequing account, and much more. Later on in the episode, one of our planners, Gord Manzer, joins to discuss car accident benefits in retirement and how upcoming changes in Ontario, including many of the mandatory benefits becoming optional on July 1, could affect retirees. Chapters00:00 Intro 00:43 Balance a large non-registered and RRSP 4:50 Understanding CPP survivor benefit 12:32 Laddered GICs for cash wedge 15:43 Moving investments from non-registered to TFSA and RRSP 18:44 PWL CPP estimate vs. Service Canada 23:43 Why do we always delay CPP to 70? 27:39 Should your emergency fund sit in a chequing account? 36:30 Selling rental properties with RRSP meltdown in mind 40:35 Why delay CPP and OAS when you'll get clawback? 44:03 Car accident benefits in retirement 50:27 Jon's favourite song right now 51:30 Article review: Kevin O'Leary's formula to becoming a millionaire 

In episode 19 of Retirement Unpacked, Adam and Brett break down what age your RRIF should be fully depleted by, how to have conversations about generational wealth with your parents, why having a cash wedge and protecting yourself against the market is critical to actually enjoy the retirement you've worked so hard for, and much more. Later on in the episode, one of our planners Jon Kutney joins to discuss smart debt and strategies to potentially make your debt tax-deductible. Chapters00:00 Intro 00:21 Better or worse time to transfer RRSP to RRIF 3:22 What age should RRIF be fully melted down 5:20 LIF maximum based on the account's performance 8:31 Retirement planning for a spouse with dementia 13:10 What to do when actual returns differ from your plan 19:38 Talking about generational wealth with your parents 27:24 Passing wealth to financially irresponsible grandkids 31:12 Clarifying the cash wedge 38:07 Drawing down RRIF based on life expectancy 40:16 Retiring early, how should I drawdown RRIF, TFSA, and non-reg? 45:14 Smart debt discussion 50:38 Estate planning with age gap and blended family 

In episode 18 of Retirement Unpacked, Brett and Matthew break down how to think about generational wealth, including how much of a buffer to hold before giving money to your children and the smartest ways to share it without waiting until you pass. They also dive into TFSA beneficiary designation planning, whether it makes sense to convert your RRSP to a RRIF before age 65, and much more! Later in the episode, one of our planners Mathieu Huneault joins to discuss an article he came across from Aaron Hector about whether you should name a U.S. or dual-citizen spouse as the successor holder or beneficiary of your TFSA. Have a question about anything retirement related? Drop a comment, and we’ll try to cover it in a future episode! ️ Read Aaron Hector's article hereTimestamps 00:00 Intro 00:36 Contributing inheritance to spouse's TFSA 02:31 Buffer to hold before thinking of generational wealth 07:03 Smart ways to share wealth with children 10:13 Tax implications of passing principal residence after death 13:35 Can you name a successor holder and beneficiary? 16:34 What happens to spouse's TFSA limit when I pass away? 18:50 How to plan when there's an age gap 23:47 Any reason to convert RRSP to RRIF before 65? 28:43 Factors to consider for partial RRSP conversion in early 60s 34:54 How much should you be saving? 40:00 Foreign pension income splitting 43:48 Spending in the go-go, slow-go, and no-go phases 52:34 Beneficiary designation of U.S. spouse on TFSA 1:00:29 Keeping employer healthcare plan in retirement 

Retirement planning does not stop once you leave work. In many ways, it becomes even more important. In this episode, Adam and Kyle answer real listener questions about RRSPs, RRIFs, income splitting, government benefits, and tax-efficient withdrawal planning in retirement.Key moments include: • RRIF income splitting when spouses are different ages • Whether RRIFs and LIFs still pay dividends after conversion • Handling RRSP withdrawals during a market decline • RRSP to TFSA strategy before and during retirement • CPP child rearing provision and how it works • Leaving RRIFs to charity the right wayDISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or estate planning advice. All investments involve risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Any forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may differ from actual outcomes.Please consult a qualified professional for personalized retirement, tax, or estate planning guidance. Parallel Wealth and Adam Bornn are not responsible for decisions made based on this content.Timestamps00:00 Intro and Overview00:25 RRIF Income Splitting With Different Ages03:43 Dividends After Converting to a RRIF or LIF05:06 Are Advisors Keeping RRSPs High on Purpose?08:04 Is It Too Late To Fix Low-Tax Retirement Years?11:25 RRSP Withdrawals During a Market Decline15:45 RRSP to TFSA Strategy20:30 RRIF Income Splitting and Tax Withholding24:06 RRSP or TFSA for Severance27:53 CPP Child-Rearing Provision29:03 Accuracy of the PWL CPP Calculator30:45 Leaving RRIFs to Charity35:46 Spousal RRSP Attribution Trap38:24 New TFSA Room and Recontributing Withdrawals40:36 Wrap Up

