Your Canadian Retirement Specialist

When it comes to retirement planning, successful retirees have common traits that contritube to their financial security. One such trait is their ability to establish good money management practices from a young age, which allows them to take advantage of compounding interest over time. Equally significant is the practice of staying within one's financial limits and prioritizing saving money.  Ano...

End-of-life discussions are important for both you and your family. These decisions can give you peace of mind, knowing your loved ones will be cared for when you pass.  End-of-life planning helps you answer several difficult questions. What happens if you become incapacitated and unable to manage your assets? What are your preferred medical treatments for end-of-life care? Who will manage your es...

Are you wondering what's causing Canada's inflation rate, and how it will affect you? In today's episode, I discuss  different causes of inflation and their effects. If you invest heavily in bonds and fixed-income investments with a lower rate of interest, you will experience a decline in the purchasing power of your money as the inflation rate surpasses the interest rate.  In order to factor in t...

Often when planning for retirement, we overlook the non-financial aspects in the planning process. In this episode, I sit down to chat with Susan Hogan of Inspired Retirement, which offers non-financial retirement planning, insight and support for recent and soon-to-be retirees.  Retirees learn what to expect from retirement:  physically, mentally, socially and emotionally, and  develop their own...

When it comes to being taxed on investments, there are two scenarios that require you to pay taxes: When you withdraw income from your investments. When you sell your investment and make a gain. Tune into today's episode to learn which types of investment accounts to invest in, as well as how to strategically time your investment withdrawals. Book your FREE Retirement Planning Consultation and che...

What is financial wellness? And how do you achieve it? Improving financial wellness is about practicing better money habits, setting goals and taking steps to achieve them, all with the aim of improving your overall quality of life. In this episode, I discuss what can be done to create your own financial wellness, and give you tips on how to get started. Book your FREE Retirement Planning Consulta...

Getting your retirement plan right is crucial; you need to be confident that your money will last throughout your retirement, while giving you the standard of living you need. That's why it's important to have a solid financial plan and also dependable advice. There have been a number of myths about retirement planning circulating for years that can have a negative impact on your retirement plans....

Are you thinking of adding your adult child as a joint owner to any of your properties? If so, you should be familiar with the legal and tax consequences of joint ownership. Joint Tenancy vs. Tenancy In Common The common law, which applies in all Canadian provinces except Québec, recognizes the following two forms of joint ownership: Joint tenancy, sometimes also referred to as joint tenancy with...

Planning for your financial future and retirement is an exciting process. You probably have a list of things in your mind that you would like to save for, including places you want to go, sites that you want to see, and experiences you want to have. The good news is that you can arrange for a satisfying retirement with adequate planning, smart investing, and expert financial advice. This includes...

A family investment trust might be right for you if you have cash and investments that are not needed to fund your own lifestyle needs, plus a desire to either establish an investment fund for the next generation or provide funding for schooling or other extra expenses for a child or grandchild. A family investment trust can enhance the accumulation of capital for children or grandchildren in a ta...

For many families, it is much more important to preserve the family cottage than any other asset. Those who want to leave the cottage to their children must plan for the tax consequences and disputes which may arise upon their death. The concepts here apply to any vacation property, including a ski chalet or condo. Book your FREE Retirement Planning Consultation and check out our master class on R...

Getting your retirement plan right is crucial; you need to be confident that your money will last throughout your retirement, while giving you the standard of living you need. That's why it's important to have a solid financial plan and also dependable advice.  In this episode, I go over some common outdated ideas and beliefs around retirement planning, and the reality that lies behind them. Book...

In today's episode, Philip Petursson, the Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, joins me in a discussion on increases to inflation and interest rates, and how these changes affect Canadians. We also touch on equity markets, fixed incomes, "quantitative easing", and employment rates. Book your FREE Retirement Planning Consultation and check out our master class on Retirement Planning...

Do you have big dreams for your retirement? How do you manage your expectations alongside the reality of your situation? Being able to retire comfortably at the age of 65 is an ideal that the majority of the working population aspires to. However, while the expectations are high, the reality is that without adequate planning, many retirees simply won't have sufficient savings to comfortably make i...

Investing for retirement requires a proactive approach that considers many factors. As part of your investment strategy, you will need to understand the opportunities and challenges that contribute to reaching your retirement goals or will hold you back.  There are several key concepts that can help you formulate a solid strategy: How long is your investment window?  What are your plans for retire...

In today's episode, Caval Olson-Lepage and I talk about financial literacy and education in Canada, and how a financial planner can help you, no matter what stage of life you are in. Book your FREE Retirement Planning Consultation and check out our master class on Retirement Planning for an in-depth look into our planning process here:  https://value.schillerandassociates.com/retirement Prefer to...

Although there are similarities between the laws for common-law and married couples, in Alberta there are significant differences you should know about – especially in the areas of tax planning, family law, and estate planning. Are you living in a common-law relationship? Do you know what that means from a tax and legal perspective? Many individuals involved in these types of relationships do not...

Confused about when to start withdrawing from your CPP? Some say wait until 70 others say start at 65, read on to find the solution that's right for you.  When is the perfect time to begin drawing upon your Canada Pension Plan (CPP)? This is a question many of our clients have. Sheer numbers and calculations reveal that waiting until age 70 to draw upon CPP will bring you the highest CPP payments....

In today's episode, Annamaria and I talk about how advancements in tools and technology have enhanced the experience for you, the client.  Book your FREE Retirement Planning Consultation and check out our master class on Retirement Planning for an in-depth look into our planning process here:  https://value.schillerandassociates.com/retirement Prefer to watch videos to get great information? Check...

Retirement doubts? With some thoughtful planning for your finances, health and well-being, and social life, your retirement can be comfortable. Retirement can be a wonderful time of exploration and discovery. Many look forward to retirement for the freedom and opportunity it gives. But what happens when retirement comes unexpectedly? Pre-planning for retirement will help the transition go smoothly...

Market uncertainty can be scary, but there are opportunities and strategies to strategically rebalance your investments for lower risk. When the market gets rocky, it's normal to feel uncertain about your investments. We all hope for the optimal circumstances that see our portfolios skyrocket. Still, the reality is those situations are optimal and not guaranteed. An uncertain market doesn't mean b...

Finding the right financial planner is a very personal, highly-sensitive task. After all, you are trusting this person to help you manage your money so that you and your loved ones can enjoy a secure, stress-free future. Having wisdom and expertise can help you avoid potentially costly mistakes that can occur when you manage your finances on your own . In today's episode, Stephen Struthers and I d...

Retirement is about more than just finances; you need to take care of your mental health as well. Here is how to make a healthy plan for your future. There are many life changes that happen when one is no longer employed. These changes can be subtle, or they can feel very intense. Financial stability may become a greater fear. There can be a sense of loss and even mourning. Your sense of purpose o...

Ever wondered how to make the most of your TFSA? Did you know that you can use your TFSA to fund your retirement? Read on to learn how to maximize your TFSA. Having enough money to retire comfortably can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be if you know how to make the most of your savings plan! While many people rely on a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to guide their retirement-focuse...

Book your FREE Retirement Planning Consultation and check out our master class on Retirement Planning for an in-depth look into our planning process here: https://value.schillerandassociates.com/retirement Prefer to watch videos to get great information? Check out our YouTube Page. Join Regan Schiller and Ashish Utarid as they reflect on 2022 and share what's to come in 2023. Comment below with an...