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Executive Summary

Dealing with dementia with financial services and investment clients will become increasingly complicated over time. The number of people who are aging, the ever-extending length of their lives, and the activity that they display well into retirement, coupled with the complexity of capital markets and products can produce a difficult situation for many.

The boundaries of the Boomer generation has them aged from 55 to 75 in 2024. Advances in all types of medical diagnostic and treatment regimens has increased the life expectancy well into the 80s for both men and women in Canada and the United States.

The legislation and regulation regarding clients with dementia will continue to evolve, but it squarely falls under the Know Your Client area. As you suggest or receive investment recommendations and choices to or from your clients, you must feel confident that they are capable of making decisions on their behalf.

And as much as Advisors may feel that Compliance can make their lives miserable at times, this is one situation where involving Compliance will be the smartest decision to make. It is paramount that you maintain your clients’ interests above all else and if you embark on this journey too quickly, without guidance, and, frankly, as the friend and trusted advisor who is now discussing potentially personal and emotional issues, the relationship could be irreparably damaged.

Involve a third-party like Compliance, branch or regional management to assist with each case.

If one of your clients displays the following characteristics, it may be time to act.

1. Rapidly forgetting items and details, and the inability to retain new information
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks
3. Forgetting words or using words out of context
4. Disorientation in time and space by not knowing the day or a familiar place
5. Impaired judgment with the inability to analyze and act on a situation
6. Problems with abstract thinking like telling time or performing mathematics
7. Misplacing items or putting them in unlikely places
8. Severe mood swings from easy-going to anger
9. Changes in personality
10. Loss of initiative and interest in friends, family and favourite activities

If you see several of these activities and conditions in a client, especially when they haven’t been previously present, it is time to act.

Each situation is different since each of us are individuals. But several steps are common to every situation:

• Review the Power of Attorney documentation on file
• If family members are involved, encourage your client to include them in your next meeting or conversation
• Discuss your concerns with your branch or regional management to receive the latest direction from your firm’s legal and compliance departments

The sources of dementia are many; they range from strokes, sleep disorders, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid conditions, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington disease, mental illness and the most discussed cause, Alzheimer’s Disease.

The source of the dementia will determine the appropriate course of treatment, naturally. In nearly every case, as a percentage of the total, the reversal of symptoms is almost always impossible to achieve.

Canada, along with the rest of the G7 countries, has some of the best dementia diagnostic and treatment in the world. As developed nations the life expectancy is consistent, and the incidence of dementia is similar across the seven countries. In 2023 the number of cases is estimated at nearly 14 million, or 30% of all dementia cases worldwide.

Each province and territory has a well-developed system of provincial, regional, and local dementia and Alzheimer’s societies. Each provide educational and support resources for individuals and families.

If your practice is skewing toward older clients, and this is an area of interest to you, volunteer opportunities are plentiful on the fundraising and care dimensions. Special areas have been established in many care facilities where well-mannered and tempered dogs are brought in to provide later stage dementia patients with comfort, for example.

Key Factors to Know

Dementia, whether it is Alzheimer’s or another source, will touch almost every family. Globally almost 50 million people have been diagnosed, with a new case identified every 3 seconds according to the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom.

The cost of dementia globally is estimated at $818 billion USD for 2015. A significant amount of healthcare resources are being poured into this area since it has a debilitating effect on those directly and indirectly afflicted.

Memory loss and diminished mental abilities, like reduced joint flexibility and endurance, are a normal part of aging. According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario the symptoms typically follow a pattern of increased frequency of forgetfulness, and the forgetfulness of increasingly important and personal details of one’s life.

The Bottom Line

Stay attuned to your client’s personal situation and stay in-contact closely enough to understand if any physical or mental abilities are being impaired.

The best pre-emptive steps are to include multiple generations in your client base and include multiple generations in your discussions for family financial planning. Obtain consent to discuss your client’s situation with their adult children.

And don’t assume that the older generation, who may be losing some mental acuity, and may be experiencing dementia, does not realize this and want assistance.

Executive Summary

A financial plan is like a roadmap to achieving the financial future you envision. It starts by identifying where you are financially and provides directions for getting to where you want to go. There are many areas that make up your finances: your assets and liabilities, investment portfolio, cash flow, tax situation, retirement income, insurance and estate plan (or lack thereof).

Your lifestyle also plays a role. For a financial plan to be effective, each one of these areas must be addressed in a coordinated way to provide a personalized, comprehensive financial solution.

