Insights & Tools
See how others think it through, then run your own numbers.
Case Studies
These cases are composites of situations that come up often, with details changed; none describes a specific client. Start with the one closest to yours.
Business Owner
When a business becomes the family’s largest asset
A couple in their early fifties own a contracting company. Two adult children, only one working in the business.
Read the analysis →Retirement
Retiring at 60 with most of the savings in an RRSP
A single professional planning to stop working at 60. Most savings are in an RRSP, with a smaller TFSA and a non-registered account.
Read the analysis →Family Protection
A young family with a mortgage and no coverage
Two working parents in their mid-thirties, a new mortgage, a toddler, and only the basic group coverage from one employer.
Read the analysis →Newcomer
New to Canada, with assets still overseas
A family two years into permanent residency. Income has started in Canada, but most of their property and investments are still held abroad.
Read the analysis →Incorporated Professional
An incorporated professional with cash piling up in the company
A self-employed consultant billing through a corporation. Personal spending is modest, so retained earnings have grown well past what the business needs.
Read the analysis →Sandwich Generation
Supporting aging parents while still saving for retirement
A couple in their late forties helping one set of parents with living costs, while both children are still in school.
Read the analysis →
Planning Tools
Before we talk, start with our investor risk profile, then run your own numbers with the free official tools from the Government of Canada and the Bank of Canada below. Results are estimates only.
Investor Risk Profile Questionnaire
Assesses your time horizon, financial situation and risk tolerance. Results are sent to your advisor automatically.
Start the questionnaire →
Retirement Income Calculator
Government of Canada: combine CPP, OAS, employer pensions and RRSPs to estimate your yearly retirement income.
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RRIF Minimum Withdrawal Factors
CRA chart: the minimum percentage you must withdraw from a RRIF each year, by age.
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OAS Clawback, Explained
Government of Canada: how much OAS is repaid once your income passes the threshold, with a worked example.
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Inflation Calculator
Bank of Canada: see what a past amount is worth in today's dollars.
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Financial Goal Calculator
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada: how much to set aside, and how long it takes to reach a goal.
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More Government Tools
The Government of Canada's collection of financial tools, including budgeting, saving and retirement planning.
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