Retiring Canada

Michael Isbister, CFP®
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The Retiring Canada Podcast helps Canadians make smarter retirement, investing, tax, and financial planning decisions so they can retire with confidence. Hosted by Certified Financial Planner and retirement planner Michael Isbister, the show covers retirement income planning, CPP and OAS strategies, RRSP and TFSA optimization, investing, estate planning, tax reduction strategies, and retirement lifestyle planning designed specifically for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees.

  1. MAY 12

    Using Trusts In Retirement: What You Need to Know (EP 79)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started Trusts can be powerful planning tools, but they are alsocomplex, expensive, and often misunderstood. In this episode of Retiring Canada, we break downhow trusts work, when they may make sense, and when they probably do not. You will learn the difference between trusts establishedduring your lifetime and trusts created through your will, along with commonuses for business owners, high net worth families, blended families, andfamilies with minor children. We also discuss family trusts, testamentarytrusts, Henson trusts, and key tax considerations that can create unintendedconsequences if not structured properly. We also explain why most people may not actually need atrust and why a proper cost benefit analysis is essential before moving forwardwith these strategies. This episode is for Canadians who want a clearerunderstanding of trusts and how they may fit into an estate or retirement plan. WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latestRetirement Guide AND MORE! EPISODE RESOURCES:📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started 💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter 👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide ✏️ Submit YourQuestion: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question 🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca

    20 min

  2. APR 28

    How the Primary Residence Exemption Really Works (EP 78)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started For many Canadians, their home and vacation property have become some of their largest financial assets. But when it comes time to sell, transfer, or settle an estate, many families are shocked to discover the potential tax consequences attached to those properties. In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss how the Canadian Primary Residence Exemption works and the planning strategies retirees and families should understand when multiple personal use properties are involved. You will learn what qualifies as a principal residence, why only one property per family unit can generally be designated in a given year, and how choosing the wrong property could result in unnecessary capital gains tax. We also walk through a detailed example involving a family home and vacation property, explain the “plus one” rule, and discuss several overlooked planning considerations involving properties owned before 1972, 1982, and 1992. We also explore the importance of tracking capital improvements, coordinating with accountants and executors, and why proactive estate and tax planning can help preserve more family wealth over time. This episode is for Canadian retirees, cottage owners, executors, and families who want to better understand how to minimize taxes and optimize the use of the Primary Residence Exemption. WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE! EPISODE RESOURCES:📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started 💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter 👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question 🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca

    16 min

  3. APR 14

    The Canadian Retirement Tax Trap (EP 77)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started Many Canadians spend decades building their retirement savings but unknowingly walk into a major tax trap once retirement income, RRIF withdrawals, and government benefits all begin colliding later in life. In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss how thoughtful tax planning can help retirees create more flexibility, reduce lifetime taxes, and avoid common retirement income pitfalls. You will learn how RRSP and RRIF withdrawals impact taxation, why many retirees lose control of their income after age 71, and how OAS clawbacks and income-tested benefits can quietly erode retirement cash flow. We also discuss dividend income, marginal tax rates, the “tax valley” strategy, partial RRIF conversions, TFSA optimization, and why retirement tax planning should be reviewed and adjusted every single year. We also walk through our year end tax planning process and explain how coordinated planning between investments, taxes, retirement income, and estate goals can help Canadians spend, gift, and donate more confidently throughout retirement. This episode is for Canadian retirees, pre-retirees, and business owners who want to better understand how proactive retirement tax planning can improve long term retirement outcomes and help avoid unnecessary taxes later in life. WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE! EPISODE RESOURCES:📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started 💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter 👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question 🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca

    17 min

  4. MAR 31

    Most Canadians Miss These 2 Estate Documents (EP 76)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started Many Canadians believe their estate plan is complete once they have a Will and Powers of Attorney in place. But during difficult times, families and executors often discover important details and instructions are still missing. In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss two commonly overlooked estate planning documents that can help bring clarity, organization, and peace of mind to your family and executor. You will learn why estate planning should be viewed as part of a broader coordinated financial strategy, when you should review your estate documents, and how a Letter of Instruction and Executor Checklist can help simplify the estate administration process. We also discuss common estate planning gaps, executor considerations, blended family complexity, beneficiary coordination, and why many Canadians unknowingly leave behind confusion despite having legal documents in place. We also explore the emotional side of estate planning and why thoughtful preparation today can dramatically reduce stress, uncertainty, and conflict for the people you care about most. This episode is for Canadian retirees, families, and executors who want to better organize their estate plan and ensure their wishes are carried out clearly and efficiently. WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE! EPISODE RESOURCES:📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started 💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter 👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question 🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca 📄 Executor Checklist 📝 Letter of Instruction