What You Need To Know

As with any goal or strategy, a financial plan must have objectives. How do you see yourself five, ten or 20+ years in the future? After determining your current financial state in the areas mentioned above, you will need to establish a clear vision to start creating and implementing a plan. This includes what your retirement lifestyle will be, because only then can you determine needs for investments and income. If you have children, it may also include funding for their education or other endeavors.

Once you’ve clarified your current financial situation and understand your vision for the future, calculations can then be made to determine how your assets need to grow to reach those goals. This will determine the investment plan that you’ll need to produce the necessary returns from your assets.

A comprehensive financial plan must also consider the tax ramifications of your finances and identify strategies to minimize your tax liabilities. Additionally, your financial plan should mitigate risk and protect your wealth using tools such as insurance products. The use of insurance can also be beneficial in your estate plan, as there are ways to minimize taxation and maximize the wealth of your estate.

If all this sounds a bit complex or outside of your comfort zone, consider working with a financial advisor. Find someone who understands the implications that each area of your financial plan has on achieving the goals you’ve set. He or she may need to liaise with other professionals, such as your lawyer or accountant, to do a complete and thorough job.

Bottom Line

A proper financial plan is more than managing your investments, creating tax minimization strategies or planning for your retirement. It is all these things plus others, including risk management (insurance) and estate planning.

A comprehensive financial plan requires the coordination of all these areas to maximize the wealth potential from your current financial situation. It begins with setting clear financial goals and working through all the aforementioned areas. This is generally best done by working with a capable financial advisor, as all these areas must be addressed in a coordinated way to create an effective, holistic financial plan.

Book an appointment with us to get started on your financial plan today!  CLICK HERE

If you’re retired, or soon to be, you’re likely a Canadian baby-boomer.  You are seeking more information about your retirement beyond merely finances, and advisors are uniquely positioned to provide you with additional retirement insight and planning.

Currently, Canadians aged 65 years old, can expect to live an additional 22 to 24 years, on average.  Not only are people living longer, they are leading more active retirements.  Achieving success in retirement no longer requires the bills to be paid, and to sit at home awaiting the arrival of the grim-reaper!

To gain access to the investable assets today, and manage them into retirement, advisors should examine their clients in a broader, more complete perspective.

What you need to know

The Bottom Line

Without planning that includes more elements than just finances, retirement and the years leading up to it can be anxiety laden.  The period that should be relatively carefree will be the opposite.

Financial planning is a critical element of all retirement plans, but an analysis that focuses solely on money will not prepare you for a successful retirement.  Additional items like those mentioned above must also be addressed.

By:  William Henriksen, CFP^®

Farmers play a vital role in our society, providing food and sustaining our communities. However, there comes a time when farmers may start thinking about selling their farm or retiring from the agricultural business. This exit requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a smooth and successful transition. According to a recent census, 60% of farmers are 55 or older, but only 13% of farmers have written succession plans in place!

In this blog post, we will explore the essential factors that farmers need to consider when they are contemplating selling or retiring from their farming operations, with a specific focus on the lifetime capital gains exemption.

1. Understanding the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption: The lifetime capital gains exemption is a tax provision available to Canadian farmers and fishers. It allows them to claim a tax exemption on the capital gains realized from the sale of qualified farm or fishing property, up to a certain limit. Today, the exemption limit is $1 million. Understanding the details and requirements of this exemption is crucial for farmers considering selling their farm, as it can have a significant impact on their tax payable.
2. Eligibility and Qualified Farm Property: To benefit from the lifetime capital gains exemption, farmers must ensure that their property meets the criteria of qualified farm property. Qualified farm property typically includes land, buildings, and equipment used primarily in a farming business. Farmers should review the specific requirements outlined by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and consult with tax professionals to confirm their eligibility and ensure compliance with the exemption rules. I’ve included the current requirements at the end of this blog.
3. Tax Planning and Optimization: Farmers considering the sale of their farm should engage in thorough tax planning to optimize the use of the lifetime capital gains exemption. This involves assessing the potential capital gains, considering the available exemption limit, and strategizing to minimize tax liabilities. Working with experienced tax advisors or accountants can help farmers navigate the complex tax rules, identify opportunities for tax minimization, structure the sale in a manner that maximizes the benefit of the exemption and ensures maximum long term wealth preservation.
4. Timing the Sale: The timing of the sale can have a significant impact on the utilization of the lifetime capital gains exemption. Farmers should carefully consider their tax situation, personal circumstances, and market conditions when determining the optimal time to sell. Changes in tax laws or regulations may affect the availability or value of the exemption, so staying informed and seeking professional advice is crucial.
5. Transition and Succession Planning: Farmers looking to retire and sell their farm must also consider the implications of the lifetime capital gains exemption for succession planning. If the goal is to transfer the farm to the next generation, structuring the sale in a way that allows for the use of the exemption by both parties can be advantageous. This may involve strategies such as share transfers, leasing arrangements, or implementing a gradual transition plan. Working closely with legal and financial professionals can help ensure a smooth transition while optimizing the tax benefits.
6. Professional Guidance: Given the complexities of tax laws and regulations, it is essential for farmers to seek professional guidance when considering the lifetime capital gains exemption. Engaging with tax advisors, accountants, and lawyers experienced in agricultural taxation can provide valuable insights and ensure compliance with the CRA’s requirements. These professionals can also assist in developing a comprehensive tax strategy that aligns with the farmers’ overall retirement and financial goals.