This episode of Retirement Unpacked tackles the kinds of retirement questions Canadians actually ask once the details start to matter. Adam and Brett dig into TFSA rules, RRSP withdrawal timing, cash wedge strategies, and CPP decisions, focusing on the tradeoffs and tax considerations that can quietly shape retirement outcomes.Key topics covered:• Moving non registered investments into a TFSA and tax implications• When to start RRSP or RRIF withdrawals• How cash wedge strategies work over time• Using all in one ETFs with a cash wedge• Structuring savings for early retirement flexibility• Supporting generational wealth without risking retirementIf you have a retirement question you would like answered in a future episode, submit it in the comments or reach out. We review them every week.DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or estate planning advice. All investments involve risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Any forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may differ from actual outcomes.Please consult a qualified professional for personalized retirement, tax, or estate planning guidance. Parallel Wealth and Adam Bornn are not responsible for decisions made based on this content.Chapters00:00 Intro and Overview00:23 Moving Non Registered Dividend Stocks Into a TFSA02:47 Investing Within a TFSA04:48 When to Begin RRSP or RRIF Withdrawals08:45 Do All In One ETFs Work With a Cash Wedge Strategy11:09 Managing a Cash Wedge Throughout Retirement18:29 Refilling a Cash Wedge After a Down Market20:30 Practical Steps to Take When Approaching Retirement25:19 Does Permanent Life Insurance as Retirement Income Make Sense31:13 Do Low Income Years Affect CPP Timing35:29 How to Estimate Your OAS Payment37:50 MERs vs Returns and Understanding Advisor Fees44:44 Can CPP Payments Be Shared Between Spouses48:03 Real World Planning Case on Retirement Flexibility52:59 How to Achieve Generational Wealth57:39 Wrap Up

In this episode of Retirement Unpacked, Adam and financial planner Jon Kutney answer real retirement questions from Canadians navigating the transition from saving to spending. They cover practical retirement income decisions, common tax pitfalls, and how different accounts work together in retirement.Topics include:Shifting from a saving mindset to a spending mindset in retirementRRSP to RRIF withdrawals and income-splitting after age 65How a cash wedge strategy differs from portfolio rebalancingLeaving money in a corporation vs contributing to an RRSPOAS clawback and when it mattersLiving off dividends vs structured drawdown strategiesHow retirement income choices affect estate planning and taxesDISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or estate planning advice. All investments involve risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Any forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may differ from actual outcomes.Please consult a qualified professional for personalized retirement, tax, or estate planning guidance. Parallel Wealth and Adam Bornn are not responsible for decisions made based on this content.Chapters00:00 Intro and Overview00:22 Multiple TFSAs With Different Institutions01:05 How CRA Tracks TFSA Contributions and Withdrawals03:07 Investing Retained Earnings Inside a Corporation06:21 Why a Savings Mindset Can Hurt Retirement10:36 RRSP to RRIF Timing for Income Splitting13:01 Leave Money in a Corporation or Contribute to an RRSP?17:37 Cash Wedge vs Portfolio Rebalancing23:13 Should You Convert All of Your RRSP to a RRIF?26:10 Using a TFSA to Offset RRIF Taxes29:56 RRSP Withdrawals and OAS Clawback35:18 Living Off Dividends vs RRSP Meltdown38:58 How to Build a Tax Efficient Estate41:29 Power of Attorney and Trusted Contacts in Retirement46:56 Gifting Money to Family Using a TFSA 52:55 Wrap Up

