Shows
AskTMFG The Podcast9 Spousal Income Splitting Rules Most Advisors Won't Tell YouIn this episode of AskTMFG, Senior Financial Advisor Carlo Cansino walks through nine spousal income splitting rules that many retired Canadian couples miss.
Most couples assume income splitting means checking one box on their tax return, but that assumption can cost thousands of dollars a year in extra taxes and lost government benefits.
Not all retirement income qualifies in the same way. Registered pension plan income can generally be split at any age, while RRIF withdrawals usually qualify only from age 65, and RRSP withdrawals don’t qualify at all. CPP can’t be split on your...
2026-10-2512 minAskTMFG The PodcastWhat Happens To Your CPP When Your Spouse Dies..In this episode of AskTMFG, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti explain what happens to your Canada Pension Plan benefits when your spouse passes away, and the steps you need to take. Many surviving spouses don’t know what they’re entitled to, and during an already difficult time, that gap can cost thousands of dollars in missed payments.
The government provides a one-time CPP death benefit of $2,500 to help with immediate costs such as funeral and burial expenses. The ongoing survivor’s pension is not automatic, though; you have to apply for it. How much you re...
2026-10-2505 minAskTMFG The PodcastDON’T Retire Abroad Until You’ve Done This With Your CPP, OAS And RRSPIn this episode of AskTMFG, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti walk through what you need to do with your CPP, OAS, and RRSP before you retire outside Canada. Many Canadian retirees who move abroad mismanage these benefits, and that mistake can cost thousands in unnecessary taxes and lost payments.
CPP can be collected in many countries, but it stays taxable in Canada and may also be taxed where you live, so exchange rates and tax treaties both matter. OAS can be paid internationally as well, but it comes with residency requirements and paperwork, and the...
2026-10-1807 minAskTMFG The PodcastIf You Have a Pension, Don't Defer CPP to 70In this episode of AskTMFG, Senior Financial Advisor Carlo Cansino explains the pension clause that catches thousands of Canadian retirees off guard: the bridge benefit. If you retired early with a defined benefit pension, part of your monthly income is temporary, and it ends automatically the month after you turn 65, whether or not you’ve started CPP. For some retirees, that means a drop of hundreds of dollars a month.
Carlo explains how the bridge benefit works alongside your lifetime pension, and why it can create a costly income gap for anyone planning to defer CPP to 70. He...
2026-10-1612 minAskTMFG The Podcast4 Levels of Canadian Retirement Wealth I How Do You Compare?In this episode of AskTMFG, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down the four levels of retirement wealth in Canada and help you see where you really stand. Many Canadians assume they’re in a lower wealth bracket than they are, which often leads to unnecessary stress and overly cautious retirement plans.
Carlo and John walk through what each level looks like and what income it can support using the 4% rule. A basic retirement of $250,000 to $500,000 is about making savings work alongside CPP and OAS. A comfortable retirement of $500,000 to $1.5 million shifts the focus to re...
2026-10-1111 minAskTMFG The PodcastDon't Let OAS Clawback Destroy Your Dream RetirementIn this episode of AskTMFG, Senior Financial Advisor Carlo Cansino explains the OAS clawback, a retirement risk many Canadians have heard of but few fully understand. He uses the example of John, a 63-year-old with $2.1 million across his RRSP, TFSA, and non-registered accounts. Carlo shows why the clawback depends on your income each year, not your total savings, and how the accounts you withdraw from can push you over the threshold.
He then covers five decisions to make before you start drawing down your portfolio. These are starting RRSP withdrawals before 65, not spending the RRSP first, making...
2026-10-0914 minAskTMFG The Podcast67% Worry About Running Out Of Money in Retirement
In this episode of AskTMFG, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti look at one of the most common fears in retirement planning: running out of money. Most Canadians worry their savings won't last, and that fear often leads to sacrifices that aren't necessary. In their experience working with retirees, much of this anxiety comes from misunderstanding what makes retirement savings last.
Carlo and John walk through the numbers behind retirement anxiety, including how many Canadians fear outliving their savings, why that concern runs even higher among younger adults, and how quickly retirement savings goals have shifted...
2026-10-0408 minAskTMFG The PodcastRetiring Soon? The RRSP Mistake You Can't Afford to MakeIn this episode of AskTMFG, Senior Financial Advisor Carlo Cansino walks through the case of Robert, a 58-year-old pre-retiree in Ontario with a bonus sitting in savings, a stock that's up $15,000, and unused TFSA room. Maxing the TFSA felt like the responsible move, and it's the advice most people hear. But in the 5 to 10 years before retirement, funding it the wrong way can cost you more than it saves.
Carlo covers why the funding source matters, how TFSA room and RRSP deductions behave differently over time, and why an employer match should never be an afterthought. He...
2026-10-0211 minAskTMFG The Podcast5 Signs You're Doing Well Financially By Age (40s/50s/60s) in CanadaIn this episode of AskTMFG, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti walked through five signs that you're financially ahead at each stage of life in Canada, from your 40s through your 60s.
In your 40s, Carlo and John said a good benchmark is retirement savings of about two to three times your annual income. Other signs are steady progress on your mortgage, diversified investments, surplus cash flow, and insurance in place to protect your income and your family. They acknowledged that this decade often means balancing your children's education savings against your own retirement, during your...
2026-09-2722 minAskTMFG The PodcastHow to Fix Your Retirement Withdrawal Plan (Before It’s Too Late)In this episode of AskTMFG, Senior Financial Advisor Carlo Cansino walked through a real client case: a couple with four accounts (an RRSP, a LIRA from a former employer, a TFSA, and a non-registered account), all built over 30 years with no plan for how to draw them down in retirement.
The couple had been spending out of habit. They pulled from the TFSA for home repairs and vacations while the non-registered account kept generating taxable income every year. Their RRSP sat untouched and kept growing, which was setting them up for larger mandatory RRIF withdrawals at 71, a...
