Shows
AskTMFG 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...
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