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5 Things to Know Today: Hot U.S. Inflation, BoC Hike Odds, Loonie Slump (Oct. 15)

  Canadian Money Brief | Thursday, October 15, 2026 A hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation print rattled markets Wednesday, just as Canadians wait on their own CPI and a Bank of Canada decision. Here are the five things that matter to your wallet today. 1. Hot U.S. inflation knocks the TSX down 1.1% U.S. consumer prices rose 3.7% in September from a year earlier (up from 3.4% in August), with a 0.6% monthly jump, the biggest in five months; core inflation rose to 2.6% from 2.4%, per the Labor Department. Gasoline jumped 9.1% in the month. CME FedWatch odds of a Fed hike at the Oct. 27-28 meeting roughly doubled but sit near 50-50. The S&P/TSX Composite fell 399.52 points (-1.11%) to 35,584.46 Wednesday, ending a three-day win streak; basic materials sank 4.33%, and all six big banks finished lower. The Nasdaq lost 1.88%. What it means for you: Higher U.S. rates tend to pull Canadian bond yields up too, and that is what fixed mortgage rates follow. If you have a renewal coming,...

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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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