2026-09-2512 minAskTMFG The PodcastWhy Everything Changed in Retirement For Canadians in 2025In this episode of AskTMFG, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti walked through every major government change that took effect for Canadian retirees in 2025, covering CPP, Old Age Security, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
The maximum monthly CPP payment rose to $1,406.10 in January 2025, up from $1,364.60 the year before, with the yearly maximum pensionable earnings increasing to $71,300. Carlo and John also explained CPP2, the additional tier of contributions introduced on income between $71,300 and $81,200, which added roughly $400 in extra contributions for higher earners, a change that put a modest pinch on cash flow for those still working, even...
2026-09-2010 minAskTMFG The PodcastCPP at 60 vs 70: Why Your RRSP Balance Matters More Than You ThinkIn this episode of AskTMFG, Senior Financial Advisor Carlo Cansino tackles one of the most common misconceptions in CPP planning: that delaying CPP to age 70 is automatically the smarter move.
The answer isn't as simple as the standard break-even math suggests. Most CPP comparisons stop at the age when the larger deferred payments overtake the smaller early payments, typically around age 79, but that number ignores what funds the wait. Using a 60-year-old retiree with a $600,000 RRSP who needs $60,000 net per year (about $72,533 gross), Carlo walks through what delaying CPP to 70 actually costs the account: it drops to...
2026-09-1812 minAskTMFG The PodcastIs Your $1 Million Enough? The New Reality of Retirement in CanadaIn this episode of AskTMFG, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti tackle one of the most common questions they hear from Canadian retirees: is $1 million still enough to retire on.
The answer looks different than it did just a few years ago. Most people assume a million dollar portfolio supports $50,000 to $60,000 a year in spending, but a more sustainable range is actually $35,000 to $45,000, depending on where you live and how inflation has affected your cost of living. Carlo and John walk through why a 3.5% to 4.5% withdrawal rate is a safer target than the 5% to 6% many retirees assume, using...
2026-09-1307 minAskTMFG The PodcastPension vs. RRSP at 75: Which One Saves You More Money?In this episode of AskTMFG, Carlo Cansino compares two common retirement income profiles at age 75: a retiree with a $60,000 a year indexed defined benefit pension, and a retiree holding $900,000 in an RRSP. The RRSP balance appears larger on paper, but a closer look at the tax treatment of each reveals a more nuanced picture.
Both retirees start at 65 with the same CPP and OAS baseline, but their income paths diverge fast. The pension grows only with inflation, reaching $73,140 by 75. The RRSP, converted to a RRIF, faces mandatory minimum withdrawals that climb every year regardless of market performance...
2026-09-1111 minAskTMFG The Podcast5 Changes Canadian Retirees Wish They Told Themselves At 55In this episode of AskTMFG, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down the five changes Canadian retirees consistently say they wish they'd made at age 55, using a real client couple to show what happens when a plan is missing.
At 55, you still have time to course correct: understanding CPP and OAS eligibility before you're locked into a claiming decision, diversifying and rebalancing your portfolio as risk tolerance shifts, maximizing RRSP and TFSA contribution room while it's available, paying off high-interest debt before fixed retirement income has to absorb it, and budgeting for health care costs provincial insurance...
2026-09-0611 minAskTMFG The Podcast11 Brutally Honest Retirement Truths Every Canadian Should KnowIn this episode of AskTMFG, Carlo Cansino walks through 11 assumptions that quietly derail retirement plans, even for people who did everything right on paper.
Carlo covers the blind spots most retirees never plan around: treating home equity as income when it's rarely touched, assuming a spouse can step in without a written plan, letting kids' requests erode savings without a set number in advance, and waiting too long to gift an inheritance that would matter more now than later.
He also breaks down why 20 years is the wrong number to plan retirement around (a healthy 65...
2026-09-0411 minAskTMFG The PodcastWhen It Makes COMPLETE Sense To Draw From RRSPs First…In this episode of AskTMFG, John Iaconetti and Carlo Cansino tackle a question they hear constantly: should you draw from your RRSPs early to delay starting CPP?
They walk through the false beliefs that trip people up, like assuming CPP is always best taken early or that avoiding tax now is automatically the smarter move, and how those beliefs can lead to higher tax brackets, OAS clawback, and smaller lifetime CPP benefits.
Using a client case, Gary and Susan, both 63 with $500,000 in RRSPs, they show how drawing RRSPs first to defer CPP to 70 works for...
2026-08-3011 minAskTMFG The PodcastIf You Have $1M Saved, Don't Take CPP at 65In this episode of AskTMFG, Carlo Cansino breaks down when delaying CPP actually makes sense for retirees with significant savings, using a client example, Doug, to walk through the math.
Most Canadians start CPP the moment they're eligible, but for someone like Doug, with $1.3 million saved and a $20,000 guaranteed income floor before CPP even enters the picture, the decision becomes a planning lever rather than a cash flow necessity. Carlo names four cases where delay isn't the right call: a shortened life expectancy, no spouse to leave a survivor benefit to, an early-retirement market downturn, or already...
2026-08-2813 minAskTMFG The PodcastWe Have Reviewed 10 RRSP Strategies...Is The Meltdown The Best One?In this episode of AskTMFG, John Iaconetti and Carlo Cansino review 10 common RRSP strategies and mistakes, and break down which approach actually wins out for long-term retirement savings.
They walk through nine missteps clients bring to them again and again: contributing right at the deadline instead of throughout the year and losing months of tax-deferred growth, contributing only the minimum instead of maximizing long-term benefit, parking funds in low-risk assets like GICs that can't keep pace with inflation over decades, concentrating everything in one stock or sector, over-contributing and triggering CRA penalties, treating the RRSP like an...
2026-08-2313 minAskTMFG The PodcastDo These 5 RRIF Tax Hacks Before Age 71In this episode of AskTMFG, Carlo Cansino walks through five RRIF moves that most Canadians never think to make before age 71. The mandatory RRIF withdrawal itself can't be changed, but nearly everything around it can, and that's where the tax savings are hiding.
