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5 Things to Know Today — September 25, 2026

  Friday, September 25, 2026  |  moneysavings.ca/canadian-money-brief Bond yields are nearing levels not seen in nearly two decades, Iran is offering a Hormuz truce, Ottawa just posted a fresh deficit, the loonie slid to 70.74 cents, and Canadian consumers pulled back in July. Here's what each story means for your money. 01 — Interest Rates Bond Yields Hit 5.10% — and Your Mortgage Is Watching The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield climbed to approximately 5.10% overnight — a level last seen in 2007 — while the 30-year surged to around 5.43%, its highest since 2004. The spike was triggered by a combination of stronger-than-expected U.S. PMI data, hawkish comments from Federal Reserve officials in New York and Philadelphia, and a weak Treasury auction. Canada's own 10-year bond yield has been tracking close behind, already at multi-year highs. Why does a U.S. number matter here? Canadian fixed mortgage rates are largely priced off the Government of Canada 5-year bond yield, which...
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Maximizing Retirement Savings: The RRSP to RRIF Transition

 


As retirement approaches, a key financial decision for Canadians is whether to maximize contributions to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) before converting it into a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF). Here are the essential considerations:

  • Timing and Tax Benefits: Contributing to your RRSP can provide immediate tax deductions and allow your investments to grow tax-deferred. However, it’s crucial to evaluate whether these tax benefits align with your retirement timeline and income needs.

  • Conversion Deadline: You must convert your RRSP to a RRIF by December 31 of the year you turn 71. This transition is mandatory and marks the shift from accumulating savings to withdrawing income.

  • Withdrawal Strategies: RRIFs require minimum annual withdrawals, which increase with age. Deciding whether to withdraw only the minimum or more depends on your income needs and tax implications.

  • Long-term Financial Planning: Consider your overall retirement strategy, including other income sources like pensions and government benefits. A financial advisor can help tailor your RRSP contributions and RRIF withdrawals to your unique situation.

In conclusion, maximizing your RRSP before conversion can be advantageous, but it should be part of a broader retirement planning process that takes into account your financial goals and tax situation.

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