Hopefully by exposing more farmers to articles like this one, we start seeing the percentage of farmers with written succession plans trending higher year over year. If you’re a farmer or if you know a farmer, share this with them and encourage them to seek professional guidance so that they can optimize their retirement planning and ensure a smooth transition to the next phase of their lives.

Below are the current requirements to meet the criteria of qualified farm property for the purpose of the lifetime capital gains exemption:

1. Farming Activity: The property must be used primarily in a farming business, meaning that it is actively involved in agricultural production. This includes activities such as cultivating land, raising livestock, growing crops, or producing aquaculture or other agricultural products.
2. Ownership: The property must be owned by an individual or a partnership of individuals. Corporations or trusts generally do not qualify for the lifetime capital gains exemption on farm property.
3. Duration of Ownership: The property must have been owned and used in a farming business for at least 24 months before the disposition (sale) occurs. However, in some cases, the CRA allows for a shorter ownership period if there were circumstances beyond the farmer’s control that prevented meeting the 24-month requirement.
4. Nature of the Property: The property must meet specific nature criteria to qualify as qualified farm property. The following requirements generally apply:
   • Buildings and Structures: Buildings and structures, such as barns, storage sheds, or silos, that are used primarily in the farming business can qualify as part of the qualified farm property.
   • Shares of a Family Farm Corporation: Shares of a family farm corporation can be considered qualified farm property if certain conditions are met, including that the majority of the assets of the corporation are qualified farm property and that the shares are owned by individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria.
5. Farming Income Test: The farming income test requires that farming income, either alone or in combination with farming income of a spouse or common-law partner, exceed other income (excluding taxable capital gains) in at least two out of the last five years. This ensures that the lifetime capital gains exemption is primarily available to farmers and not individuals who may own farm property but do not actively engage in farming activities.

If you are a farmer, and you are contemplating selling or retiring from your farming operations, or if you would like to set up a succession plan, click HERE to book an appointment with us today!

Executive Summary

Business owners regularly face complex retirement planning and insurance needs. It is not uncommon for business owners to have a large amount of their wealth tied up in their corporation.  This can create a complex need for both insurance coverage to protect that wealth and the flexibility to use that wealth.  The Corporate Retirement Strategy was developed to address both of those needs.  This strategy can provide insurance protection and a flexible income stream in the future.

Below are the basics of how this particular strategy can work for a business.

What You Need to Know

The Corporate Retirement Strategy has two key components.

The first of which is a permanent life insurance policy.

The idea is that the corporation will purchase a permanent life insurance policy on the business owner to provide them with the insurance coverage needed to protect the company assets.  On top of the monthly insurance premium, the business would direct any surplus earnings into the permanent life insurance policy. These surplus funds would build up significant amounts of tax-advantaged cash value within the policy. This policy serves a dual purpose.  The insurance provides much needed protection for the company all the while accumulating funds that could be used by the business owner in the future.

The second component to this strategy is utilizing the funds that the insurance policy has accumulated. 

The corporation may be able to pledge the policy as collateral in exchange for a tax-free loan from a lending institution.  The corporation could then use these loaned funds to supplement a shareholder’s retirement and the loan would be repaid by the life insurance policy when the insured dies.  On death, a portion or all of the life insurance proceeds are used to pay off your loan. Even though the benefit was used to pay off the loan, the corporation may still post the death benefit amount to its Capital Dividend Account.

This strategy may be good for any shareholder or key person of a Canadian Controlled Private Corporation who has a successful business with either excess income or a large corporate surplus.  With proper planning this strategy can help reduce taxes, supplement retirement, and provide insurance protection fort the company.

The Bottom Line

While this strategy may work for some business owners, it is not the right fit for every corporation.  It is important that the strategy is executed carefully to be successful and fulfill its intended purpose.  It may be prudent to work with a tax professional, your insurance advisor, financial planner, and the lending institution to ensure that your corporation will benefit from the Corporate Retirement Strategy.

