Retirement Unpacked

021 | A Better Way To Think About Asset Allocation In Retirement

Retirement Unpacked

Show Notes

In episode 21 of Retirement Unpacked, Adam and Michael break down a number of questions we have gotten about the cashflow wedge. They discuss whether a 75/25 investment can function as a cashflow wedge, whether it makes sense to only withdraw the minimum from your wedge in down markets, and how asset allocation and cashflow wedges should be handled across different accounts like RRIFs, LIFs, TFSAs, and non-registered accounts. The episode also covers the CPP post-retirement benefit, planning for real estate that continues to increase in value during retirement, and much more. Later in the episode, one of our planners, Peter Filippakis, joins to discuss planning considerations when there’s an age gap between partners, and the additional factors retirees need to think through in those situations.

Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:37 What is the Post Retirement Benefit? 1:59 How gradual retirement in early 60s affects CPP 3:34 Should DC pension balance be added to RRSP? 4:54 Use a 75%/25% investment for cashflow wedge? 7:29 What happens to DCPP when you retire? 9:40 Can you reinvest dividends in RRIF? 10:55 Withdraw minimum from LIF/RIF in down markets? 15:33 Planning for real estate increasing in value in retirement 17:43 Asset allocation & cashflow wedge across your accounts 20:24 Do you still need bonds if you have cashflow wedge? 23:26 Planning when there's an age gap

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Oct 17, 2026

On episode 58 of Retirement Unpacked, Adam Bornn and Kyle Martins discuss whether withdrawal strategy or asset allocation is more important in retirement, when living trusts can make sense, how singles vs. couples are taxed in retirement and why singles are at a disadvantage, when it makes sense to contribute to an RRSP in retirement, and much more. Later in the episode, Aaron Cramer joins the show to discuss a case study of how the timing and duration of your RRSP meltdown can impact your estate and overall flexibility of your retirement plan.

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On episode 57 of Retirement Unpacked, Adam Bornn and Matthew Dennis discuss why we often suggest delaying CPP but not OAS, when you should actually use your income wedge, gifting strategies and which accounts you should consider gifting from, and much more. Later in the episode, Kyle Martins joins the show to discuss some of the planning considerations Canadian retirees need to know as we approach the end of 2026.

Oct 3, 2026

On episode 56 of Retirement Unpacked, Adam Bornn and Gord Manzer discuss if there is a minimum RRSP amount needed to delay your CPP to 70, when CPP sharing can make sense, whether you need an income wedge for your entire retirement, how to manage large capital gains in retirement, moving money from your RRIF to your TFSA, and much more. Later in the episode, Peter Filippakis joins the show to discuss some of the nuances around the principal residence exemption, and some scenarios where you are not eligible to claim it.

Sep 26, 2026

On episode 55 of Retirement Unpacked, Paul Grenier and Michael Barichello discuss how RRSP tax deductions work, why it could make sense to set up a HELOC before retiring, why people keep working when they can financially retire, if it makes sense to withdraw more from your RRIF to fund your TFSA, and much more. Later in the episode, Martin Goudreault joins the show to discuss a unique tax planning opportunity where a client both contributed to his RRSP and withdrew from his RRIF in this same year leading to about $50,000 in tax savings in their plan. Cost of aging calculator: https://coacalculator.ca/

Sep 19, 2026

On episode 54 of Retirement Unpacked, Brett Martinson and Jon Kutney discuss how to utilize additional TFSA contribution room in retirement, how to incorporate dividends into your cashflow (income) wedge, DIY retirement planning software, marginal vs. average tax rates in retirement, in-kind charitable donations, and much more.

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