How much do I need in savings to support a $100,000 retirement in Canada?

It depends on guaranteed income, taxes, and the timing of withdrawals. Start by subtracting CPP and OAS from your target spending, then stress test at lower expected returns. Add a cash buffer and review healthcare costs. A planner can model different return paths and tax brackets to validate your number.

How should RRSP and TFSA work together in retirement?

Use RRSP withdrawals to manage tax brackets and avoid large required withdrawals later. Keep TFSA for flexible, tax-free spending or for future years when taxes could be higher. Refill TFSA annually if possible. Coordinate both accounts with CPP and OAS start dates to reduce taxes and benefit clawbacks over time.

What is sequence-of-returns risk and how can I reduce it?

It is the danger of poor markets early in retirement that shrink portfolios faster because you are also withdrawing. Reduce it with a cash reserve, a bond or GIC ladder, dynamic spending guardrails, and disciplined rebalancing. Delaying CPP and OAS can also help by raising guaranteed income, easing pressure on investments.

Are annuities a good idea if I do not have a workplace pension?

Buying a life annuity for essentials can steady cash flow and reduce longevity risk. Consider health, spousal needs, inflation features, and interest rates. Use only a slice of assets so you keep liquidity and growth potential. Compare quotes and product features, and coordinate with CPP, OAS, and your tax plan.

How can I plan for rising healthcare and long-term care costs?

Create separate budgets for routine care and large one-time needs. Review provincial programs and private insurance annually. Decide ahead how you will fund long-term care, such as earmarked assets, annuity income, or home equity. Keep documents updated and share care preferences with family to avoid rushed decisions.

Global Market Insights

Canada Retirement Planning, February 07: Fewer Pensions Raise Risk

ByDanny Kontos February 8, 2026February 8, 2026

Retirement planning in Canada is changing as fewer workers retire with guaranteed workplace pensions. An IG Wealth Management survey highlights a growing reliance on markets, while $100,000-a-year retirement budgets face new questions. We explain what this means for retirement income, taxes, and healthcare costs. We also outline simple steps to reduce sequence-of-returns risk. Our goal is to help Canadians build flexible withdrawal plans using RRSP and TFSA accounts, government benefits, and tools that keep spending steady when markets swing.