By: Brian Adams, CLU, CH.F.C

You have worked hard all your life and have been saving for retirement.  That day has finally come, you are ready to retire, and you wonder, what do you do now?  What is the next step? This is probably one of the most asked questions we get as financial advisors.

It is quite simple really! You are just exchanging one investment product for another. One is an accumulation product and the other is an income product. The important thing to remember is that there are different rules governing pension proceeds and not all pension plans allow conversion to a personal income plan.

So why go to all this trouble? Why not just take an annuity from your pension? What is important to remember is that although a pension annuity provides you with a lifetime income, unless it is significantly indexed like a federal government plan, it has some disadvantages. First, it means in most cases that your spouse will only receive 60% of your retirement income at your death. Further, your retirement proceeds cannot pass on to your children or another beneficiary. They simply go back in the pot as it were. Also, you will have no say in how your retirement income is invested and you will not be able to vary the amount of income you receive.

So, what it boils down to is how much control do you want to have over your money?

You can convert your pension money into two different products. Any voluntary contributions that you have made to your pension plan can just be converted into a RRIF just like your RRSP. However, any contributions made by your employer are what we call locked-in. This means that they are governed by those pension rules I mention earlier.

As a result, this money must either go into an annuity or a life income fund (LIF). A LIF works like a RRIF, except that there are minimums and maximums that must be paid out based on age. You can also split this money and have some of it in an annuity and some of it in a LIF.

Before the money goes into a LIF however, it must first be converted into a locked-in retirement account (LIRA). This satisfies the pension rules governing locking-in of pension money. The good news is you also have the option (in Ontario) to unlock up to 50% of that locked pension money and put it into a RRSP or RRIF with no limitations as to income flow!

One of the other considerations is making sure that we can offer the same or greater income from these proceeds. Since most pension plans are invested so conservatively, we can usually meet or beat the income they provide. Most times we can do this with a very low risk investment of the proceeds.

So, you could have retirement income coming from a RRIF, a LIF, and an Annuity. Along with indexed income from your government CPP and OAS programs.

Now go out there and enjoy your retirement!

For more information, click HERE.

By: Brian Adams, CLU, CH.F.C

You have worked for a company (or perhaps several companies) over the years, and you now want to hang up your skates and retire, however no one has shown you how to do that. In other words, where will my income come from?

Yes, you know you have a pension that you have been paying into, for what seems like forever, but how do you change that into income for you and your family?

First, you get a quote on how much is in that pension or pensions of yours and then you find out if that pension is portable (can it be transferred). Some, such as the ones with the federal government, are not.

Next you find out if your pension is indexed or not and, if so, at what percentage. If your pension is indexed, you may want to just leave it right where it is.

Let’s assume yours is portable and not indexed. So now you want to transfer that locked-in (taxed under pension rules) plan under your former employer, to a locked-in plan under your name.

You are allowed to move it to a Locked-In Retirement Account (LIRA) tax free. When you are ready to start taking an income from that account you can move it to a Life Income Fund (LIF). Which is essentially the same thing as a RRIF, that most people have heard of.

When you move it to a LIF in Ontario, you are allowed to unlock up to 50% of the value that was in your LIRA and put it into that RRIF or an RRSP.

That 50% that is still in the LIF has minimum and maximum amounts that can be taken each year as income, based on age. However, that other 50% in the RRIF or RRSP can be taken whenever you want and in any amount you want.  All income will be taxable whether in the form of LIF or RRIF income.

Combine this with your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS), which are both indexed, along with any RRSP and TFSA savings you have, and you have your income.

For more information, click HERE.

By Louai Bibi, Advisor Associate

Should you take your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) as early as possible, at the default retirement age of 65 or defer to age 70?  I have included a handy calculator before to help us find out!

Click HERE

With this calculator, you’ll be able to map out at what age you’ll breakeven on taking CPP at age 65 vs 70. In this example, the breakeven age is 75 for a 50 year old. If this individual has a life expectancy of 75 years or less, it is more optimal to take CPP early on paper. If their life expectancy is > than age 75, they may be better off deferring to maximize the monthly pension amount.

The beauty of this calculator is that you can plug in your age, life expectancy (you can use the average of 84 for men, 87 for women), the rate of return your investments are achieving if you were to collect early & invest some/all of the monthly pension, the rate of inflation and benchmark a “start collecting early” versus a “start collecting late” scenario.

