Retirement Unpacked

023 | Retiring With A LIRA, TFSA, RRSP, & Non-Reg: Where Should You Withdraw First?

Retirement Unpacked

Show Notes

In episode 23 of Retirement Unpacked, Adam and Brett break down tax planning strategies for high net worth retirees, how non-registered accounts can become a liability in retirement, how to create a retirement budget and plan for unexpected expenses, tax implications for spousal income transfers, and much more. Later in the episode, one of our planners, Mathieu Huneault, joins to discuss what to consider if your kids are finishing school and you still have a balance in your RESP. More information on LIRAs HERE Adam's article in The Globe and Mail HERE Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:30 Does tax planning matter at the top marginal tax rate? 4:45 Drawdown order with LIRA, TFSA, RRSP, and holding company 9:58 Managing cash wedge in non-registered account 14:31 Do you need RRSP room to unlock a DCPP? 15:16 Do we offer a 'light' plan if you're 10 years from retirement? 18:08 Survivor benefit: Does the deceased need to have been collecting CPP? 20:00 How to create a retirement budget 27:08 Building a cash wedge for a LIF 29:46 Tax implications for spousal income transfers 37:26 What to do with your RESP when kids finish school 46:49 Tax filing if you're expecting a T3

More from Retirement Unpacked

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.

Oct 10, 2026

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.

See all episodes →