During the last market downturn a few years ago, retirees who had all their assets in equities saw their nest egg shrink by almost 35% over a 12 month period. This is an absolute nightmare scenario for a retiree, and unfortunately, it was a reality for too many hard-working people.
Proper asset allocation is critical for a successful long-term financial strategy and it is especially important for retirees. As a general rule, it is unwise for a retired to have 100% of their assets in equities at any time. But figuring out what that percentage should be takes a lot of personal investigation into each person’s risk tolerance and investment objectives.
During retirement, income needs can become pressing. Can you generate sufficient income without drawing down on your principal? What is the best way to generate income without taking excessive risks?
A financial advisor can help you figure out what level of risk is suitable for you. Even the best captains have an entire crew to help them run the ship. Your financial adviser can be your first mate, peering through the binoculars to scan the horizon for obstacles that can sink the ship.
Who will you choose to help you navigate the voyage of retirement?
Investment Fund
Today there are thousands of investment funds available across Canada. In order to assist our clients with creating quality portfolios, we use software to select only those investment funds that meet each client's risk tolerance...
GIC
Guaranteed Investment Certificates are issued in your name and can't be sold except to the institution that issued them. You agree to keep the money in the GIC for a set period in return for a set rate of interest. Compound GIC's pay you interest on your interest. Instead of paying...
TFSA
A Tax-Free Savings Account is a registered savings account that allows taxpayers to earn investment income tax-free inside the account. Contributions to the account are not deductible for tax purposes, and withdrawals of contributions and earnings from...
Segregated Funds
Guaranteed Investment Funds (also known as "Segregated Funds" or "Individual Variable Insurance Contract") are basically enhanced Mutual Funds. They come with a protective wrapper provided by an...
RRIF
A Registered Retirement Income Fund is an investment plan, established in accordance with Government of Canada requirements, into which you can transfer registered funds (usually your RRSP) without tax liability to establish a source of retirement income. Some RRIFs are....
LIF
A Life Income Fund (LIF) is a retirement income plan using locked-in pension money and the owner of the LIF can control the investments held within the fund. In addition to the requirement for a minimum annual withdrawal (like a RRIF), LIFs also...
LIRA
The Locked-In Retirement Account (LIRA) and Locked-In Retirement Savings Plan (LRSP) enable you, as an employee to maintain the tax-deferred status of pension plan proceeds received when you leave a company. LIRA's lock in your money, but not...
Annuities
Annuities are one of the simplest investment vehicles one could acquire. Simply put, when you establish an annuity, you are purchasing a lifetime income. Examples of annuities are, Canada Pension Plan...