He covers five specific hacks: converting a small slice of your RRSP into a RRIF at 65 to unlock the $2,000 pension income tax credit (and open up income splitting with a spouse), transferring investments in kind rather than cashing out when your RRIF minimum comes due so you're not forced to sell during a market...
2026-08-2110 minAskTMFG The PodcastThis NEW Retirement Calculator Makes NO Sense For CanadiansIn this episode of AskTMFG, John Iaconetti and Carlo Cansino dig into a tool most people trust without question: the free online retirement calculator. It looks simple, professional, and authoritative. Plug in your age, income, and savings, and it returns a clear chart showing whether you're on track. The problem is that these calculators are quietly getting the answer wrong for millions of Canadians.
They unpack four flaws that show up across virtually every standard calculator: a flat 3% inflation rate applied to all expenses even though healthcare rises while other costs fall, a static average investment return...
2026-08-1610 minAskTMFG The Podcast5 Reasons to Convert Your RRSP to a RRIF Before 71 (And the One Reason Not To)In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino, Senior Financial Advisor with The McClelland Financial Group, tackles a decision most Canadians leave until the CRA forces their hand: when to convert an RRSP into a RRIF. Age 71 feels like the deadline, but it's actually the last resort; everything before that is a choice, and the clients who convert early usually end up with more control, not less.
He walks through why converting before 71 lets you set your own withdrawal size instead of being locked into the CRA's mandatory minimum, why RRIF income (unlike RRSP withdrawals) unlocks...
2026-08-1409 minAskTMFG The PodcastHere's The SECRET To A Richer Retirement NO ONE Talks AboutIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, John Iaconetti and Carlo Cansino dig into a timing factor most Canadians never think to plan around: the specific month you retire. It's easy to pick a retirement date based on a birthday or an anniversary, but the month can quietly reshape your tax bracket, benefit eligibility, and first-year cash flow.
They unpack why mid-year retirements can stack salary, unused vacation payouts, and partial pension income into one tax year and trigger unnecessary tax burdens, why CPP and OAS don't start automatically and need to be coordinated months in advance...
2026-08-0908 minAskTMFG The Podcast$80K Pension vs $1M Net Worth: Who is Richer?In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino breaks down why a guaranteed pension isn't always the better deal compared to savings, using a side-by-side case study of two retirees. Sandra retires with an $ 80,000-per-year pension plus maxed-out CPP and OAS, landing at roughly $107,000/year — fully taxable. Mark retires with $1,000,000 split across an RRSP, TFSA, and non-registered account, and, on the surface, looks $40,000/year short.
He unpacks why Sandra's "bigger number" actually costs her: her guaranteed income pushes her $11,677 over the 2026 OAS clawback threshold of $95,323, resulting in a permanent loss of about $1,752/year to the clawback, wi...
2026-08-0709 minAskTMFG The PodcastDO THIS To Avoid The RRSP Tax TRAPIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino breaks down how to avoid the RRSP tax trap for Canadians approaching retirement with large registered balances. Using a $1.7 million RRSP client as an example, he walks through the key questions that shape a smart withdrawal strategy, account consolidation, spousal income splitting, other assets, retirement income needs, CPP/OAS timing, TFSA room, and current versus future tax brackets, then lays out the actual plan: drawing down RRSPs early while in a lower bracket, redirecting some withdrawals into TFSAs, and timing government benefits to avoid clawbacks.
👉 Watch the full epi...
2026-08-0208 minAskTMFG The PodcastDon't Make These 3 CPP Mistakes in Your First Year of RetirementIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino breaks down the three most common (and expensive) CPP mistakes new retirees make in their first year, using Frank as a case study. He retired at 62 with a $650,000 combined RSP/TFSA portfolio and $25,000 a year in consulting income.
He unpacks why retiring and starting CPP are two completely separate decisions (taking CPP at 60 instead of waiting to 70 locks in a permanent swing of over $1,000 a month for life), why CPP payments aren't taxed at the source the way a paycheque is, meaning retirees can get hit with a...
2026-07-3109 minAskTMFG The PodcastWhy Retirement Changes Once You Save $1M in CanadaIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti unpack why hitting the $1 million mark in retirement savings isn't just a financial milestone; it's a psychological turning point, and what actually changes once you get there.
They cover what a million-dollar portfolio can sustainably generate (roughly $7,000 a month after tax before government benefits are added), why the "touch RRSPs last" mindset often costs Canadians in lifetime tax, how income splitting becomes especially powerful for couples with larger portfolios, and how factors like retirement age, longevity planning to 95, and home equity all shape how far...
2026-07-2608 minAskTMFG The PodcastIf I Was 67 With $1M in an RRSP and a Spouse - Here's Our Exact Retirement PlanIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino breaks down the married couples' version of the retirement income plan, how a 67-year-old with $1 million in his RRSP and a 64-year-old spouse with $200,000 in hers can structure withdrawals to keep $10,000 to $20,000 more per year than couples who don't plan strategically together.
He covers the key moves: converting a portion of an RRSP to a RIF before age 71 to unlock pension income splitting (something RRSP withdrawals alone don't allow), using the income gap between spouses to shift income to the lower-earning partner's tax bracket, recalculating the optimal T1032...
2026-07-2409 minAskTMFG The PodcastWhy Retiring In Canada Is Cheaper Than You Think...In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down why the "$1.7 million to retire" headline number isn't the full story, and what actually determines your real retirement target at age 60.
They cover the common mistakes Canadians make, like using a cookie-cutter savings figure instead of working from actual expenses, forgetting that CPP is permanently reduced by roughly 36% if taken at 60 instead of 65, and not accounting for the 5-year gap before Old Age Security kicks in, plus how to draw tax-efficiently from RRSPs/RRIFs, TFSAs, and non-registered accounts alongside CPP, OAS, and any...
2026-07-1910 minAskTMFG The PodcastYour Last Year Before Retirement: 5 Mistakes Canadians Can't Afford to MakeIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino breaks down the 5 mistakes Canadians can't afford to make in their last year before retirement.
