Retirement isn’t just about stopping work — it’s about building a life of security, freedom, and wellbeing. In 2025, Canadians face longer lifespans, rising costs, and more choices than ever. That’s why retirement planning requires more than math — it calls for strategy, clarity, and alignment with your values.
As a Holistic Financial Coach and Mortgage Agent Level 2 in Toronto, I help families, professionals, and entrepreneurs design retirement plans that integrate finances, lifestyle, and peace of mind. Here’s how to begin.
Rethinking Retirement in 2025
- Canadians are living 25–30 years beyond retirement age.
- Traditional pensions are less common; most households rely on personal planning.
- Holistic planning asks: What do you want your days to look like? Who do you want to spend them with?
Core Financial Foundations
- RRSPs & RRIFs — grow tax-deferred; mandatory withdrawals after age 71.
- TFSAs — flexible, tax-free withdrawals for all stages.
- CPP & OAS — understand eligibility, timing, and clawbacks.
- Employer pensions — integrate into your bigger plan.
💡 Coordinate all sources to avoid surprises and maximize tax efficiency.
Real Estate & Retirement
- Downsizing: free up cash and simplify life.
- Rental income: a well-managed multiplex can create steady monthly cash flow.
- Reverse mortgages: an option for those with high equity, low income.
- Renting in retirement: sometimes less stress than owning.
Tax-Efficient Withdrawals
- Withdraw in the right order: RRSP → TFSA → non-registered (general rule, personalize for your situation).
- Split pension income with your spouse to reduce taxes.
- Use charitable giving (including in-kind securities) to offset taxes while making an impact.
Entrepreneurs & Self-Employed
- Incorporation: tax deferral and flexibility in paying yourself.
- Investments inside a corporation: build long-term assets tax efficiently.
- Retirement without a pension is possible with the right systems and reserves.
The Holistic & Emotional Lens
Retirement planning isn’t only numbers:
- How will you spend your time?
- How will you nurture health, community, and purpose?
- What does freedom look like for your family?
💡 Optional Human Design insight: Emotional Authority → pause before downsizing or drawing pensions; clarity comes after time.
✅ Quick Retirement Readiness Checklist
- Know expected CPP & OAS income
- Review RRSP & TFSA balances
- Run 25+ year cash flow projection
- Decide real estate strategy (downsize, rent, or invest)
- Identify 1–3 lifestyle “joy goals” for retirement
Let’s Plan Your Retirement Together
Retirement should feel exciting, not stressful. With the right balance of financial strategy and holistic clarity, you can build a future that supports both your security and your wellbeing.
- 📞 Book your holistic retirement planning session
- 🛠 Explore tools for cash flow, tax, and real estate
Toronto-based. Bilingual. Professional. Heart-centered.