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The 4% Rule Just Dropped to 3.9% — But Your RRIF Doesn't Care

  Published August 5, 2026 Morningstar's newest research says retirees can safely start withdrawing 3.9% a year. Ottawa's RRIF rules don't ask what's "safe" — they just tell you how much to take out, whether the math agrees or not. For years, the shortcut retirees leaned on was simple: take out 4% of your portfolio in your first year of retirement, bump it up with inflation every year after, and your savings should last three decades. Morningstar's 2026 State of Retirement Income report just trimmed that number to 3.9%. On its own, that's a small adjustment. On a $500,000 portfolio, it's the difference between withdrawing $19,500 or $20,000 in year one. But for Canadians, the number that actually controls the withdrawal isn't Morningstar's — it's the Canada Revenue Agency's. And once your RRSP becomes a Registered Retirement Income Fund, the CRA's required minimum can blow right past whatever a "safe" withdrawal rate i...
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Cut Costs, Not Corners: How to Save Money on Your Everyday Bills and Expenses



From groceries to utilities, Canadians are paying a lot for necessities. The rising cost of living continues to be a source of stress for many Canadians. However, there are easy ways to save money on everyday bills and expenses without sacrificing little things that bring you joy.

How to Save on Groceries

According to the Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab, more than 64% of Canadians have changed their grocery shopping habits to save money. Here are some tips to help you save money on your grocery bills:

  • Shop in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Take stock of the food you already have, and plan your weekly meals around those ingredients.
  • Stop paying for convenience. If you’ve been paying for grocery delivery, start picking it up instead. And that includes food delivery apps, too. If you want to eat from your favourite local restaurant, make an occasion of it. Go back to making eating out a treat and not a regular occurrence; eating at home saves money.
  • Swap out fresh fruit and veggies for frozen. Buy frozen produce, especially when fresh is out of season. It’s flash-frozen right after harvest at its peak in nutrient content, it’s convenient—no chopping or washing—and it’s much less expensive than imported produce.

How to Save on Gas

Gas prices can be unpredictable, but there are ways to save money on fuel. Here are some tips to help you save money on gas:

  • Use coupons and shopping apps like Flipp to see what’s on sale in your area and cash-back credit cards to earn cash back on groceries and gas purchases.
  • Consider carpooling or using public transportation to save money on gas.

How to Save on Cellphone Bills

Cellphone bills can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on your phone bill. Here are some tips to help you save money on your cellphone bill:

  • Shop around for the best deals. Compare plans from different providers to find the best deal for your needs.
  • Consider a prepaid plan. Prepaid plans can be a great way to save money on your phone bill, especially if you don’t use your phone very often.

How to Save on Other Home Bills

There are many other bills that Canadians pay every month, including utilities, rent, and insurance. Here are some tips to help you save money on your other home bills:

  • Shop around for the best deals. Compare rates from different providers to find the best deal for your needs.
  • Consider bundling your services. Many providers offer discounts if you bundle your services together.
  • Use energy-efficient appliances. Energy-efficient appliances can help you save money on your utility bills.

I hope these tips help you save money on your everyday bills and expenses!

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