He covers the common pitfalls, like delaying the RRSP meltdown until age 71 forces mandatory withdrawals, picking a CPP start date without modeling it against your full income picture, and triggering the OAS clawback by accident once RRIF minimums, CPP, and OAS stack together, plus how to sequence withdrawals across RRSP, TFSA, and non-registered accounts and calculate the CRA's share at death before it catches your family off guard.
He also shares...
2026-07-1712 minAskTMFG The PodcastWhy Canadian Retirement Changes When You Get a PensionIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down why having a pension fundamentally changes your retirement strategy.
They cover the common mistakes Canadians make, like failing to account for the tax impact of pension income, ignoring inflation's effect on fixed payments, and overlooking spousal survivor benefits, plus how to coordinate pension income with RRSPs, TFSAs, and personal savings for a tax-efficient plan.
They also share a real example: how a 58-year-old client used her pension as a foundation to retire early and bridge the income gap before her pension...
2026-07-1205 minAskTMFG The PodcastAge 67, $1M RRSP, No Pension: My Exact Withdrawal PlanIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino walks through a step-by-step drawdown strategy for a 67-year-old retiree with $1M in an RRSP and no pension.
He shows how CPP and OAS (boosted through deferral) form the income floor, why withdrawing $35,000/year from the RRSP before mandatory RIF conversion at 71 beats waiting, and how routing that money into the TFSA builds tax-free flexibility for later.
Finally, he runs the real numbers at age 72 to show how this sequence keeps income safely below the OAS clawback threshold, protecting thousands in benefits that a "do nothing"...
2026-07-1010 minAskTMFG The Podcast"The Retirement Gap". Why Retirement Is Not What You Think...In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti explore why so many financially prepared Canadians still feel disappointed in retirement, a pattern they call the retirement disappointment gap.
They dig into the psychological side of retirement that most planning ignores: loss of identity and structure after leaving work, how Canadian winters can deepen isolation, and how big life shifts (like sudden togetherness with a spouse, or losing one) reshape retirement in ways money alone can't fix.
They also lay out a five-part framework, building a "purpose portfolio," easing into retirement gradually...
2026-07-0513 minAskTMFG The PodcastRRSP to RRIF - The Conversion Trap Costing Canadians $50,000+In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Senior Financial Advisor Carlo Cansino breaks down the RRSP-to-RRIF conversion mistake costing Canadians with $1M+ in savings up to $50,000 -$200,000 in avoidable lifetime taxes.
The conversation covers the mandatory conversion deadline at age 71, rising minimum withdrawal rates, and how those withdrawals stack with CPP, OAS, and investment income to trigger higher tax brackets and OAS clawback.
Carlo also explains the "RRIF bomb" that hits surviving spouses, plus three strategies to fix it: early RRSP drawdown, pension income splitting, and using the TFSA as an overflow valve.
2026-07-0310 minAskTMFG The Podcast20% Not Ready For Retirement in Canada! - Here's Why You're Different
In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti dig into a striking statistic: 1 in 5 Canadians have NO retirement plan whatsoever.
The conversation explores what the latest data reveals about retirement readiness in Canada, why RRSP contributions are falling sharply (especially among younger Canadians), and how rising costs, debt, and stagnant wages are pushing retirement planning down the road.
They also break down the gaps in confidence across generations and genders, why piecemeal advice from family and friends often leads to missed opportunities, and the five steps to building a smart, intentional...
2026-06-2808 minAskTMFG The PodcastIs the CRA About to Reduce Your OAS? What Canadians Need to Know Before Year-EndIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino explains how the July 2026 Old Age Security recalculation could quietly reduce the monthly benefit of well-prepared Canadian retirees, often without any letter, phone call, or warning.
The conversation explores why OAS is recalculated quarterly rather than once a year, and why the "clawback" catches far more retirees off guard than just the very wealthy.
We also walk through the strategies still available before December 31st like drawing on the TFSA, pension income splitting, timing major purchases, and income sequencing, to help shape the next clawback cycle...
2026-06-2611 minAskTMFG The PodcastWhy $1.5M In Retirement Savings May Not Be EnoughIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, financial advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti tackle one of the most common retirement misconceptions Canadians hold: that reaching $1.5 million means you're financially set for retirement.
The conversation explores why $1.5 million may not be the safe number many people assume, how inflation silently cuts purchasing power in half over a 30-year retirement, and why the popular 4% withdrawal rule may no longer hold up in today's environment of longer lifespans and greater market volatility.
We also discuss the real cost of healthcare in Canada that most retirees underestimate, how...
2026-06-2109 minAskTMFG The PodcastThe Retirement Income Mistake Costing Canadians $200,000 in TaxesIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino reveals how one retirement income strategy saved a Canadian retiree more than $200,000 in taxes, with the exact same savings, investments, and lifestyle as the alternative plan.
The conversation explores why most retirees assume their tax bill in retirement is largely fixed, how withdrawing from the wrong account at the wrong time can cost tens of thousands in a single year, and why the biggest tax problems tend to build slowly and silently over decades.
Using a side-by-side comparison of two retirement plans for the same composite...
2026-06-1910 minAskTMFG The PodcastThe Surprising Cost of Delaying Retirement Past 60...In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti reveal a truth that goes against conventional wisdom: Why delaying retirement past age 60 could actually be costing you.
The conversation explores why age 60 is such a critical inflection point, why the old advice to "just work longer and save more" often backfires, and why chasing magic numbers like $1 million can lead Canadians to delay retirement unnecessarily.
They also discuss the fears that keep people working, losing identity, social connection, and spousal age gaps, along with how TFSAs can accelerate retirement timelines...
2026-06-1412 minAskTMFG The PodcastWhat Every Retiree Needs to Know Before DownsizingIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, we tackle one of the biggest transitions Canadians face in retirement: what to do after downsizing your family home.
The conversation explores why downsizing is a retirement planning event rather than just a real estate decision, how a tax-free lump sum can affect taxes, OAS clawbacks, and long-term flexibility, and why the biggest mistakes happen after the sale closes.
