Retirement Unpacked

Parallel Wealth

Retirement Unpacked is a weekly podcast by Parallel Wealth Financial Group. Our planners break down key retirement topics for Canadians—income strategies, tax planning, CPP, OAS, TFSAs, RRSPs, RRIFs, lifestyle choices, and estate planning. We answer real questions from YouTube, emails, and client conversations, giving you practical insights and strategies to retire with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind. Join us each week as we unpack retirement together.

  1. 20 hrs ago

    052 | 5 Reasons To Convert Your RRSP To A RRIF Before 71

    On episode 52 of Retirement Unpacked, Gord Manzer and Michael Barichello discuss why converting your RRSP to a RRIF before 71 can make sense, where to allocate a large cash sum before retiring, LIF maximum withdrawal rules, CPP child rearing years, when annuities make sense, and much more.Later in the episode, Martin Goudreault joins the show to discuss a case study where a couple had more than enough income to retire comfortably, and how the next conversation was how to make the plan the most tax efficient as possible. Our free decumulation 101 course: https://www.parallelwealth.com/offers/VzwEVF5b/checkout Work with our team: https://www.parallelwealth.com/planning Chapters: 0:00 Intro0:48 Converting your RRSP before 71: What's the point?5:34 Where to allocate a large cash sum before retiring9:35 LIF maximum withdrawal rules12:12 How does working past 65 affect CPP?13:47 Do you have to calculate CPP child rearing years yourself?16:14 CPP split upon divorce: How to factor in child rearing years17:53 Does it ever make sense to contribute to RRSP in retirement?21:27 Contributing to RRSP in a higher income year24:29 Can you take CPP and OAS while working25:45 When do annuities make sense31:03 High income planning in retirement: Creating tax efficiency37:59 Insurance vs. self insuring in retirement

  2. Aug 29

    051 | Before You Put Your Home In A Trust, Listen To This

    On episode 51 of Retirement Unpacked, Brett Martinson and Matthew Dennis discuss whether it ever makes sense to put a house into a trust, clear up some confusion about what a cashflow wedge actually is, look at whether CPP really keeps up with "real-world" inflation, planning considerations for a disabled adult child, and much more.Later in the episode, Mathieu Huneault joins the show to discuss a client case study where a retired couple was hesitant to spend their savings even though they had plenty of room in their plan. He discusses how they were able to pay off their mortgage earlier which gave them the peace of mind to start spending and enjoying their retirement. Our free decumulation 101 course: https://www.parallelwealth.com/offers/VzwEVF5b/checkout Work with our team: https://www.parallelwealth.com/planningChapters:0:00 Intro0:45 Should you put a house into a trust?12:34 Do cashflow wedges actually make sense?26:34 Differences between RRSPs and RPPs30:04 Does CPP actually keep up with inflation?37:29 Planning considerations for a disabled adult child48:54 Should you reinvest bond interest?56:52 OAS clawback: When do you get your money back?1:01:59 Should you consider using a reverse mortgage?1:07:15 Should you keep a small mortgage in retirement?1:12:47 Case study: Can you afford to spend more?1:23:53 In-kind donations: What charities are eligible?

  3. Aug 22

    050 | Stop Overcomplicating Your Retirement (Do This Instead)

    On episode 50 of Retirement Unpacked, Adam Bornn and Brett Martinson discuss DIY retirement planning software options for Canadians, whether extended health and dental coverage is worth it for retirees, how retiring with two pensions can change withdrawal strategy, and much more.Later in the episode, Gord Manzer joins the show to discuss some of the unique considerations when retiring partway through the year, including income planning, tax planning, capital gains and losses, and preparing for the year ahead. How much cash should you keep in your portfolio?: https://www.moneysense.ca/columns/ask-a-planner/how-much-cash-should-you-keep-in-your-portfolio/ Our free decumulation 101 course: https://www.parallelwealth.com/offers/VzwEVF5b/checkout Work with our team: https://www.parallelwealth.com/planningChapters:0:00 Intro0:24 DIY retirement planning software4:54 Reducing OAS clawback with form T1213OAS10:46 Health and dental coverage in retirement: Is it worth it?17:36 Does reinvesting dividends count as a trade?20:26 Do you need to convert your entire RRSP to a RRIF?26:59 How does two pensions change your retirement plan33:03 Naming younger spouse for your RRIF minimum37:29 Should you put your tax refund into your TFSA42:08 What should you do with your investments before passing away?47:12 How to calculate your CPP dropout years52:08 Considerations when retiring mid year56:18 How much cash should you keep in your portfolio?

  4. Aug 15

    049 | How To Actually Use A Cashflow Wedge In Retirement

    On episode 49 of Retirement Unpacked, Paul Grenier and Jon Kutney discuss the Home Buyers' Plan vs. the FHSA and how these tools can be used if you're close to or in retirement, the cashflow wedge (of course), how spousal RRSPs work in retirement, and much more. Later in the episode, Peter Filippakis   joins the show to do a deeper dive into what the cashflow wedge actually is, how much you need to have, and how it actually works in your retirement.   Chapters 0:00 Intro0:41 Can a money market fund be used as your cashflow wedge?4:18 Home Buyers' Plan vs. FHSA6:51 FHSA rollover into RRSP8:48 Should you apply for OAS if you're going to get clawed back?12:06 Options when repaying Home Buyers' Plan15:34 For a 70/30 portfolio, is the 30% your cashflow wedge?18:18 Should your cashflow wedge be in real or nominal dollars?22:46 Cashflow wedge explained: What it is, how much you need, and how it works31:27 Will the government increase the TFSA limit in the future?34:20 What is it like being a financial planner?41:13 How spousal RRSPs work in retirement45:33 Should we prioritize our RRSP or TFSA?

