Shows
AskTMFG 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