We also discuss the risks of making gifting or investment decisions too quickly, why downsizing doesn't always lower your cost of living, the dangers of waiting too long to...
2026-06-1212 minAskTMFG The PodcastI Stopped Saving at $1M… Here’s What Actually HappenedIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti tackle a question many Canadians ask after reaching a major financial milestone: What happens if you stop saving for retirement after accumulating $1 million?
The conversation explores the psychological shift that often occurs after reaching seven figures, why $1 million can create a false sense of financial security, and how stopping contributions too early may impact long-term retirement outcomes.
They also discuss the impact of inflation, market volatility, retirement timelines, withdrawal planning, and the common mistakes Canadians make when they view $1 million as...
2026-06-0707 minAskTMFG The PodcastWhat Happens Financially When Your Spouse Dies?In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisor Carlo Cansino discusses one of the most overlooked retirement planning risks for Canadian couples: what happens financially when a spouse passes away.
The conversation explores how retirement income can change after the loss of a spouse, including the impact on CPP survivor benefits, pensions, RRIF withdrawals, income splitting opportunities, and overall tax efficiency. Carlo and John explain why many surviving spouses are unprepared for the financial, administrative, and tax-related responsibilities that often arise during an already difficult period.
They also discuss common mistakes families make in...
2026-06-0511 minAskTMFG The PodcastI Am 60 And Want To Never Work Again: Is 850k Enough To Retire?In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down one of the most common retirement questions Canadians ask: Is $850,000 enough to retire and never work again?
The conversation explores how CPP, OAS, withdrawal strategies, and spending habits can dramatically change what retirement actually looks like for Canadians.
Carlo and John also discuss the importance of diversification, inflation protection, dynamic withdrawal planning, and managing sequence of returns risk throughout retirement.
👉 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/cQ40QWoUcN0
Question for our listeners:
Do...
2026-05-3108 minAskTMFG The PodcastThe Hidden Cost of 'Minimum Only' RRIF Withdrawals (And How To Avoid It)In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Senior Financial Advisor Carlo Cansino explains why taking only the minimum RRIF withdrawal may not always lead to the best long-term tax outcome.
The conversation explores how growing RRIF balances can eventually lead to larger mandatory withdrawals, higher taxable income, OAS clawbacks, and increased estate tax exposure later in retirement.
We also break down strategies retirees may use to create a more stable, tax-efficient retirement income structure, including proactive withdrawal planning, TFSA recycling, and spousal coordination.
👉 Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a...
2026-05-2912 minAskTMFG The PodcastHow Pensions Change Everything For Your Retirement
In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down how the decline of pension coverage in Canada has completely changed retirement planning for millions of Canadians.
They explain why having a pension can dramatically improve retirement security, and why not having one may require a very different savings and investment strategy.
The conversation explores how pensions help reduce sequence of returns risk, create more predictable retirement income, and improve long-term tax planning.
👉 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/_TDPkF4claU
Question for our l...
2026-05-2408 minAskTMFG The PodcastThe Estate Tax Trap Most Canadians MissIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Senior Financial Advisor Carlo Cansino breaks down the estate tax trap many Canadian retirees unknowingly build over time.
He explains how RRSPs, RRIFs, cottages, and investment accounts can eventually create a large future tax bill if there’s no long-term withdrawal and estate strategy behind them.
He explores how retirement income, RRIF withdrawals, and unrealized capital gains can stack together later in life or on a final tax return, often leaving families surprised by how much may go to the CRA.
👉 Watch the full episode here: https...
2026-05-2210 minAskTMFG The PodcastYou're Over-saving Your RRSP. Here's How To Fix It...In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down why blindly maximizing your RRSP every year may actually work against your long-term financial plan.
They explain how high-interest debt, lower retirement tax brackets, RRSP loans, and poor contribution timing can quietly create opportunity costs that many Canadians never account for.
The conversation also explores how debt elimination can sometimes provide a stronger guaranteed financial return than investing, and why optimizing your overall financial position matters more than simply growing your RRSP balance.
👉 https://youtu.be/8nCeSDOlanQ
2026-05-1608 minAskTMFG The PodcastCPP Has Changed - Here's What It Means For Your 2027 Retirement Plan
In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Senior Financial Advisor Carlo Cansino breaks down how enhanced CPP is quietly changing retirement planning for Canadians approaching retirement between now and 2027. He explains how larger CPP payments may eventually interact with RRIF withdrawals, Old Age Security (OAS), and taxable investment income, creating retirement tax and clawback issues many retirees never see coming.
The conversation also explores why enhanced CPP changes the importance of income sequencing, retirement tax planning, and coordinating when different income sources begin during retirement.
👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube
Question for our...
2026-05-1413 minAskTMFG The Podcast9 Purchases That Will Stop You Ever Going Broke in RetirementIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down 9 strategic purchases that can help create a stronger retirement plan.
They discuss how guaranteed income sources like annuities, dividend-paying investments, and rental properties can help support long-term cash flow, while protection strategies such as insurance and diversified assets can help reduce financial risks during retirement.
The conversation also explores the importance of tax planning, timing, diversification, and coordinating financial decisions in a way that supports both retirement income and long-term legacy goals.
👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://you...
2026-05-1010 minAskTMFG The Podcast$1M in RRSPs at 65… What Does That Actually Pay?In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down what a $1 million RRSP at age 65 could realistically provide in monthly retirement income, and why the answer depends on far more than just the account balance.
They discuss how taxes, RRIF withdrawals, inflation, investment returns, and retirement timing all affect how long your money lasts and how much income you can comfortably generate over time.
The focus isn’t on whether $1 million is enough, but on how to turn retirement savings into a sustainable and tax-efficient income strategy that fits your li...
2026-05-0809 minAskTMFG The PodcastCPP vs RRSP vs OAS: Which Should You Claim First?
In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down how the order you claim CPP, RRSP withdrawals, and Old Age Security can significantly impact your lifetime retirement income.
They walk through the key factors behind each decision, from how life expectancy and health influence CPP timing, to how RRSP withdrawals can be used strategically in low-income years, and how OAS fits into the picture with its fixed start age and potential clawbacks.