  5. Aug 8

    048 | What Really Happens To CPP When You Retire Early

    On episode 48 of Retirement Unpacked, Adam Bornn and Mathieu Huneault discuss how retiring early affects CPP and non-contributory years, what to consider if you have multiple RRSP accounts, why most retirees should consolidate their accounts, when it makes sense to convert your RRSP to a RRIF, and what to do if you took CPP early and realize you made a mistake.Later in the episode, Michael Barichello joins the show to discuss a real case study where the client was set on starting CPP early. He discusses how the goal isn’t to find the “right” CPP decision, but to understand the trade-offs, see how starting at different ages impacts the overall plan, and make an informed decision. Chapters0:00 Intro0:34 Why delay CPP if you already have a pension?3:37 Delaying CPP: Do ages 65 to 70 count as non-contributory years?4:52 How does retiring early affect CPP?7:05 What happens if you have multiple RRSPs?10:42 Should you convert to a RRIF prior to 65?15:36 Retiring with 2 pensions: should I convert my RRSP now?18:36 RRIF withdrawals: Should you put money back into an RRSP?24:54 RRIF vs. non-registered accounts: Understanding the tax differences30:50 Do you need a cashflow wedge if you have a pension?37:22 I made mistake of starting CPP at 60, should I delay OAS?39:57 A real CPP timing case study43:46 Tax implications of converting a property to your principal residence

  6. Aug 1

    047 | Before You Downsize In Retirement, Watch This

    In episode 47 of Retirement Unpacked, Brett Martinson and Matthew Dennis discuss whether you should make your spouse a joint owner of your non-registered account, the key considerations before downsizing your home and renting, LIRA unlocking rules and how they vary by province, tax loopholes versus legitimate tax planning, and much more.   Later in the episode, Gord Manzer joins the show to discuss what to expect from a retirement plan when you're still 10+ years away from retiring, why plans change over time, and how to use that information to make better financial decisions today. Chapters: 0:00 Intro1:22 Non-registered accounts: should you make them joint?10:28 Selling house: should I downsize or rent?18:19 Can you transfer investments in-kind from RRIF to TFSA?23:44 Should I name my estate the beneficiary on my RRSP?32:25 LIRA unlocking rules: every province is different40:36 RRSP meltdown strategies for high-income earners46:32 Tax loopholes: what's legal vs. what's risky1:01:03 Can the FHSA be used as a tool for retirement1:05:36 Planning for retirement 10+ years away1:19:07 CPP survivor benefits explained: does delaying CPP hurt you?

  7. Jul 25

    046 | Brutally Honest CPP Advice Every Canadian Needs To Hear

    In episode 46 of Retirement Unpacked, Adam Bornn and Kyle Martins discuss how CPP adjusts for inflation, the risk of delaying to 70, how to manage and replenish your cashflow wedge as you walk through retirement, the trade-offs of selling your home to rent, where to save after maxing out your RRSP and TFSA, and much more. Later in the episode, Paul Grenier joins the show to discuss a unique client situation where a 65 year old used the Home Buyers’ Plan to withdraw from her RRSP and purchase a home. He explains why she was eligible, how the strategy fit into her retirement plan, and why you shouldn’t assume you don’t qualify for certain government programs. Chapters 0:00 Intro0:24 CPP inflation adjustments explained3:11 How the CPP survivor benefit works5:52 The risk of delaying CPP to 708:27 Should my holding company be out of the market?11:47 How to manage your cashflow wedge during strong markets14:41 How to replenish your cashflow wedge17:03 Can bonds be used as your cashflow wedge?20:59 Spousal RRSP strategy before retiring24:15 The trade-offs of selling your home to rent29:01 Where to save after maxing out your RRSP and TFSA32:10 Using the Home Buyers' Plan at age 65 (case study)38:50 The tax benefits of donating investments in-kind

  8. Jul 18

    045 | The Honest Truth About Retiring With A Mortgage

    In episode 45 of Retirement Unpacked, Kyle and Michael discuss the pros and cons of DIY retirement planning and DIY retirement planning software, whether it makes sense to carry a mortgage into retirement when you have a defined benefit pension, when spousal loans can be a useful tax strategy, how to coordinate retirement withdrawals between pensions and RRSPs, and much more.Later in the episode, Mathieu joins the show to go over a client case study and discuss the benefits of updating your retirement plan, including how changes to QPP and locked-in account rules allowed the client to make adjustments that improved their plan.0:00 Intro0:30 Pros and cons of DIY retirement plans4:13 Which year’s income determines your OAS clawback?7:28 Should you pay off your mortgage before retirement?12:05 How is the RRIF minimum calculated?15:13 Spousal loans explained21:01 Advantages of converting your RRSP at 5524:57 Considerations when your pension is not indexed to inflation29:19 Potential changes to Ontario LIRA unlocking rules31:54 Coordinating a pension and RRSP in retirement34:15 How changing legislation impacts retirement plans38:16 RRSP strategies for one time high income years

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About

Retirement Unpacked is a weekly podcast by Parallel Wealth Financial Group. Our planners break down key retirement topics for Canadians—income strategies, tax planning, CPP, OAS, TFSAs, RRSPs, RRIFs, lifestyle choices, and estate planning. We answer real questions from YouTube, emails, and client conversations, giving you practical insights and strategies to retire with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind. Join us each week as we unpack retirement together.

Information

  • Creator
    Parallel Wealth
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Parallel Wealth
  • Show Website
    Retirement Unpacked

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