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Preserving a Nest Egg: Strategic RRSP Withdrawals Explained

When retirement arrives, the challenge shifts from saving money to spending it wisely . For someone sitting on nearly $3 million in savings, the key question is how to draw down their RRSP in a way that minimizes taxes while ensuring her wealth supports her lifestyle for decades. 1. Start Withdrawals Before Age 71 RRSPs must be converted to a RRIF (Registered Retirement Income Fund) by age 71. If someone waits until then, mandatory minimum withdrawals could push her into the highest tax brackets . By starting withdrawals earlier, she can smooth out her taxable income over time, reducing the risk of large tax bills later. 2. Delay CPP and OAS Delaying Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) until age 70 increases benefits significantly. This allows someone to rely more on RRSP withdrawals in their 60s, keeping taxable income balanced and avoiding OAS clawbacks. 3. Use a “RRSP Meltdown” Strategy Gradually withdraw RRSP funds while offsetting taxes with interes...

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Holiday Gifting on a Budget: Tips and Tricks

 


The holiday season is a time for giving, but it can also be a time of financial stress. If you’re looking for ways to save money on holiday gifts this year, you’re not alone. Here are some tips and tricks to help you stay within your budget while still giving thoughtful and meaningful gifts:

  1. Set a budget: Before you start shopping, decide how much you can afford to spend on gifts. Make a list of everyone you need to buy for and allocate a specific amount for each person.

  2. Shop early: Start your holiday shopping early to avoid last-minute impulse buys. This will give you time to compare prices and find the best deals.

  3. Get creative: Consider making your own gifts or giving gifts of service, like a homecooked meal or a night of babysitting. These gifts can be just as thoughtful and meaningful as store-bought gifts.

  4. Shop smart: Look for deals and discounts on holiday gifts. Many online retailers offer payment plans, which can help you spread out the cost of your purchases. You can also consider buying second-hand items or shopping at discount stores.

  5. Communicate with loved ones: Let your loved ones know if you’re planning to go without gift-giving, or purchase smaller gifts to stay within budget, and ask that they do the same for you. Some friends and family might welcome the opportunity to cut back or consider alternatives to gift giving.

Remember, the holidays are about spending time with loved ones, not about how much you spend on gifts. With a little creativity and planning, you can give thoughtful and meaningful gifts without breaking the bank.


 

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