In this episode of Retirement Unpacked, Brett and fellow PWFG planner, Michael Barichello, answer more of your retirement questions. They cover what to do after maxing your RRSP and TFSA, how DC pensions work when you leave an employer, and the implications of naming TFSA beneficiaries or adding joint owners to accounts. They also touch on income splitting, GICs in a TFSA, overcontribution penalties, and what to know about locked-in funds. If you’ve wondered whether your accounts are set up the right way, this episode brings clarity and practical guidance. Leave your questions in the comments and we may feature them next time.Advisor.ca ArticleDISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or estate planning advice. All investments involve risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Any forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may differ from actual outcomes.Please consult a qualified professional for personalized retirement, tax, or estate planning guidance. Parallel Wealth and Adam Bornn are not responsible for decisions made based on this content.Chapters00:00 Intro & Overview00:53 Maxed RRSP & TFSA: What’s Next?05:16 Defined Contribution Pension Options08:12 Leaving Your TFSA to Children11:32 End-of-Year TFSA Contributions14:35 Assisting Elderly Parents with Finances20:00 Transferring Company Pension to an RRSP or RRIF22:12 Legacy Planning on a Defined Benefit Pension25:28 RRSP Meltdown When Working to Age 7029:33 GICs Inside a TFSA33:50 Withdrawing from a LIF After Converting35:32 RRSP vs TFSA Heading into Retirement 40:20 CPP and OAS Calculator in Today's Dollars43:55 RRIF Withdrawals Article48:11 TFSA Pitfall Tip50:25 Wrap-Up

In this episode of Retirement Unpacked, Adam and Brett answer viewer questions on RRIF withdrawals, TFSA rules, advisor restrictions, non-registered accounts, pension income splitting, LIRA unlocking, and more. They break down several common retirement planning scenarios Canadians face and explain how to navigate them with clarity and confidence.Later in the episode, Parallel Wealth partner Kyle Martins joins to share insight on easing into retirement, including how part-time or semi-retirement work can fit into a financial plan.Have a question for a future episode? Leave it in the comments.Advisor.ca ArticleDISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or estate planning advice. All investments involve risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Any forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may differ from actual outcomes.Please consult a qualified professional for personalized retirement, tax, or estate planning guidance. Parallel Wealth and Adam Bornn are not responsible for decisions made based on this content.Chapters00:00 Intro & Overview00:23 Advisor Restrictions on Financial Advice03:54 RRIF vs LIF at Death06:10 RRIF Withdrawals: Monthly vs Lump Sum08:12 Managing Non-Registered Accounts in Retirement15:16 Risks of Managing Money for Family and Friends17:45 DB Pensions, Income Splitting, CPP/OAS Timing21:22 TFSA GIC to High-Interest Account Transfer24:03 Federal LIRA Rules, Unlocking, LRIF vs RLIF29:06 Transferring LIRAs/LIFs to a Brokerage31:57 TFSA Gains and CRA Penalties37:16 Transitioning into Retirement40:21 TFSA Cash Mistakes 44:12 Wrap-up

In this episode of Retirement Unpacked, Adam Bornn and Brett Martinson tackle a variety of retirement-related questions, focusing on strategies for managing income, taxes, and investments in retirement. They discuss the implications of OAS clawback, the importance of RRSP contributions, and the nuances of withdrawing from RRSPs and TFSAs. The conversation also covers RRSP drawdown strategies, CPP dropout rules, and what strong financial planning deliverables should actually include.Parallel Wealth planner, Matthew Dennis, joins the episode to discuss a common real-life challenge when couples have different spending goals and visions for retirement and how to navigate those conversations so both spouses feel heard and aligned.Access Free Decumulation 101 VideosDISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or estate planning advice. All investments involve risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Any forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may differ from actual outcomes.Please consult a qualified professional for personalized retirement, tax, or estate planning guidance. Parallel Wealth and Adam Bornn are not responsible for decisions made based on this content.Chapters00:00 Intro and Overview00:22 Is OAS Clawback a Good Problem04:29 When RRSP Contributions Don’t Make Sense07:25 Melting Down a Large RRSP11:03 Are All in One ETFs Safe14:34 Talking to Parents About Beneficiaries19:57 TFSA Withdrawals and Attribution22:35 CPP Dropout Rate Explained24:53 Reducing RRIF Tax at Death27:49 What Good Financial Plan Deliverables Include34:49 High Income and Large RRIFs38:39 Banks Ignoring Successor Forms41:16 Spousal RRSP Contributions44:16 Understanding Client Goals in Financial Planning48:59 Year End Account Opening and Deadlines51:40: Wrap-up

In this bonus episode, Adam sits down with David Chilton, author of The Wealthy Barber and one of Canada’s most trusted voices in personal finance. Dave shares why he spent 16 months completely rewriting his bestselling book and what Canadians need to know about today’s financial realities.They discuss rising living costs, housing challenges, RRSP and TFSA decisions, CPP timing, retirement withdrawals, estate planning, and the behavioural traps that can derail even the best intentions. If you grew up with The Wealthy Barber or simply want practical advice that actually sticks, this is a conversation you’ll enjoy.The Wealthy Barber PodcastCoversation with PreetGet Your CopyDISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or estate planning advice. All investments involve risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Any forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may differ from actual outcomes.Please consult a qualified professional for personalized retirement, tax, or estate planning guidance. Parallel Wealth and Adam Bornn are not responsible for decisions made based on this content.