The reality is that we don’t have a crystal ball to know whether we’ll live to age 75 or 100, so we can’t base these decisions purely off the most optimal number a calculator spits out, which is where the qualitative considerations come in.

You may want to spend more money in retirement to visit your loved ones or check off some of the exciting items on your bucket list. I for one, would not want to wait 5 or 10 years to receive my optimally deferred pension to do these things, as long as my retirement/estate plan is sustainable and I know I won’t run out of money.

This is where we come in – whether it is Shawn, Corey, Mike, or myself. We help bridge the gap between what the calculator spits out and the values/motivations that prompted you to open that calculator in the first place. You are never too young or old to start planning for financial independence/retirement but like most things in life, it’s generally easier when you start early. You can book yourself into any of our calendars or reach out via email if you’d like advice on building out a financial plan.

Click HERE

You spend your entire working career accumulating retirement savings, but it seems that we forget that we have a right to spend it. The calculator is a great way to start this conversation, but not the way to end it!

Most optimal does not always = most appropriate!

By: Shawn Todd, CFP

Just before the New Year of 2023 – I was fortunate enough to go for a short adventure trip with my wife Michele, where we planned to do some extraordinary hiking in Arizona.  The first thing I did when I packed for my trip on the days we hiked – was making sure that I had packed a GPS, a compass, enough water, and had a plan.  It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised on how many people venture out with just their shoes.  I saw many with no gear, or the wrong gear.

Some short stats:

• 57.8 million hikers every year in the US.
• There are 4 deaths per 100,000 hikers
• 70% of hikers who die are male

Looking at these stats – right away it becomes a very good message to me that not only should I be careful, but I should always be packing a compass.  I’m male, I hike, I Iove my wife and family, and I’m planning a hiking trip.

When it comes to our personal lives, and our business lives, it’s very easy to overlook what you need to be packing in your ‘day to day’ backpack.  It’s very easy to be comfortable with life ‘as it is right now’. The home & your after-hours routine, and your work & your normal ‘day at the office’ routine all flow one day to the next without any issues.  Sometimes we neglect how each of these affects the other. How impactful our personal lives are with our work, and how significant a role our work plays in providing comfort in our personal lives.

The merging of our personal and business lives give way to four key themes on this Venn diagram above. These dual areas are:

Time – how much time can we spend with our loved ones, what kind of quality time is it?  How much flexibility does our business provide us, how hard have we worked to have it be this way?

Security – Our business without questions provides the security for us to make decisions that affect our spouse, our children and ourselves.  Where are the children going to post-secondary school?  Do we need to have two incomes or just one in the home? What will happen if one of our family is sick and needs care? Does our life feel safe and secure?

Income – We all start off with a life wanting to not be only concerned about money.  You may be more interested in your community, in charity, in just time with loved ones.  The income that comes in now, and the income that may or may not come in – if you weren’t working – will impact most of the decisions we make with the other three areas – time, security, and our goals.

Goals – This is where it’s always interesting.  Every single person has different goals, different needs, and different wants.  Spending a great deal of time here, really helps with a good foundation to mapping out where we want to go in life [and mapping out what trails we want to explore on that hike]

Many times, when we meet new clients – and we ask – “would you like us to spend time doing financial planning for you personally, and also for you corporately?” they may feel initially positive about it, but also feel slightly tentative about planning twice.  Why would I need to do this?

Some more short stats:

• 96 percent of small business [with 1-100 employees] survive for one full year
• 70 percent of small businesses [1-100 employees] survive for five full years
• There are over 1.3 million businesses in Canada with employees
• Small businesses provide over 70% of the total private labour market
• A healthy growth rate for a small business should be between 15%
• A business will double in 5 years at a 15% growth rate
• 350 people out of 100,000 [ages 45-49] will be diagnosed with Cancer [87 times the chance of dying hiking]
• 1,000 people out of 100,000 [ages 60 and older] will be diagnosed with Cancer [250 times the chance of dying hiking]

Spending time planning can’t take away all the risks of business failure, of financial stressors, or of getting a critical illness that impacts your business. It certainly can help make you aware of your blind spots.  Having an opportunity to see the risks, whether they are in your investment portfolio, in providing enough retirement income, or possibly in your business structure – really help make you more aware of your current situation, and your future situation combined.  You wouldn’t go on a hike without the proper gear, and I wouldn’t suggest you tackle life and business without the proper gear.

Take the time to review your own strategy and plan. If you’re unsure on areas, or need guidance, consider having a finanical plan completed, or updated.  Keeping both your personal and corporate worlds safe is key.  If you need to pack a compass to stay on track, I’d certainly recommend doing so.

