Retiring Canada

Retiring Canada

By Michael Isbister, CFP®BusinessInvesting
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Retiring Canada episodes

  • Losing a Spouse: 6 Financial Steps to Take (EP 10)

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

    Losing a spouse is one of the most difficult experiences someone can go through. When you’re ready, there are important financial steps that need to be considered.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through six key financial steps to take after the loss of a spouse, helping you get organized and make informed decisions during a difficult time.

    You’ll learn how to approach financial decisions carefully, understand changes to government benefits like CPP survivor benefits, and navigate important tax considerations that may arise.

    We also cover reviewing your estate plan, updating beneficiaries, assessing insurance needs, and creating a clear plan moving forward.

    This episode is for Canadian retirees and families who want guidance on what to do next after the loss of a loved one.

    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

    🧠 Mental Health Support: https://www.wellnesstogether.ca

     

    LINKS: 

    What Getting Organized Looks Like 

    www.wellnesstogether.ca


    17 min
  • Top 5 Retirement Income Strategies (EP 9)

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

    Creating a reliable retirement income plan is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through five key retirement income strategies every Canadian should understand before and during retirement.

    You’ll learn how to choose the right CPP start date, how to structure your investment portfolio for income, and how strategies like pension income splitting can reduce your overall tax bill.

    We also cover how to manage market volatility, build a stable income stream, and structure your withdrawals to balance taxes today with future estate considerations.

    This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want to build a more efficient, tax-aware retirement income plan.

    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

    How to Fillet a Pike (and Get 5 Boneless Fillets!) 

    19 min
  • RESP for Grandchildren: What to Know (EP 8)

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

    Opening an RESP for your grandchildren can be one of the most impactful financial gifts you give—but there are important rules to understand.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down how Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) work in Canada and what grandparents need to know before contributing.

    You’ll learn how government grants like the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) and Canada Learning Bond work, the differences between family and individual plans, and how contribution limits and tax rules can impact your strategy.

    We also cover practical considerations around control of the account, family dynamics, and how to ensure your contributions are used effectively for your grandchildren’s education.

    This episode is for Canadian retirees and grandparents who want to support their family’s future while making smart financial decisions.


    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
  • 5 Years & Counting - Checklist For Pre-Retirees (EP 7)

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

    The 5 years before retirement are some of the most important years in your financial plan.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through a practical checklist for Canadians who are within five years of retirement and want to make sure they’re fully prepared.

    You’ll learn how to shift your mindset from growth to income, how to structure your investments for retirement, and why building a “war chest” of low-risk assets can help protect your income during market downturns.

    We also cover key decisions like when to take CPP, how to refine your retirement budget, managing debt, and why working with the right advisor can make a meaningful difference in your long-term success.

    This episode is for Canadian pre-retirees who want a clear, actionable plan to transition confidently into retirement.

    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

    20 min
  • Not Enough Money to Retire: What to Do (EP 6)

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

    Worried you don’t have enough money to retire? You’re not alone—and there are still options available.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through what Canadians can do if they’re approaching retirement without sufficient savings.

    You’ll learn how to maximize government benefits like CPP, Old Age Security (OAS), and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and how factors like income, residency, and tax filing impact what you may receive.

    We also explore practical strategies such as continuing to work, deciding when to start CPP, and whether selling your home could help support your retirement.

    This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who are concerned about their financial future and want to better understand the options available to them.


    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


    MENTIONS: 

    Public Pensions in Canada 

    17 min
  • Crown Corporation Retirement: 7 Key Decisions (EP 5)

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

    Retiring from a Crown corporation in Canada comes with important financial decisions—especially if you’re part of a pension plan like PEPP.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through 7 key considerations for Saskatchewan Crown employees as they transition into retirement.

    You’ll learn how your pension options work, including staying in the plan versus transferring to a LIRA or PRIF, how to structure your retirement income, and how decisions around CPP, OAS, and taxes can impact your long-term financial plan.

    We also cover severance planning, life insurance decisions, healthcare benefits, and the pros and cons of managing your retirement yourself versus working with a financial advisor.

    This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees—especially those with a defined contribution pension—who want to make informed, tax-efficient decisions as they enter retirement

    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


    MENTIONS: 

    Crown Demographics Report 2021 

    PEPP Annual Report 2021 - 2022 

    PEPP Retiree Resources  

    Quantifying an Advisors Value – Vanguard Report 


    21 min
  • One-Page Financial Plan: Why Simplicity Wins (EP 4)

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

    Most financial plans fail for one simple reason—they’re too complicated to actually use.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down why traditional 50-page financial plans often fall short, and how a simple one-page financial plan can lead to better outcomes in retirement.

    You’ll learn why the real purpose of a financial plan is not the document itself, but the clarity, implementation, and accountability it creates. We also walk through how simplifying your financial plan can help you make better decisions around retirement income, tax planning, and long-term financial goals.

    This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want a clear, actionable plan—not complexity for the sake of it.

    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


    Mentions: 

    Global Gathering Place Saskatoon 

    14 min
  • Cottage Succession: Avoid Costly Tax Mistakes (EP 3)

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

    Thinking about passing your cabin or cottage down to your kids?

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through the key financial and tax considerations when transferring a family vacation property in Canada.

    You’ll learn how the principal residence exemption works, the risks of joint ownership, how capital gains tax is triggered, and strategies to avoid costly mistakes like double taxation.

    We also cover how to handle situations where multiple children are involved, and how to structure your estate so it remains fair and tax-efficient.

    This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want to make smart decisions around estate planning, tax planning, and family wealth transfer.

    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

    14 min
  • Blended Families: Avoid Estate Planning Mistakes (EP 2)

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

    Estate planning for blended families in Canada comes with unique risks—especially when it comes to protecting your children.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down how common estate planning decisions can unintentionally disinherit children in blended family situations.

    You’ll learn how beneficiary designations, joint ownership, and dying without a will can impact how your estate is distributed, and why standard estate planning approaches may not work for blended families.

    We also walk through practical strategies to help ensure your intentions are carried out, including dividing assets, using spousal trusts, and leveraging life insurance to create a fair and balanced estate.

    This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want to protect their children, reduce family conflict, and ensure their estate plan reflects their true wishes.


    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

    14 min
  • Don’t Make THIS Mistake With Your TFSA (EP 1)

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

    A simple TFSA mistake could create unnecessary taxes for your spouse and reduce the value of your estate.

    In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break down one of the most overlooked features of the Tax-Free Savings Account in Canada—the successor holder designation.

    You’ll learn how TFSAs work, why they are such a powerful retirement income tool, and the key differences between naming a beneficiary and a successor holder.

    We also walk through real-life scenarios showing how taxes can be triggered after death, how to avoid common pitfalls, and what steps you can take today to ensure your TFSA is set up properly.

    This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want to use their TFSA more effectively for tax-free growth, estate planning, and retirement income.

    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

    14 min

About Retiring Canada

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The Retiring Canada Podcast helps Canadians make smarter retirement, investing, tax, and financial planning decisions so they can retire with confidence. Hosted by Certified Financial Planner and…

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