Retiring Canada

Retiring Canada

By Michael Isbister, CFP®BusinessInvesting
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Retiring Canada episodes

  • Being The Executor of a Will: What You Need to Know (EP 20)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    Being named the executor of a will is an important responsibility. Many Canadians do not fully understand what is involved until the time comes.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through the key steps and responsibilities of acting as an executor in Canada.

    You will learn the first actions to take after someone passes, the essential documents you will need, and the common pitfalls that can create stress, delays, or unexpected tax consequences.

    We also cover how to manage estate assets, communicate with beneficiaries, and protect yourself when settling the estate.

    This episode is for Canadians who have been named as an executor or expect to be and want a clearer understanding of what to expect.


    WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
    Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠
    https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!

    EPISODE RESOURCES:
    📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide

    ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question

    🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca

    14 min
  • Inheritance Planning: 7 Crucial Steps (EP 19)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    Receiving an inheritance can be life-changing... but without a plan, it can also lead to costly mistakes.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through seven crucial steps to help Canadians make smart financial decisions after receiving an inheritance.

    You’ll learn how to manage the emotional side of receiving money, why the first decision you make is so important, and how to build the right team to guide you through the process.

    We also cover key considerations for married and common-law couples, along with a practical framework to help prioritize what to do next.

    This episode is for Canadians who want to protect and make the most of an inheritance while avoiding common pitfalls.

    WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
    Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠
    https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!

    EPISODE RESOURCES:
    📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide

    ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question

    🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca

    16 min
  • Retirement Planning in Canada: Beyond the Numbers (EP 18)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    A successful retirement plan is about more than just numbers—it’s about purpose, lifestyle, and how you want to spend your time.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we take a different approach to retirement planning by exploring both the financial and emotional sides of the transition into retirement.

    You’ll learn why focusing only on investments and income can fall short, and how factors like purpose, lifestyle, and personal values play a critical role in long-term fulfillment.

    We also introduce a practical framework to help you think about retirement more holistically, along with insights from real client experiences.

    This episode is for Canadian pre-retirees and retirees who want to build a retirement plan that goes beyond the numbers.

    WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
    Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠
    https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!

    EPISODE RESOURCES:
    📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide

    ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question

    🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca


     DOWNLOAD NOW - ⁠Navigating Retirement: Integrating Emotional Well-Being with Smart Financial Decisions. 


    10 min
  • First Home Savings Account: Help Your Kids Buy a Home (EP 17)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    Helping your kids buy their first home is becoming more common—but there’s a new strategy many Canadians are overlooking.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down how the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) works and how it can be used to support your children’s path to homeownership.

    You’ll learn how the FHSA compares to the RRSP and TFSA, who qualifies, and why opening an account early can create valuable tax advantages—even if a home is never purchased.

    We also cover contribution limits, key rules to be aware of, and practical ways parents can help fund the account while staying on track with their own retirement plan.

    This episode is for Canadian retirees and families who want to support the next generation while making smart financial decisions.

    WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
    Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠
    https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!

    EPISODE RESOURCES:
    📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide

    ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question

    🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca


    Resources: 

    Comparing RRSP, TFSA and FHSA 


    16 min
  • Pension Style Investing (EP 16)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    Most Canadians invest in public markets—but some of the largest pension funds in the world take a very different approach.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down what pension-style investing is and how it may apply to individual investors in Canada.

    You’ll learn how large institutions like the Canadian Pension Plan invest across private equity, real estate, and private credit, and why these types of investments can help improve diversification and reduce volatility.

    We also discuss how this approach may create a smoother investment experience, especially for retirees who are drawing income and want to avoid large market swings.

    This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want to better understand how alternative investments may fit into their portfolio.

    WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
    Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠
    https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!

    EPISODE RESOURCES:
    📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide

    ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question

    🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca

    📄 CPP Investments Overview: https://www.cppinvestments.com

    📘 CPP Annual Report: https://www.cppinvestments.com/the-fund/financial-results/

    📥 Watermark Private Portfolio Guide: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/WPP

    15 min
  • 10 Ways to Reduce OAS Clawbacks (EP 15)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    The Old Age Security (OAS) clawback can quietly add a 15% tax to your retirement income, but with the right planning, it can often be reduced or avoided.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down how the OAS clawback works in Canada and share 10 practical strategies to help you keep more of your retirement income.