Just my thoughts for the day,

Shawn Todd, CFP

By: Michael Lutes CFP, CLU

Certified Financial Planner

It’s a brand spankin’ new year, (2023 baby!). The calendar has turned, the slate is wiped clean, you’re at mile zero! You have twelve whole months to kick some butt when it comes to managing your money and financial planning! (Wow, I’m getting energized just writing this!!)

Perhaps you’ve already begun brainstorming ways to improve your finances in 2023. Maybe you’re hunting for new tax-efficient planning strategies. Or you think your investment portfolio could use a revamp. Or, after spending time with loved ones over the holidays, you’re inspired to audit your insurance and estate plans.

Or, like so many of us, you truly don’t know where to start.

Here’s a tip…

Start with your values. Let those values motivate your goals, life objectives, dreams. Whatever you want to call them, start there.

So, what are your values? Seriously, yours, what are they? Take a moment, take a minute, take whatever time you need…

No, no, no, not THOSE values…. those are the values you think you should have. The ones your brother incepted inside of you when you were chatting over the holidays. Or maybe those values are the ones your Instagram feed is telling you to have – fancy cars, fancy food, fancy vacations, fancy clothes, fancy blah blah blah.

Not those.

I’m talking about YOUR values. The ones that truly reflect the deepest sense of what cultivates happiness in you. The ones that make you feel authentically happy to just be. The ones that when you’re living in alignment with them you are at your most satisfied, most at peace, most content, and most fulfilled.

THOSE are your values.

(Ummm, I thought this was a financial planning blog…no?)

How does this apply to financial planning?

While considering all the calculator stuff – tax, investment returns, insurance, etc. – the best financial planning is done in a space where decisions of how to use your money – or capital (more on capital later) – are in alignment with your values. This is where financial confidence builds. This is where the real financial planning magic happens.

In this space, you stop obsessing over moves in the stock market, you don’t really care what shows up in the daily financial news, you can genuinely listen to your neighbor’s stock tip from their cousin who “worked on wall street” and effortlessly separate opinion from truth and move on.

This is the space where you can be totally and completely confident and fulfilled in your financial decision making, because you know it aligns to your values and your life objectives.

So, when it comes to financial planning this year, start with your values – dig deep, be real, be honest, be reflective – and let your values motivate your goals that ultimately drive your decision making.

Do this, and you’ll be kicking butt in 2023!

And if you’re one of us who, like most, need help uncovering their values and articulating their goals, we recommend talking to a trusted advisor who can help you through the process. If you don’t have a trusted advisor, schedule some time with us – we love to help!

A retirement savings plan is a way of protecting your post-retirement financial lifestyle. However, in recent times, recessions, stock-market declines, housing market bubbles, joblessness, and, most recently, a global pandemic have created a series of challenges for people trying to start, grow, or maintain a retirement savings plan. With all the economic uncertainties, it’s natural to wonder if you’re doing all you can to protect your retirement nest egg. Taking a back to basics approach can instruct you on how to keep your retirement financial plan on track during uncertain economic times and beyond.

Consider these tried and tested tips that most financial advisors will recommend for a secure and enjoyable retirement.

1. Make Realistic Budget and Lifestyle – Determining your retirement income needs starts with making realistic assumptions about your future. Because of increased life expectancy, retirement years are longer than they used to be. The average Canadian is expected to live to 78.79 years. Longevity can also be impacted by genetics, where you live, your marital status, and your lifestyle. All of these factors into how you plan for your retirement. It’s also good to be realistic about your post-retirement budget and lifestyle. Do not make the mistake of assuming that your post-retirement budget will be reduced. Retirement is becoming increasingly expensive, particularly in the first few years. It’s essential to have a plan to help mitigate expenses when you are no longer earning a paycheck.
2. Have A Savings Plan – Based on these realistic lifestyle assumptions about your post-retirement days, you can begin to determine what you can do now to sustain yourself financially for at least 25 years post-retirement. The 4% rule is one popular method for working this out. In this model, you commit 4% of your savings for every year of retirement. Another approach is to draw down 2-3% of your total retirement portfolio annually, adjusted yearly for inflation.
3. Consider Inflation – Speaking of inflation, failing to factor it into your plan could take a substantial bite out of your hard-earned nest egg. Inflation impacts how much your retirement savings will be worth over time, so understanding this is critical to ensuring that you have enough assets to last throughout your retirement.
4. Grow Your Retirement Savings – Retirement means different things to different people, but the key is to enjoy this time of your life while making sure you don’t outlive your retirement savings. You are more likely to achieve this with a thoughtfully developed plan that allows you to withdraw money from your portfolio while enabling growth over the longer term. You can achieve this by using various investment vehicles with reasonable returns.

