Cedar Rock Financial Group

10/13/2026

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Delaying can help some people avoid OAS clawback and increase monthly payments. But the right timing is specific to your individual circumstances.

Here's the thing to keep in mind: once you start receiving government benefits, you have minimal control over how much you receive. That's why it's often more effective to focus your tax-efficiency efforts on the income sources you can actively manage.

We wrote a full breakdown on when to start collecting CPP and OAS or you can book time with an advisor to talk through your specific situation.

https://zurl.co/Jd2Jq

10/06/2026

A common approach is to draw from non-registered (taxable) accounts first, then move to registered accounts like an RRSP or RRIF. This gives your registered funds more time to grow through compounding.

However, it may be worth considering drawing down your RRSP before you're required to convert it to a RRIF. Since a RRIF requires minimum withdrawals (based on your age), it could push you into a higher tax bracket. In this case, you would use your TFSA to fund bigger purchases or unexpected expenses.

That said, for some people, withdrawing evenly across all accounts may reduce the total taxes paid over a lifetime.

The reality is that there's no single right answer. What works best for you, well, depends on you.

We review this with our clients annually to keep their strategy aligned with their lifestyle and goals. Let's talk about yours.

To get started, read our article on tax-efficient retirement withdrawl strategies here: https://zurl.co/UjcTm

09/29/2026

Retirement changes your financial outlook...and your plan. It's no longer just about growing your investments; it's about making them last, and withdrawing them as tax-efficiently as possible.

In retirement, your income doesn't come from one paycheque anymore. It comes from multiple sources—pension plans, RRSPs, CPP, OAS—and each one affects the others. Collectively, they all affect your overall tax bracket.

There's no blanket approach to a withdrawal strategy. What works for one retiree may not work for you. It depends on your income sources, your expenses, your lifestyle goals, and your health situation. And it can change year after year. There's no setting and forgetting.

Want to talk through what a tax-efficient strategy could look like for you? Reach out today.

Read the full article here: https://zurl.co/TdqjP

09/24/2026

Retiring in B.C.? MSP doesn't cover as much as you'd think.

Dental, vision, hearing aids, physio, prescription drugs above your deductible — none of it falls under provincial health coverage.

For retirees, that gap can add up to thousands of dollars a year.

The good news? With the right plan in place—extended health benefits, travel insurance for when you're taking those trips, and a clear budget for the "extras" — none of this has to catch you off guard.

Healthcare is one of the most overlooked pieces of retirement planning. We break down exactly what to budget for (and what most people miss) in our guide: https://zurl.co/gfSzJ

A well-planned retirement isn't just about having enough income — it's about protecting your health, your most valuable asset.

09/17/2026

Dreaming of Freedom 55 (or even Freedom 40)?

Early retirement means two big challenges: less time to save, and more years to fund. The good news? You really only have three levers to pull — spend less, earn more, or both.

A few things to know before you get started:

- With average life expectancy around 80–84, you could be funding 25-30+ years of retirement

- A common rule of thumb: multiply your anticipated annual expenses by 25-30 to estimate what you'll need

- Don't forget the gap years—CPP isn't available until 60, OAS until 65, so your private savings need to carry you until then

- Add a buffer (we suggest at least 2.5%) for the unexpected: healthcare costs, family support, inflation

It takes planning, discipline, and a solid investment strategy, but it is possible. The best time to start saving was yesterday. The second-best time is today.

Read the full article for more insights on achieving early retirement: https://zurl.co/MMVDV

This article was reviewed by Jay Brecknell, CFP®. Early retirement and the promise of more time to do the things you love—travel, hobbies and connecting with friends and family— is becoming an increasingly popular dream. In fact, there is a whole movement called FIRE–Financial Independence, ...

09/10/2026

It's easy to tell yourself you'll travel more once you retire, but retirement isn't the only—or necessarily the best—time to see the world.

A few things worth considering before you put that trip off any longer:

- Travelling later in life often costs more, including higher insurance rates

- The physically demanding adventures on your bucket list are easier to tackle while you're younger and healthier

- The world keeps changing, and the place you've been dreaming of may look different by the time you retire

- You're still earning during your working years, which gives you the flexibility to rebuild your savings after a big trip

With the right plan, travel isn't a deviation from your financial goals, but a part of them. A dedicated travel fund and a little attention to your cash flow throughout the year can make a getaway feel guilt-free rather than like a setback.

If you want to read more about why travelling before retirement may be a good idea, check out our article:

09/03/2026

It's easy to tell yourself you'll travel more once you retire, but retirement isn't the only—or necessarily the best—time to see the world.

A few things worth considering before you put that trip off any longer:

- Travelling later in life often costs more, including higher insurance rates

- The physically demanding adventures on your bucket list are easier to tackle while you're younger and healthier

- The world keeps changing, and the place you've been dreaming of may look different by the time you retire

- You're still earning during your working years, which gives you the flexibility to rebuild your savings after a big trip

With the right plan, travel isn't a deviation from your financial goals, but a part of them. A dedicated travel fund and a little attention to your cash flow throughout the year can make a getaway feel guilt-free rather than like a setback.

If you want to read more about why travelling before retirement may be a good idea, check out our article: https://zurl.co/NUC38

08/19/2026

Some people plan to stop working completely. Others choose a phased retirement, continue consulting, or pursue a passion project. Whatever your vision, knowing when and how you want to retire plays an important role in determining how much you'll need to save.

Regardless of how you transition into retirement, it's important to understand where your retirement income will come from. Employer pensions, CPP, OAS, and personal savings all contribute to the bigger picture, and knowing how these sources work together can help your savings last longer.

The goal isn't simply to accumulate wealth. It's to create a retirement income strategy that supports the life you want to live.

Read our latest article to learn more about planning for retirement in British Columbia. https://zurl.co/8zOUG

08/12/2026

Most people begin retirement planning by asking one question:

"How much money do I need?"

At Cedar Rock, we think there's a more important question to answer first:

"What do I want my retirement to look like?"

The lifestyle you envision, where you want to live, whether you plan to continue working, and even your future healthcare needs will all shape the amount you'll need to save.

That's why retirement planning shouldn't begin with a number. It should begin with a vision.

At Cedar Rock, we encourage a values-based approach to retirement planning. Once you have a clear picture of the life you want to live, you can build a financial plan designed to support it.

Read our latest article to learn how defining your retirement vision can help you create a more meaningful retirement plan. https://zurl.co/NJZln

08/05/2026

Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, especially when the numbers seem so large.

But successful retirement planning rarely happens all at once.

Start by creating a clear vision for retirement. Save consistently. Automate your contributions where possible. Break large goals into smaller milestones. And take advantage of your registered savings accounts.

The earlier you begin, the more time your savings have to grow.

Our latest article explores practical ways British Columbians can start preparing for retirement, no matter where they are in their financial journey.

Read the full article on Cedar Rock's website: https://zurl.co/giXhW