In this week’s episode of Retirement Unpacked, Adam and Brett answer real retirement questions and unpack topics like evaluating financial products, understanding CPP timing, navigating RRIF taxes, and making informed pension and estate decisions. They break everything down in a clear and practical way that helps you apply the ideas to your own situation.They also walk through viewer scenarios involving TFSA withdrawals, cash wedges, planning timelines, and how different income sources work together once you stop working.DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or estate planning advice. All investments involve risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Any forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may differ from actual outcomes.Please consult a qualified professional for personalized retirement, tax, or estate planning guidance. Parallel Wealth and Adam Bornn are not responsible for decisions made based on this content.

In this episode of Retirement Unpacked, Adam and Brett answer real viewer questions on retirement planning. They cover when to defer OAS to reduce taxes, whether a cash wedge actually helps your portfolio, and how to move funds from an RRSP or RRIF into a TFSA.They also discuss CPP while working, health and dental coverage in retirement, DIY investing with a professional plan, using permanent life insurance to cover taxes, and what to do with a $1M inheritance.Have a retirement question? Leave it in the comments – we might cover it in a future episode!

Adam and Brett dive into some of the most misunderstood parts of Canadian retirement planning–RRSP taxes, TFSA rollover mistakes after death, and how to avoid losing your Old Age Security to clawbacks. They also unpack how inflation affects your go-go, slow-go, and no-go years, the right way to track withholding taxes, and why AI tools like ChatGPT still can’t replace a proper financial plan. Whether you’re retired or getting close, this episode is packed with insights to help you keep more of your money, avoid costly tax surprises, and approach retirement with confidence.Got a question for a future episode? Leave it in the comments!Advisor.ca Article: https://www.advisor.ca/partner-content/industry-insights/beneva-industry-insights/how-can-advisors-prepare-young-canadians-to-inherit-wealth/

We’re unpacking nore of the most common retirement questions Canadians face, including when pension income can be split, how RRSP withdrawals should be timed, and whether investing after 60 still makes sense. We look at where TFSAs fit into the mix, how a cash wedge can support peace of mind, and why timing your retirement date can have a bigger impact than you might expect.We also dive into what truly makes a retirement plan effective – from tax efficiency and income flow to the lifestyle shift that happens when work ends. If you’re planning for retirement or already there, this episode will help you make smarter, more confident decisions with the wealth you’ve built.Eligible Pension Income CRA: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/pension-income-splitting/eligible-pension-income.htmlAdvisor.ca Article: https://www.advisor.ca/practice/longevity/how-retirement-coaching-is-redefining-the-future-of-advice/

Adam and Brett from Parallel Wealth tackle more real-life questions from Canadian retirees and soon-to-be retirees. They unpack how to time OAS and CPP for maximum benefit, when a cash wedge still makes sense even with a pension, and how to handle RRIF withdrawals and withholding tax more efficiently.You’ll also hear insights on income splitting, TFSA successor rules, OAS clawbacks, and why proper coordination between accounts can make a major difference in your after-tax retirement income. Whether you’re planning ahead or already retired, this episode breaks down the strategies that create clarity, confidence, and peace of mind in retirement.

This week we’re answering more of your biggest retirement questions. We cover CPP timing, how withdrawals affect your TFSA contribution room, and when it makes sense to convert an RRSP to a RRIF. We also clear up OAS eligibility at 65, income splitting rules after 65, and the truth about spousal RRSP attribution.We dive into strategies for reducing taxes in retirement—like when an RRSP meltdown makes sense, how to balance withdrawals across different accounts, and when investment fees stop adding value. Real scenarios, practical strategies, and straightforward answers to help you plan smarter.Got a question for the next episode? Drop it in the comments and we’ll add it to the queue.Article: https://www.advisor.ca/industry-news/industry/cffim-asks-feds-to-raise-rrif-conversion-age-rrsp-contribution-limit/