    13 min

  5. MAR 17

    Should You Spend Everything Before You Die (EP 75)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started Not every retiree wants to leave behind a large estate. For some Canadians, the goal is to fully enjoy retirement, spend confidently, and maximize experiences during their lifetime while leaving a minimal inheritance behind. In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss five key planning considerations for retirees whose goal is to intentionally spend down their retirement savings over time. You will learn how longevity assumptions dramatically impact retirement planning, why retirement spending often changes through the “go-go,” “slow-go,” and “no-go” years, and how dynamic retirement income strategies may help support higher spending earlier in retirement. We also discuss inflation, long term care costs, housing decisions, home equity planning, and why tax efficient decumulation becomes critically important when the margin for error is smaller. We also explore the emotional side of retirement planning, including purpose, flexibility, adapting to change, and the deeper question of what it truly means to live well throughout retirement. This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want to better understand how to confidently spend and enjoy their retirement years while still maintaining a sustainable long term financial plan. WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE! EPISODE RESOURCES:📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started 💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter 👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question 🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca 🔗 2025 Projection Assumption Guidelines - FP Canada

    19 min

  6. MAR 3

    3 Ways to Make Tax Season Less Stressful (EP 74)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started Tax season can be stressful enough without late slips, CRA reassessments, missing documents, and unnecessary surprises creating even more frustration for retirees and investors. In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss three practical ways Canadians can streamline their tax filing process and reduce the likelihood of errors, reassessments, and missed tax planning opportunities. You will learn why creating a CRA My Account can simplify your financial life, how a personalized tax slip checklist can help reduce filing mistakes, and why rushing to file your taxes too early may actually increase the risk of reassessments and interest charges. We also discuss common tax filing problems that impacted Canadians in 2025, including delayed T3 and T5 slips, CRA processing issues, and the importance of coordinating with accountants and advisors during tax season. We also explore how thoughtful tax planning extends beyond simply filing a return and why a proactive retirement planning team should help coordinate taxes, investment accounts, retirement income, and long term planning together. This episode is for Canadian retirees, investors, and business owners who want to better organize their tax filing process while reducing stress and improving long term tax efficiency. WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE! EPISODE RESOURCES:📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started 💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter 👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question 🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca 📄Your Tax Strategies 2025 Tax Letter - SAMPLE 📝 Spring Tax Slip Checklist - SAMPLE

    16 min

  7. FEB 17

    You May Have Outgrown Your Financial Advisor (EP 73)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started A strong advisor relationship can provide confidence, guidance, and peace of mind for decades. But as life changes and financial complexity increases, there may come a point where the advice you are receiving no longer aligns with your needs. In this episode of Retiring Canada, we discuss six common situations where Canadians often seek a second opinion on their retirement and financial planning. You will learn why major life transitions such as retirement, divorce, the death of a spouse, receiving an inheritance, selling a business, or an advisor nearing retirement can dramatically change the kind of planning and support you require. We also discuss the difference between investment management and true wealth management, the importance of trust and communication, and why retirement planning extends far beyond simply selecting investments. We also explore the emotional side of advisor relationships, the value of long term planning partnerships, and why many Canadians unknowingly outgrow the advice they have been receiving for years. This episode is for Canadian retirees, business owners, and families who want to better understand when it may be time to seek a second opinion on their financial and retirement plan. WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE! EPISODE RESOURCES:📊 Work with Michael: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started 💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter 👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question 🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca

    14 min

  8. FEB 3

    The 7 Step Blueprint for Tax Wise Retirement Income (EP 72)

    Learn more about the Fundamental Retirement Plan: https://www.fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started Retirement income planning is far more complex than simply withdrawing money from investment accounts. Every decision involving taxes, pensions, investments, spending, and estate planning can create ripple effects throughout your retirement. In this episode of Retiring Canada, we walk through a seven step blueprint for building a tax wise retirement income plan designed to create sustainable income for life. You will learn how decumulation strategies work, why CPP and OAS timing decisions should never be made in isolation, and how tax efficient withdrawal planning can help reduce lifetime taxes while improving retirement flexibility. We also discuss fixed income and cash wedge strategies, the importance of access to liquidity through retirement, and the significant financial impact that can occur when one spouse passes away. We also explore the softer side of retirement planning, including the importance of adaptability, ongoing planning reviews, spousal communication, and why successful retirement planning is just as much an art as it is a science. This episode is for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees who want to better understand how to build a coordinated retirement income plan that can adapt to changing life circumstances over time. WANT EVEN MORE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS?Join thousands of other Canadians and subscribe to the ⁠Retiring Canada Newsletter.⁠https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter As a thank you, you'll receive a copy of our latest Retirement Guide AND MORE! EPISODE RESOURCES:📊 Work with Michael: https://fundamentalwealth.ca/get-started 💻 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-newsletter 👉 Download Our Latest Retirement Guide: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/retirement-guide ✏️ Submit Your Question: https://www.retiringcanada.ca/submit-your-question 🌐 Retiring Canada Website: https://www.retiringcanada.ca 📘 📝Beyond the Status Quo: A Critical Assessment of Lifecycle Investment Advice 📜Client Service Standards

    24 min
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About

The Retiring Canada Podcast helps Canadians make smarter retirement, investing, tax, and financial planning decisions so they can retire with confidence. Hosted by Certified Financial Planner and retirement planner Michael Isbister, the show covers retirement income planning, CPP and OAS strategies, RRSP and TFSA optimization, investing, estate planning, tax reduction strategies, and retirement lifestyle planning designed specifically for Canadian retirees and pre-retirees.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Isbister, CFP®
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michael Isbister, CFP®
  • Show Website
    Retiring Canada

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