In Episode 5 of Retirement Unpacked, Adam and Brett tackle a wide range of retirement questions from our community. We cover the RRSP meltdown strategy when your TFSA is maxed, why avoiding “zero-tax years” can lower lifetime taxes, and how a cash-wedge approach helps protect income during market swings. We dig into the pros and cons of reverse mortgages vs. downsizing, the simplest ways to transfer a home in your estate (especially for those without kids), and the smarter order for drawing from RRSPs and non-registered accounts.

We also explore how donating securities in-kind can provide a bigger tax benefit than cash, LIRA to LIF unlocks that many Canadians overlook, and how to think about major market swings without derailing your plan. Packed with practical examples and real viewer questions, this episode is a must-listen if you want to make smarter, tax-efficient decisions in retirement.

Links:

FREE Decumulation 101 Course: https://www.parallelwealth.com/offers/VzwEVF5b/checkout

Cash Wedge Video: https://youtu.be/avqo8U7M7fs

Money.ca Article: https://money.ca/managing-money/how-to-earn-money/here-are-the-top-7-habits-of-quietly-wealthy-canadians

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Timestamps00:00 Disclaimer
00:16 Welcome & overview
00:57 RRSP withdrawals with a maxed TFSA
03:05 Smoothing taxes in retirement
04:22 Decumulation 101
06:39 Protecting retirement income with a cash wedge
09:09 Reverse mortgages explained
12:34 Weighing the downside of reverse mortgages
14:02 Passing the family home efficiently
19:44 Balancing large RRSP and non-registered accounts
25:40 Adjusting plans during market swings
30:14 Charitable giving strategies in retirement
38:16 Unlocking a LIRA and moving funds to RRSP
42:18 RRIF strategies before 71
46:00 Article: Top 7 Habits of Quietly Wealthy Canadians
49:59 Tip of the week: cash wedge
53:54 Conclusion