Rooftop Learn

Retirement planning, plain and simple

Clear, jargon-free guides for Canadians who want to understand TFSAs, RRSPs, CPP, OAS, and everything in between β€” without the overwhelming financial jargon.

16 articlesΒ·~145 min total readingΒ·Evergreen Canadian guides

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Getting Started7 min read

Your 20s Are Your Secret Weapon: Why Starting Now Changes Everything

Compound growth is the most powerful force in personal finance. See exactly what $200/month invested at 22, 32, and 42 produces by retirement β€” and the three steps to start this week.

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Accounts Explained8 min

TFSA vs. RRSP: The Canadian's Most Important Decision

A side-by-side breakdown of contribution limits, tax treatment, and withdrawal rules β€” with real numbers to help you choose the right account for your income level.

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Retirement Planning9 min

The Retirement Roadmap: Key Ages Every Canadian Must Know

From opening your TFSA at 18 to your mandatory RRIF conversion at 71 β€” a complete visual guide to every financial milestone that shapes your retirement.

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Retirement Income10 min

What Is a RRIF β€” and Why Age 71 Is a Big Deal

Your RRSP must convert to a RRIF by 71, whether you're ready or not. Understand mandatory withdrawals, tax implications, and strategies to minimize the hit.

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Government Benefits11 min

CPP and OAS Decoded: How Much Will the Government Actually Give You?

Everything you need to know about CPP contributions, benefit calculations, and the critical decision of when to start β€” at 60, 65, or 70. Includes a real couple scenario.

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Estate Planning9 min

Do You Have a Will? What Happens When You Die Without One in Canada

Dying intestate means the government formula decides who gets what β€” your wishes count for nothing. Here's what provincial intestacy rules actually do to your estate, why your RRSP beneficiary designation matters more than your will, and how to protect your family for less than $500.

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Estate Planning10 min

What the Government Takes When You Die: Deemed Disposition, Probate & Your Final Tax Bill

There's no 'death tax' in Canada β€” but your final income tax return can easily be your largest ever. A $280,000 RRSP left to a non-spouse can trigger over $100,000 in tax. Here's how deemed disposition works and five strategies to reduce the hit.

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Tax Strategy8 min

Capital Gains in Canada: The Tax Your Investments Are Hiding From You

Every dollar of profit outside your TFSA or RRSP is partially taxable. With the 2024 inclusion rate change, understanding capital gains has never been more important. Includes a live scenario calculator and five strategies to legally minimize your bill.

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Protection9 min

Term vs. Whole Life Insurance: How Much Do You Actually Need?

Most Canadians are either under-insured or paying too much for the wrong product. Understand the difference between term and whole life, use the interactive coverage calculator to estimate your needs, and find out why 'buy term, invest the difference' works for most families.

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Getting Started8 min

Your Emergency Fund: The One Account That Changes Everything

Before you invest a single dollar, you need a financial cushion. Use the interactive calculator to find your personal target β€” and discover why a TFSA high-interest savings account is the perfect place to keep it.

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Money Foundations9 min

Should You Pay Off Debt or Invest? The Math Might Surprise You

It's one of Canada's most debated money questions. The answer depends on your interest rate β€” use the interactive comparison to see whether paying off debt or investing builds more wealth in your specific situation.

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Accounts Explained9 min

The FHSA: Canada's Best New Account for Future Homeowners

The First Home Savings Account is the most tax-advantaged account ever created for first-time buyers β€” you get a tax deduction on contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals. Here's everything you need to know.

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Education Savings9 min

RESP Explained: How to Get the Government to Help Pay for Your Child's Education

The RESP comes with a government grant that adds up to $7,200 in free money for your child's education. See exactly how the CESG works, why opening one at birth matters so much, and what happens if your child doesn't go to school.

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Retirement Planning10 min

What Is Your Retirement Number? How to Find the Target That Sets You Free

The most important question in personal finance has a surprisingly elegant answer. Use the interactive calculator to find exactly how much you need β€” factoring in CPP, OAS, and your own spending β€” then see if your portfolio will last 30 years.

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Investing Basics9 min

Index Funds and ETFs: The Simplest Way Canadians Can Build Real Wealth

You don't need to pick stocks or follow the news to build a world-class portfolio. One ETF β€” XEQT or VGRO β€” gives you thousands of global stocks at 0.20% fees. See how much high fund fees really cost you over 25 years.

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Tax Strategy10 min

Investing in US Stocks as a Canadian: Withholding Tax, Account Strategy & Currency

The US market is too big to ignore β€” but where you hold US investments matters enormously. A 15% withholding tax silently erodes dividends in your TFSA, while your RRSP is fully exempt by treaty. See the interactive comparison and learn the optimal account-by-account strategy.

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