    You’ll learn how income thresholds impact your benefits, how different types of investment income affect your tax return, and how strategies like pension splitting, TFSA use, and timing withdrawals can make a meaningful difference.

    We also walk through real examples of how the clawback is calculated and what steps you can take to manage high-income years more effectively.

    This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want to reduce taxes and optimize their government benefits in retirement.

    WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
    Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠
    https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!

    EPISODE RESOURCES:
    📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide

    ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question

    🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca

    18 min
  • Retirement Income Guardrails Explained (EP 14)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    One of the biggest risks in retirement is running out of money, but being too conservative can also mean missing out on the life you’ve worked for.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we introduce a retirement income strategy called “guardrails” designed to help you balance spending, market uncertainty, and long-term sustainability.

    You’ll learn how this approach adjusts your income over time, when it may make sense to increase or reduce withdrawals, and how to structure your portfolio to support a more flexible retirement income plan.

    We also walk through a simple example of how guardrails work in practice, and why consistency and discipline are key to making this strategy successful.

    This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want a more adaptive approach to managing their retirement income.

    WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
    Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠
    https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!

    EPISODE RESOURCES:
    📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide

    ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question

    🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca

    📄 Guardrails Example: https://c0acd580-0282-44f8-ad7d-f9eb38084e73.filesusr.com/ugd/238e73_d9950a1e409b434ea9609f80197d280b.pdf

    📘 CFP Code of Ethics: https://www.fpcanada.ca/docs/default-source/standards/standards-of-professional-responsibility.pdf

    15 min
  • Joint Ownership: Beware of Costly Estate Mistakes (EP 13)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    Adding a child to your property as a joint owner might seem like a simple way to avoid probate—but it can create serious tax and legal problems.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down how joint ownership works in Canada and why it’s often misunderstood as an estate planning strategy.

    You’ll learn the difference between legal and beneficial ownership, how the presumption of resulting trust works, and when joint ownership can trigger unintended tax consequences.

    We also walk through a real-life example showing how joint ownership can lead to family conflict, creditor exposure, and outcomes that don’t reflect your true intentions.

    This episode is for Canadian retirees and families who want to avoid costly estate planning mistakes and ensure their assets are passed on properly.

    WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
    Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠ As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!

    EPISODE RESOURCES:
    📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide

    ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question

    🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca

    16 min
  • Evaluate Working With Us: How It Works (EP 12)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    Most people don’t realize where the gaps are in their financial plan until it’s too late.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through a simple 4-step process designed to help Canadians get organized, identify blind spots, and build a clear path toward retirement.

    You’ll learn how a one-page financial plan can simplify your finances, how to uncover risks you may not be aware of, and what to expect when working with a financial planner.

    We also cover the importance of taking a proactive approach, rather than waiting for a major life event to force financial decisions.

    This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want a clearer understanding of their financial situation and how to move forward with confidence.

    WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
    Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠ As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!


    EPISODE RESOURCES:
    📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide

    ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question

    🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca

    12 min
  • Budgeting In Retirement: Simple Rules to Get It Right (EP 11)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    Budgeting is one of the most important parts of financial planning and one of the most avoided.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down a simple approach to budgeting that can help you take control of your finances without overcomplicating things.

    You’ll learn why budgeting becomes even more important as you approach retirement, how to separate essential and discretionary spending, and the one core principle that drives long-term financial success.

    We also walk through practical ways to get started, whether you prefer pen and paper, online tools, or spreadsheets.

    This episode is for Canadian pre-retirees and retirees who want a clearer understanding of their spending and how it impacts their ability to retire confidently.

    WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?
    Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠
    As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE!


    EPISODE RESOURCES:
    📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started

    💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter

    👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide

    ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question

    🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca


    LINKS: 

    Option 2: CRA Budget Planner 

    Option 3: My Money Coach Excel Budget 

    DISCLAIMER: “MyMoneyCoach" is a free financial planning service that allows users to develop a snapshot financial plan through a series of questions. Our advisors can use this financial snapshot as one of many tools to build your financial plan, however it is not to be considered a substitute for consultation with professional accounting, tax, legal or other professional advisors. Fundamental Wealth and Harbourfront Wealth Management inc. are in no way partnered with MyMoneyCoach. Information is provided to MyMoneyCoach with client discretion and may be used by MyMoneyCoach subject to their own terms of service and company policies. 


    12 min

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