Helping you address your retirement planning priorities

Now is the time to establish realistic goals for your future, pay down any high-interest debt you may have accrued, and establish a budget and savings plan you can stick to. Building up an emergency fund for those “just in case” moments is another smart step to take.

When it comes to your financial future, the most important factor in your favour is your age. We take advantage of the time you have, regularly contributing to tax-advantaged retirement accounts and potentially boosting savings with matching funds offered by your employer.

Your goal should be to begin building up enough assets to provide adequate income to meet your needs throughout retirement – accounting for factors like increased longevity, healthcare costs, and inflation. To accomplish this goal, you need a plan. That is where we can help.

Wherever your work or life leads you, we assist in managing your cash flow and allocating your resources, striving to help you reach both your short- and intermediate-term goals without endangering your long-term plans.

Life has a way of throwing curveballs. As you approach the end of your career, you may have questions about what comes next or if you are ready emotionally and financially. Together, we uncover the answers, identify and address any concerns you may have, and update your retirement plan to reflect your current wishes.

We start by identifying your short- and long-term goals. When do you want to retire? Where do you want to live? How will you spend your days? Then, we estimate income and expenses for the life you are envisioning, taking into account the unexpected and other obligations so they won’t catch you unprepared.

If you need to play catchup, we examine the best way to do so by making larger contributions to your retirement accounts or possibly cutting back in other areas. We also discuss your pension, CPP/QPP and OAS options with you so you will be ready as soon as you are eligible.

With the right plan, we bring your vision into sharper focus so you can enjoy the lifestyle you want and deserve. Keep in mind though, that the planning doesn’t stop when your paycheques do. It is a continuous process that goes on all the way through retirement.

We analyze your current situation to help you remain on track to pursue all you have envisioned from retirement; identifying sources of income and expenses to create and adhere to a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy. We make the most of your assets and income streams by creating a steady and sustainable income strategy, consolidating accounts if necessary, to effectively recreate the predictable cash flow of a steady paycheque.

Your needs and wants will change during this time. We re-evaluate your plan so you can maintain a clear picture of the kind of lifestyle you desire, reassessing your short- and long-term goals, plus your risk tolerance in retirement. We also make sure you have the proper up-to-date documentation to help ensure your legacy is protected and wishes are respected.

As your life changes, so will your plan. We will regularly review your plan and make adjustments, as needed, along the way.

Think of it this way: if you don’t plan for your estate, it will inevitably be done for you. Most often, the province will intervene which can take a toll in taxes, time, and additional emotional stress for loved ones. That is why it is important to develop an estate plan while you have the ability to do so yourself.

We are here to make legacy planning a positive, life-affirming endeavour that leads to the preservation of your family values and your assets transferring efficiently and according to your wishes. We have access to experts in trusts and estates, insurance, and philanthropy and can consult with other professionals such as your legal and accounting professionals, to help ensure a well-coordinated approach and that your wishes are communicated to all involved.

There are various instruments that work within your overall estate plan to provide certainty and control over everything you have worked for and accumulated during your lifetime, regardless of asset level. Examples include wills, trusts, insurance policies, and continuing/enduring powers of attorney for property or protection mandates.

Using instruments such as these can give you the confidence of knowing that your estate will be handled as you wish. Well-documented estate plans may also help your family avoid the court’s involvement in appointing a guardian for property in the event of incapacity. Thorough documentation can also speak to specific assets such as business interests or gifts to family members, while other investment vehicles can create a family legacy with a charitable gift.

Our team works with you to help ensure your wishes are informed and that you can communicate effectively with your personal team of professionals.