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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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Icy Assault Looms Over the GTA: Toronto Awaits a Storm of Freezing Rain

A pronounced winter threat challenges southern Ontario this Saturday as freezing rain continues to blanket the region. Early morning reports confirm that communities surrounding Toronto—including Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Newmarket, and others—are already feeling the impact, with even heavier accumulations expected in higher terrain as the storm advances .

Toronto, along with neighboring cities like Mississauga and Brampton, is bracing for a surge in freezing rain expected to kick in by Saturday night. Environment Canada warns that ice buildup of 3 to 5 millimetres in the urban core could lead to slippery roadways, broken tree branches, and power outages, while some areas in Durham Region might see accumulations up to 10 millimetres. With the storm projected to persist into Sunday morning before gradually shifting to rain as temperatures near the freezing mark, officials urge citizens to exercise extra caution on the roads .

Authorities are advising residents to postpone non-essential travel and closely monitor local weather updates. As the freezing conditions threaten infrastructure—risking both treacherous driving conditions and utility disruptions—the public is encouraged to prepare emergency supplies and stay aware of rapidly changing conditions .

This severe late-winter storm is a vivid reminder of nature’s unpredictable force. Whether it’s safeguarding vehicles with winter tires or ensuring that emergency kits are within easy reach, every precaution counts. As southern Ontario rallies in the face of this icy onslaught, communities remain united in their determination to weather the storm and protect one another .

Beyond the immediate concerns, many might wonder how best to prepare for similar events in the future, or even what historical weather patterns suggest about the resilience of the region during such icy bouts. Exploring preparedness strategies—ranging from safe driving tips on ice-covered roads to effective home power backup solutions—can provide valuable insights in mitigating risks during severe winter weather.

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