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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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U.S. Diplomacy at a Crossroads: Trump and Rubio Signal Urgency in Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks

In a pivotal moment for international diplomacy, President Donald Trump has called on Russia to halt its attacks on Ukraine, emphasizing the need for immediate action to end the ongoing conflict. Trump's remarks come as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns that the United States may reconsider its role in mediating peace efforts if progress remains elusive.

During a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Vatican, Trump expressed frustration over Russia's continued aggression, stating that there was "no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas." Rubio echoed the urgency, describing the coming week as "critical" for determining whether the U.S. will continue its involvement in the peace process.

The stakes are high, with both leaders underscoring the importance of a negotiated settlement to end the war. However, the path forward remains fraught with challenges, as territorial disputes and security guarantees continue to be major sticking points in the negotiations. 

This moment could define the future of U.S. engagement in global conflict resolution, as the administration balances its commitment to peace with the realities of geopolitical complexities.

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