The focus isn’t on choosing one benefit over another, but on coordinating all three in a way th...
2026-05-0309 minAskTMFG The Podcast5 Levels of Canadian Retirement in 2026 - Where Do You Stand?In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down retirement into five distinct levels for 2026, showing that where you stand isn’t just about how much you’ve saved, but how your income, taxes, housing, and benefits all work together.
They walk through each level, from relying primarily on government benefits to having fully self-directed income, and explain what each stage looks like in terms of stability, flexibility, and control.
The focus isn’t on hitting a specific number, but on understanding how your retirement is structured, and how small change...
2026-05-0110 minAskTMFG The Podcast7 Assets Safer Than Your PensionIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti challenge the idea that a pension alone is the safest path to retirement.
They walk through seven different assets, from TFSAs and RRIFs to real estate, GICs, annuities, life insurance, and dividend-paying stocks, and explain how each one can offer more control, flexibility, and in some cases, even more security than relying on a single pension source.
The focus isn’t on replacing pensions entirely, but on building a mix of income sources you actually control, so your retirement isn’t dependent on one...
2026-04-2609 minAskTMFG The PodcastWhy Retirement Is More Expensive When You’re Single
In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti focus on a reality that’s becoming more common: retiring on your own.
They walk through why it can quietly cost more in taxes, how income from RRIFs, CPP, OAS, and investments can pile up faster than expected, and where OAS clawbacks can start to creep in.
More importantly, they show how small changes in how you draw income and structure your accounts can make a real difference over time.
Because in retirement, it’s not just what you’ve built, it’s h...
2026-04-2412 minAskTMFG The PodcastRetirees Are Quietly Replacing RRSPs With TheseIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti explore a shift that’s happening quietly among Canadian retirees:
Why many are moving away from relying solely on RRSPs.
While RRSPs have long been a cornerstone of retirement planning, the reality is that they’re built on tax deferral, not tax elimination. And for many retirees, that can lead to higher taxable income later in life, including the risk of triggering OAS clawbacks.
The conversation breaks down why this is becoming a growing concern, and how alternative accounts like...
2026-04-1908 minAskTMFG The PodcastThe 4% Rule Might Not Work… Here’s What to Do InsteadIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti revisit one of the most widely used rules in retirement planning:
Why the 4% rule may not be as reliable as it once seemed.
While it’s often used as a simple way to estimate retirement income, the reality is that it relies on assumptions that don’t always hold, like stable markets, consistent inflation, and fixed spending.
The conversation highlights that the shift from 4% to a slightly lower number isn’t the real issue. Instead, it reveals a bigger challe...
2026-04-1707 minAskTMFG The PodcastThe Truth About Retiring With $1.5M Nobody Talks About
On this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti explore a side of retirement that often goes unspoken:
Why someone with $1.5 million saved can still feel financially insecure just months after retiring.
Through a real client example, they explain how the transition from saving to spending can create unexpected anxiety, even for those who have done everything “right” financially.
The conversation breaks down the psychological side of retirement, including why market volatility feels different without a paycheck, how unclear withdrawal strategies can make every expense feel risky, and why...
2026-04-1209 minAskTMFG The PodcastI’m 60 with $1.5M… Am I Ready to Retire in Canada?In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti walk through a common retirement question many Canadians are asking:
“If I’m 60 with $1.5 million saved… am I actually ready to retire?”
They explain why reaching a savings milestone doesn’t automatically translate into retirement readiness, and how the real challenge is turning that number into sustainable, after-tax income.
The conversation breaks down how different income sources, such as CPP, OAS, and investment withdrawals, work together, the impact of taxes across RRSPs, TFSAs, and non-registered accounts, and how withdrawal timing can...
2026-04-1008 minAskTMFG The PodcastThe TRUTH About The CRA Letter You Don’t Want To GetIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down one of the most stressful CRA letters a Canadian can receive: a notice of audit.
They explain why audit notices can create serious financial and emotional stress in retirement, what typically triggers them, and how simple filing mistakes or inconsistent deductions can raise red flags.
The conversation also covers what happens during an audit, the potential financial fallout, and the practical habits that can help reduce your risk, including better recordkeeping, consistency, and more organized tax documentation.
...
2026-04-0509 minAskTMFG The PodcastRetiring in the Next 5 Years Use This To Rate Your Plan in 5 Minutes
In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti walk through a simple 5-minute test Canadians can use to pressure test their retirement plan.
They explain why common retirement rules, like the 4% rule, a target savings number, or replacing 70% of your income, can be helpful starting points, but often leave out the details that actually shape retirement outcomes.
The conversation covers five key areas of retirement readiness: income sources, timing gaps, taxes, market risk, and vulnerability in the first few years of retirement.
The key takeaway? Retirement readiness is no...
2026-04-0310 minAskTMFG The PodcastHow To Retire On $10,000/Mo In CanadaIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down one of the biggest retirement myths Canadians hear all the time: that you need $3 million to retire comfortably.
They explain why that number is often too simplistic, and how retirement income in Canada depends more on strategy than just a savings target.
The conversation covers how to maximize CPP and OAS, structure withdrawals to reduce taxes and clawbacks, and use a bucket strategy to create more reliable retirement income.
The key takeaway: retiring on $10,000 per month may...
2026-03-2909 minAskTMFG The PodcastThe Biggest Tax Mistake Canadians Make After FilingIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down one of the most common financial mistake Canadians make after filing their taxes.
While most people treat tax season like the finish line, they explain that your tax return, Notice of Assessment, and refund can actually become powerful tools for planning the year ahead.
They walk through five practical moves Canadians can make right after filing to avoid missed opportunities and make smarter financial decisions moving forward.
The conversation covers how to use your Notice of Assessment...
2026-03-2708 minAskTMFG The Podcast7 Smart Expenses That Make Retirement SO Much BetterIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down a side of retirement planning most Canadians completely overlook: the expenses that actually make retirement better.