Bottom Line

Planning for the future is a complex and sometimes emotional process that is not easy to do without guidance. Financial advisors can help you remain objective and focused on your future goals. They also have the skills and tools you need to plan for a healthy financial future.

Book an appointment with us – CLICK HERE

Employers are seeing a trend of their employees quitting their jobs. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many to re-evaluate how they are spending their lives. Employees are valuing their time more than ever and are looking for opportunities where work life balance is a top priority. One worry that employees may have as they embark on their next stage of life: What happens to my pension?

The three most common retirement savings plans in Canada are: Defined Benefit Pensions (DBPP), Defined Contribution Pension Plans (DCPP), and Group Registered Retirement Savings Plans (Group RRSP). Regardless of which type of plan you are enrolled in; all is not lost once you leave your job. Each type of plan has special rules and provisions for what you can do with the money when you leave your employer.

What You Need to Know

1. Defined Contribution Pension Plans – Defined Contribution plans are typically made up of a combination of employer and employee contributions. The retirement benefit is dependent on how much is in the account at the time and how it has performed in the markets. When you leave your job, you will have to transfer your pension into either a LIRA, LIF, or RRIF, depending on your province of residence. A LIRA is a locked in retirement account holding the pension money until it comes time to take an income from it, when it will be converted to a LIF. It is also possible to transfer pensions directly to a LIF, if age requirements are met. Provincial authorities are responsible for regulating pension money and most pension money is “locked-in”, which means there are age restrictions on when you can withdraw the money and limits on how much you can take. Rules differ from province to province.
2. Defined Benefit Pension Plans – Defined Benefit Pension Plans guarantee an income to employees in their retirement. Defined Benefit plans may be made up of both employer and employee contributions, or just employer contributions. When you leave your employer and have a Defined Benefit plan, you will have two options: 1. Leave the money in the plan and take an income based at retirement based on contributions up until the point you leave. 2. Take the commuted value of the plan and transfer it to a LIRA. The LIRA will be subject to the same locking provisions as mentioned above. Whether or not to take the commuted value of a Defined Benefit plan is a financial planning issue that should be worked through with a professional. They will help you determine whether the income or lump sum would be more beneficial to your retirement plan.
3. Group RRSPs – Group RRSPs are the most flexible pension option. When you leave your employer, you will be able to transfer your Group RRSP directly into your individual RRSP. Alternatively, you could withdraw the account in cash, but be prepared to take a tax hit.

The Bottom Line

There are exceptions to locking-in rules and each province has a different set of regulations. A financial advisor can help you understand the rules in your province and help you determine the best course of action of your pension money.

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If you are nearing retirement, you may be starting to think about creating retirement income for yourself from your RRSPs. Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) are considered accumulation vehicles.  This means they are used to save for your retirement in a tax efficient way. When the time comes to start using your hard-earned savings to fund your retirement, you may want to consider moving them to a payout vehicle called a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF).

Much like an RRSP, a RRIF is a tax deferred account that allows your investments to grow without immediate tax implications. The purpose of a RRIF is to distribute your savings to you in your retirement years while still allowing your money to grow tax deferred.

What You Need to Know

When to Convert Your RRSP to a RRIF

You can convert your RRSP to a RRIF at any time, but you must do so by the end of the year that you turn 71. This conversion must be done regardless of whether you need income. Once you convert your RRSP to a RRIF you must start taking scheduled income.

If you are under 71 and do not require a steady stream of income, it is often beneficial to keep the funds in an RRSP. This way you can still take money out, if necessary, but the account can continue to grow without being drawn down on a regular basis.

How to Convert Your RRSP to a RRIF

It is important to convert your RRSP directly a RRIF to avoid unnecessary taxation. The process is simple but should be done with the guidance of a financial advisor to ensure the conversion is done correctly and in a timely manner.

Step 1: Fill Out a RRIF Application – Converting a RRSP to RRIF will require that you open a new account. Your advisor will prepare the paperwork for you.

Step 2: Name Beneficiaries – Registered accounts allow investors to name a beneficiary. Beneficiary designations allow money to be passed quickly and directly to a spouse or qualified dependent in the event of your death. Spouses and qualified dependents are eligible to receive the proceeds tax free. You can leave the money to anyone you wish; but they will be taxed on the amount received.

