Retirement: a time of freedom, relaxation, and pursuing long-held dreams. But before you can trade in your work suit for swimsuits, some crucial financial planning is necessary. This pre-retirement checklist will guide you through ten essential steps to ensure a smooth transition into a worry-free retirement.
1. Paint a Picture of Your Ideal Retirement
The first step isn’t about numbers; it’s about visualization. Imagine your perfect retirement:
- When? Do you see yourself retiring in a year, five years, or ten?
- How? Do you plan to completely stop working, transition to part-time, or consult?
- Where? Will you stay in your current home, downsize, or move abroad?
- What? What activities do you envision filling your days? Travel, hobbies, spending time with family?
Having a clear picture of your desired retirement lifestyle is the driving force behind your financial planning. It will help you determine how much you need to save and the type of lifestyle you can realistically afford.
2. Craft a Retirement Budget: Are You on Track?
Now comes the nitty-gritty: creating a retirement budget. There are various rules of thumb, suggesting a retirement nest egg that allows for a 4% withdrawal rate, covers 70% of your pre-retirement income, or a total based on multiples of your annual income.
The reality is, your retirement income needs will be unique. Here’s how to create a personalized budget:
- Income: Factor in expected income sources like pensions, Social Security, and investment returns.
- Expenses: Consider ongoing expenses like housing, healthcare, and groceries. Don’t forget to account for potential new expenses like travel or hobbies.
Carefully compare your income to your expenses. Are you on track for your desired lifestyle? If not, adjustments might be needed:
- Increase Savings: Can you contribute more to your retirement accounts?
- Reduce Expenses: Explore ways to cut back on spending or downsize your living situation.
- Extend Your Working Life: Consider working a few extra years to boost your retirement savings.
3. Eliminate Debt: Freedom Awaits
Debt can be a heavy burden in retirement. Ideally, you want to enter this new phase debt-free or with minimal debt. Focus on paying off high-interest debts like credit cards first. Consider consolidating your debts to simplify management. A debt-free retirement allows for greater financial security and peace of mind.
4. Revisit Your Investment Portfolio: Time for a Tune-Up?
Your risk tolerance likely differs significantly between your 30s and your 60s. As you approach retirement, your investment portfolio’s asset allocation should reflect this change.
- Diversification is Key: Ensure your portfolio holds a healthy mix of asset classes to mitigate risk.
- Shifting Priorities: Prioritize a balance between growth and security in your portfolio. Depending on your income sources, a conservative to balanced portfolio might be ideal.
- Maximize Contribution Room: Have unused contribution rooms in your RRSP or TFSA? Utilize it to maximize tax savings.
- Income Generation Strategies: Consider how you’ll generate income from your RRSP in retirement. Options include cashing out funds, converting your RRSP to an RRIF, or purchasing an annuity.
- An RRIF requires mandatory minimum withdrawals each year.
- A life annuity guarantees a set income stream for life.
5. Consider Government Benefits: Unlocking Your Benefits
Government benefits make up a significant portion of income for many seniors. Understanding and planning for these benefits is crucial.
- Old Age Security (OAS): You can begin receiving an OAS pension at 65. You can choose to defer benefits for up to five years to increase the amount you receive later. Be aware that OAS payments may be clawed back if your income exceeds a certain threshold. Low-income seniors may also qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) on top of OAS.
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP): CPP benefits are available to those who contributed to the plan. Early payments (before 65) result in a reduced monthly benefit, while delaying payments (after 65) increases your monthly benefit. Apply for benefits early (up to 12 months in advance) to ensure a smooth transition.
6. Understanding Workplace Pensions
Depending on your age and when you retire, you’ll have options for managing your workplace pension:
- Commuted Value: Receive a lump sum cash payment.
- Transfer Funds: Transfer funds to a Locked-In Retirement Account (LIRA) or Locked-In Retirement Savings Plan (LRSP) before retirement. These funds can then be converted into various income options in retirement, such as a Life Income Fund (LIF), LRIF, Retirement Income Fund (RIF), Prescribed Retirement Income Fund (PRIF), or life annuity.
- Regular Pension Income: Opt to receive regular pension payments directly from the plan.
7. Keep Taxes Low: More Money for Fun!
Strategize to minimize your taxable income in retirement. The less tax you pay, the more money you have for leisure activities. Consider these strategies:
- Income Splitting: Split income from an RRIF, LIF, or annuity with your spouse to potentially lower your combined tax bill.
- Pension Sharing: If your spouse is in a lower tax bracket, you may save on taxes by sharing your CPP benefits with them. You’ll need to apply to Service Canada for approval.
- TFSA: Maximize your TFSA contributions since TFSA income is non-taxable and won’t affect your eligibility for income-tested benefits like the GIS.
- Strategic Asset Allocation: Keep income-producing assets within registered plans like TFSAs to avoid paying taxes on investment income.
- Living Abroad: Research tax implications if you plan to retire abroad.
- Pension Income Tax Credit: Apply for the Pension Income Tax Credit if you have eligible pension income.
8. Housing in Retirement: Where Will You Lay Your Head?
Consider your living situation in retirement:
- Stay Put: Do you plan to remain in your current home?
- Downsize: Would a smaller home or rental be more practical?
- Sunnier Shores: Are you drawn to retiring abroad for a warmer climate and potentially lower cost of living?
- Reverse Mortgage: Would a reverse mortgage be an option to access home equity to supplement your income?
- Retirement Homes & In-Home Care: Research the costs associated with retirement homes or in-home assistance, should you need them.
9. Insurance Re-evaluation: Are You Adequately Covered?
Review your insurance coverage to ensure you’re protected in your golden years:
- Life Insurance: Consider life insurance needs, especially if you have dependents. Online resources like PolicyMe or PolicyAdvisor can help you compare quotes for the best rates.
- Critical Illness Insurance: This insurance can provide financial support if you experience a critical illness.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care can be expensive. Consider long-term care insurance to help offset these costs.
- Travel Medical Insurance: While Canada has universal healthcare, it may not cover everything. If you plan on traveling abroad, consider private travel medical insurance.
10. Develop an Estate Plan: Peace of Mind for You and Your Loved Ones
Having a well-defined estate plan ensures your wishes are respected after you pass away.
- Will: Do you have a will? Is it up-to-date? A will clearly outline how you want your assets distributed, saving your family stress and ensuring your wishes are carried out. If you don’t have a will, the government will distribute your estate according to provincial law.
- Power of Attorney: Consider a power of attorney, which empowers a trusted individual to manage your finances and make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so yourself.
Many online resources can help you create a legal will in Canada for a reasonable cost.