While many people focus on hitting a number, like $10,000 per month in retirement income, Carlo and John explain that covering the basics isn’t what determines a successful retirement.
Instead, it’s the strategic expenses you plan for in advance.
They walk through seven key categories that can significantly improve your lifestyle, protect your income, and even reduce your long-term costs if i...
2026-03-2209 minAskTMFG The PodcastWorried About Your Retirement Level? Focus On THIS InsteadIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down the popular retirement concept "Retirement Levels".
While these frameworks can be a helpful starting point, Carlo and John explain that they often oversimplify one of the most complex financial decisions Canadians will face. Two people can have similar savings, appear to be in the same “level,” and still experience completely different retirements.
That’s because retirement readiness isn’t just about how much you’ve saved; it’s about how your plan is structured.
They walk through the key fact...
2026-03-2013 minAskTMFG The PodcastHow to Save $1M in RRSP and TFSA Without RegretsIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti discuss one of the biggest milestones in Canadian retirement planning: saving $1 million across your RRSP and TFSA.
While reaching $1M in registered accounts puts you in the top 1% of Canadians, the advisors explain that the real key is how you build and manage those savings over time. Contribution timing, tax brackets, and investment placement can all significantly impact how quickly you reach that goal, and how efficiently that money works for you in retirement.
Carlo and John cover important strategies, including...
2026-03-1510 minAskTMFG The PodcastShould You Take the Lump Sum or the Monthly Pension?In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down one of the biggest financial decisions Canadians face in retirement: choosing between a lump sum pension payout (commuted value) or a guaranteed monthly pension.
While many people think this decision is simply about taking money now versus receiving income later, it actually determines who carries the risk in your retirement plan. A monthly defined benefit pension provides predictable lifetime income and removes market risk, while a lump-sum transfer offers flexibility, estate-planning opportunities, and the potential for higher long-term returns.
...
2026-03-1316 minAskTMFG The PodcastRetiring at 62 with $1M: Is That a Mistake in CanadaIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti explore a question many Canadians approaching retirement ask themselves: if you’re 62 with $1 million saved, is it actually enough to retire in Canada?
Using a realistic client-style scenario, they walk through the key factors that can determine whether retiring at 62 is sustainable or potentially risky. While $1 million may sound like a strong retirement nest egg, the outcome depends heavily on how government benefits, taxes, and withdrawals are coordinated.
The discussion highlights one of the biggest challenges for early retirees in Canada: th...
2026-03-0806 minAskTMFG The PodcastOver 55? Your RRSP Contribution Could Backfire in RetirementIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisor Carlo Cansino explores an important question many Canadians face as the RRSP deadline approaches: should you still be contributing to your RRSP after age 55?
While RRSPs are often seen as a go-to tax strategy, Carlo explains that the decision becomes more nuanced as retirement gets closer. In your late 50s, RRSP contributions shift from being primarily about saving to managing future taxes and retirement income.
Using a simple example, he shows how a $30,000 RRSP contribution on a $130,000 income could generate an immediate $12,000 tax refund. But because...
2026-03-0608 minAskTMFG The PodcastMost Canadian Retirees Don’t Know These Retirement NumbersIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti unpack one of the biggest misconceptions in retirement planning: that Canadians need $1.7 million (or more) to retire comfortably.
Drawing on real client examples and Canadian-specific planning principles, they explain why there is no universal “magic number” for retirement. Instead of chasing fear-based headlines, they walk through how lifestyle, monthly expenses, income sources, and government benefits like CPP and Old Age Security play a much bigger role in determining what you actually need.
The conversation highlights that many retirees live comfortably with $500,000 -$1...
2026-03-0111 minAskTMFG The Podcast3 Investing Mistakes That Increase Taxes in RetirementIn this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisor John Iaconetti breaks down three common investing mistakes that can quietly increase the taxes you pay and reduce your retirement income over time.
They start with market timing: pulling money out during downturns or waiting for the “right” moment to invest. While it may feel safer in the short term, missing just a handful of the market’s best days can significantly reduce long-term growth. Over time, that gap can translate into hundreds of dollars per month less in retirement income.
Next, they tackle chasing hot stocks...
2026-02-2709 minAskTMFG The Podcast7 Signs You’re Ahead of 90% of Retirees (But Don’t Know It)
In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti highlight seven indicators that suggest many Canadians are better positioned for retirement than they think. Drawing on real data and years of advising experience, they explain why retirement confidence often lags behind reality, and how recognizing your advantages can lead to smarter financial decisions.
They walk through key factors that put retirees ahead, including home ownership, workplace pensions, being debt-free, having a clear plan, and working with professional advice. The conversation also explores how early planning, multiple income sources, and meeting established retirement...
2026-02-2209 minAskTMFG The PodcastRetiring Outside Canada? Here’s How Your Money Gets Taxed
In this episode of the Ask TMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down what Canadians need to know about retiring abroad and how it can change the way the CRA taxes your income, investments, and retirement withdrawals.
They explain the difference between being a factual resident and a non-resident, how departure tax can apply, and what happens to RRSPs, RRIFs, CPP, OAS, and TFSAs once you’re living outside Canada. The conversation also highlights the impact of withholding taxes, tax treaties, and planning strategies such as NR5 elections and Section 217 elections.
Th...
2026-02-2107 minAskTMFG The PodcastIf You Have a Pension, Your RRSP Could Cost You Thousands in Taxes
In this episode of the Ask TMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti unpack a common assumption many Canadians make: that contributing to an RRSP is always the right move. They explain why that strategy can backfire for people with a defined benefit pension, where guaranteed retirement income can stack with RRSP withdrawals and quietly push retirees into higher tax brackets.
Using a Canadian-specific lens, they walk through how RRSPs actually work, contributions reduce taxable income today, investments grow tax-deferred, and every dollar withdrawn in retirement is taxed as income. For pension holders, this can create unintended...
2026-02-1508 minAskTMFG The PodcastThe Hidden Joint GIC Trap That’s Costing Canadian Families $100K+In this episode of the Ask TMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti uncover a common mistake Canadians make with joint GICs that can quietly lead to unnecessary taxes and estate planning issues.
