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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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Canada Dodges Major Impact in Trump's Tariff Storm

In a sweeping move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced retaliatory tariffs targeting imports from dozens of countries. While Canada wasn't entirely spared, it avoided the harshest measures. The new tariffs include a 25% levy on foreign-made automobiles, which could have significant implications for Canada's auto industry. However, Canada is exempt from the baseline 10% tariff applied to other nations.

Trump's administration claims these tariffs aim to bolster domestic manufacturing, but critics warn of potential economic fallout, including higher consumer prices and strained international relations. Canada, already facing tariffs on steel, aluminum, and energy, remains cautious as bilateral tensions continue to rise.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has vowed to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of preserving Canada's economic stability amid shifting trade dynamics. The situation underscores the delicate balance between maintaining trade partnerships and navigating protectionist policies.

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