Step 3: Determine a Withdrawal Schedule – There are several considerations when withdrawing from your RRIF:

• Payments from a RRIF must begin the year after your 71st birthday.
• All payments are considered taxable income in the year they are received.
• RRIFs are subject to minimum withdrawal requirements and a certain percentage must be withdrawn each year. The percentage that must be withdrawn increases as you age. There are no maximum withdrawal amounts.
• You can choose to receive payments monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
• You can elect use your spouse’s age to calculate the minimum withdrawal. This can allow you to keep the funds in the account longer and retain their tax deferred status.
• Any withdrawals over the minimum amount are subject to withholding tax.

The Bottom Line

It is important to pay close attention to the timing of converting your RRSP to a RRIF. If the RRIF is not established by the end of the year in which you turn 71, the account will be deregistered and all the funds in the account will become taxable income to you in that year. Plan well in advance to ensure you keep the registered status of your investments!

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A recent study, Understanding and Managing the Risks of Retirement, by the Society of Actuaries has shown that only 52% of pre-retirees and only 44% of retirees are consulting a Financial Advisor. That means that roughly half of the population is seeking financial advice outside of a financial professional, whether that be friends, family, colleagues, or Google. We live in a time where we turn to technology for everything. We can quickly search anything we want to know, and as a result, we are inundated with information. When it comes to dealing with our finances, this approach can be confusing and overwhelming. By making your financial advisor your first point of contact, you know that you are being provided with knowledge that is relevant to your financial situation.

What you Need to Know

Working regularly with your financial advisor can bring incredible value to your financial plan. A study by Morningstar found that investors who consistently work with an advisor generate returns that are 1.82% higher than those who do not. Their research also found that investors that actively seek out advice from their advisor accumulate 29% more wealth for retirement than those investors who do not.

A Financial advisor can provide you with the kind of expertise and guidance you deserve. You work hard for your money, and while seeking advice from the internet or advice from friends can be convenient, you can’t always trust that it is accurate or relevant. Every investor has specific needs, and there is no one size fits all when it comes to investing. Inaccurate or irrelevant information can lead you to make costly decisions. By talking to your advisor, they can act as a sounding board for the information you read or hear about. An advisor can offer guidance on whether a new concept or product could benefit your portfolio, or if it’s just a trend that offers you no value.

One of the greatest risks to your financial plan is making uninformed decisions during a downturn in the markets. In bearish markets, we are flooded with market information and down-right bad news. Before turning to potentially unreliable sources, consult with your advisor first. Research by the Investment Fund Institute of Canada has shown that individuals who have worked with a financial advisor and have a customized plan are twice as likely to rebalance appropriately during a downturn. Making your advisor you first contact will allow you to filter out the panic and allow you to see the facts, therefore keeping your goals on track!

The Bottom Line

By getting in the habit of talking to your financial advisor before looking for advice elsewhere, you can reduce the risk of falling prey to inaccurate and irrelevant information. If you trust in the expertise that your advisor can provide, you can reap the benefits of higher returns and higher level of wealth in retirement. In other words, you can reach your financial potential!

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Retirement Planning is not the same for both women and men. Women face unique hurdles and risks that do not affect their male counterparts.  These risks include outliving their money, earning less but having more financial obligation, and aversion to take risks with their money.

What You Need to Know

1. Longevity: On average, women live five years long than men do. This can have a big impact on the amount of money women need to have saved for retirement.  Women also tend to underestimate how long they will live for. Many women live into their 90’s, but only plan to live into their 70s. It is clear that longevity is one of, if not the, biggest risk women face when it comes to their finances. Women, on average, retire with only two-thirds the money that men do. So not only are they living longer than men, they are trying to do so on less.
2. More Caregiving, Less Income: It is no secret that the burden on family rearing falls onto women.  Women are more likely than men to take time off to care for children or elderly family members, women are more likely than men to be single parents, women see wages drop after having a child (71 cents to the dollar for men), and women spend 50% more time than men caregiving. What we can derive from this information is that women are expected to work less, work FOR less, and spend more on their families.  This dramatically effects a women’s ability to save.
3. Risk Aversion: Women tend to be more risk adverse than men. This desire for security within their investments can hurt their returns and put them even further behind when it comes to meeting retirement goals.  The tendency for women to be more risk adverse makes sense.  They are earning less, so therefore saving less, and have more family responsibility then men. Women may feel like they do not have the money to take risks and this needs to be accounted for when creating a retirement plan.

The Bottom Line

So, what can women do to boost their retirement savings?  They must save more aggressively than men, and earlier than men. This can be easier said than done.  Working with an advisor early can help women get ahead. Setting up automatic monthly RRSP contributions, maxing out company pension plans, and having a plan in writing are all things women can do to accelerate their savings.

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