They explain how GIC interest is fully taxable in Canada and why holding a GIC “joint with rights of survivorship” doesn’t automatically mean the tax is shared between both owners. In many cases, the person who funded the GIC is the one taxed on the interest, which can lead to higher-than-expected tax bills over time.
The episode also touches on probate planni...
2026-02-0911 minAskTMFG The PodcastMost Canadians Take CPP at the Wrong Time (Here’s What It Really Costs)In this episode of the Ask TMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down one of the most misunderstood retirement decisions Canadians face: when to take CPP. They explain why many Canadians default to taking CPP at 60 without fully understanding the permanent impact on their lifetime income, and how that choice quietly reshapes the rest of their retirement plan.
Using a real-life style case study, they walk through the trade-offs between taking CPP at 60 versus waiting until 65, including the permanent reduction for early CPP, the long-term benefits of higher guaranteed income, and the often overlooked planning...
2026-02-0710 minAskTMFG The PodcastThe Shocking Truth About RRSP Withdrawals In RetirementIn this episode of the Ask TMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti expose the often-overlooked reality of RRSP withdrawals in retirement and why they can create major tax surprises for Canadians. They explain that many retirees who diligently saved for decades are shocked to learn that every RRSP and RRIF withdrawal is fully taxable as income, often leaving them in higher tax brackets than expected.
Using a Canadian-specific lens, they walk through the biggest RRSP withdrawal traps, including Old Age Security clawbacks, mandatory RRIF withdrawals at age 71, and limited income-splitting options between spouses. These rules can...
2026-01-2910 minAskTMFG The PodcastNo BS Advice For Anyone Saving Past $1.5MIn this episode of the Ask TMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti provide straightforward, practical guidance for Canadians who have saved past $1.5 million but still feel uncertain about retirement. They explain why having a large portfolio doesn’t automatically translate into security, and how, in many cases, higher savings actually introduce new and often overlooked risks.
Using a Canadian-specific lens, they unpack the biggest traps facing high-net-worth retirees, including Old Age Security (OAS) clawbacks, inefficient asset placement, poorly timed RRSP and RRIF withdrawals, and unnecessary tax leakage. The discussion highlights how these issues can quietly erode in...
2026-01-2207 minAskTMFG The Podcast61% Not Ready To Retire...Here's Why You're DifferentIn this episode of the Ask TMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti unpack a striking statistic: 61% of Canadians worry about running out of money in retirement! They explain why this anxiety isn’t always driven by a lack of savings, but by a lack of understanding, planning, and financial literacy, and why viewers of this episode may already be in a very different position.
Using a Canadian-specific lens, they explore how rising retirement “magic numbers” (from $700,000 to $900,000 and beyond) fuel anxiety without providing clarity. The conversation highlights how focusing solely on a savings target misses the bigger...
2026-01-1507 minAskTMFG The PodcastI am 57 With $1.7M Saved in Canada. Can I Retire Now and Spend $9k a Month?In this episode of the Ask TMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti tackle a question many Canadians ask as they approach early retirement: Is $1.7 million at age 57 enough to retire while spending $9,000 per month? Using a Canadian-specific lens, they move beyond simple rules of thumb, such as the 4% rule, and stress-test this scenario against real-world variables, including taxes, inflation, market volatility, and government benefits.
They break down why early retirement with higher spending creates unique challenges in Canada, explaining how withdrawal rates, account sequencing (RRSP, TFSA, non-registered), CPP and OAS timing, healthcare costs before age 65, and...
2026-01-0807 minAskTMFG The Podcast5 Levels of Canadian Retirement Savings in 2025, How Do You Compare?In this episode, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down the 5 levels of Canadian retirement savings in 2025, helping you understand how their savings compare, and what each level means for retirement lifestyle, flexibility, and day-to-day living.
They explain each stage, from those relying mostly on CPP and OAS, to Canadians with full financial independence, highlighting income realities, trade-offs, and planning considerations at every level. You’ll see why uncertainty around savings can make retirement stressful, and how even small changes now can improve your future options.
Finally they introduce the "Advancement Framework", a step-by-step approach to...
2026-01-0108 minAskTMFG The PodcastHere’s What The CRA Isn’t Telling You About CPP TimingIn this episode of Ask TMFG, Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down one of the most misunderstood, and costly, decisions in Canadian retirement planning: When to start CPP?
They explain why the CRA’s calculators and standard guidance don’t tell the full story, and how CPP timing can quietly affect your taxes, Old Age Security, and overall retirement income for decades.
You’ll learn the real trade-offs between taking CPP early, waiting until 65, or delaying to 70, including permanent benefit reductions, opportunity costs, tax bracket creep, and OAS clawbacks. They also discuss why government “break-ev...
2025-12-2509 minAskTMFG The PodcastDo These 5 RRSP Tax Hacks & Never Worry About Retirement Spending AgainIn this episode, Carlo and John talk about why RRSPs, despite being a core part of retirement planning, often end up causing more stress than peace of mind for many Canadians. They explain how taxes, forced RRIF withdrawals, Old Age Security clawbacks, and estate taxes can catch people off guard and make retirees afraid to spend their own savings.
They share five practical ways to take control of your RRSP, including withdrawing more gradually, converting to a RRIF earlier on your own terms, using contributions strategically in high-income years, splitting income with a spouse, and slowly moving...
2025-12-1808 minAskTMFG The PodcastMost Canadian Retirees Don’t Know These Retirement NumbersIn this episode, Carlo and John break down one of the biggest misconceptions in Canadian retirement planning: the idea that you need $1.7 million, or more, to retire. They explain how these headline numbers create unnecessary pressure and often keep people working longer than necessary.
You’ll hear why real retirement needs depend on lifestyle, monthly spending, location, and the income sources you already have. Carlo and John share real Canadian examples of couples retiring comfortably with far less than the media suggests, and explain how factors like CPP, OAS, pensions, a paid-off home, and Canada’s healthcare syst...
2025-12-1111 min