Dabrowski & Associates, Financial Advisory Practice Inc.

10/12/2026

Absent Alert🔔 14.10-01.11.2026

10/12/2026

This Thanksgiving, let’s take time to slow down, recharge, and enjoy the long weekend with the people who matter most. I wish you a weekend filled with gratitude, connection, and joy. Happy Thanksgiving🦃🌻💛!!!

10/12/2026

10/04/2026

There are several common misunderstandings about segregated fund policies.

The reality? Segregated fund policies can help investors grow their savings while benefiting from insurance features designed to help protect their investments.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/LyK650ZN0Vk.

10/02/2026

A consolidated investment portfolio combined with our planning approach can offer you the simplicity of one relationship and one plan. Let’s talk…👩‍💻👋

09/22/2026

How can you help stop fraud? 🛑

The best way to fight fraud is to report any suspicious activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre as well as your local police.

If you or your loved ones have been targeted by scammers, report it: https://reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca/

For a refresher on all the common scams, take this quiz: https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/fraud-and-scams/test-your-knowledge-fraud

09/22/2026

09/15/2026

SHOULD YOU LIVE ONLY OFF DIVIDENDS IN RETIREMENT?⬇️

It sounds safe, but it can create unintended risks.

THE DIVIDEND TRAP

Suppose you need $40,000/year from your investments.

At a 4% dividend yield, you'd need:

$1,000,000 × 4% = $40,000

That may look perfect—but what happens if you start choosing investments primarily because they pay the highest dividend?

You could end up with:

- Too much exposure to a few sectors
- Less diversification
- Dividend-cut risk
- Slower long-term growth

A high yield doesn't automatically mean a safer investment.

THINK “TOTAL RETURN” INSTEAD

Your investment return can come from two places:

DIVIDENDS + CAPITAL GROWTH

Instead of requiring your portfolio to generate every dollar through dividends, you can potentially fund retirement using a combination of:

Interest + Dividends + Capital Gains + Planned Asset Sales

TAXES MATTER TOO⬇️

In a non-registered account:

Interest → generally fully taxable
Canadian dividends → dividend gross-up & tax credit rules apply
Capital gains → taxed when realized under applicable inclusion rules

Inside RRSP/RRIFs and TFSAs, the tax treatment is different.

So investment selection and account location matter.

A BETTER RETIREMENT INCOME PLAN⬇️

1 | Calculate the shortfall

Spending needs
MINUS CPP/OAS + pensions + other income
= Amount your portfolio must provide

2 | Protect near-term withdrawals

Consider cash and high-quality fixed income for upcoming spending needs.

3 | Invest the rest for total return

Build a diversified portfolio designed for both income and long-term grow.

09/13/2026

6 RETIREMENT DEADLINES EVERY CANADIAN 55+ SHOULD KNOW⬇️

1. CPP — AGE 60 TO 70
CPP can start as early as 60 or be delayed to 70.
Starting before 65 permanently reduces your monthly benefit; delaying after 65 increases it.

2. OAS — AGE 65 TO 70
OAS normally begins at 65, but you can delay it to 70.
Your benefit increases 0.6% per month, up to 36% more at age 70.

3. COORDINATE SPOUSAL BENEFITS
Before claiming CPP
Consider both spouses' CPP benefits, pensions, retirement income and potential survivor benefits before deciding when to start.

4. USE YOUR LOW-TAX YEARS
Retirement → CPP/OAS/RRIF income
The years after your last paycheque may provide an opportunity for strategic RRSP withdrawals before other taxable retirement income increases.

5. REVIEW YOUR BENEFICIARIES
At least annually
Review beneficiaries on your RRSP, RRIF, TFSA, pensions and insurance policies, especially after major life changes.

6. RRSP → RRIF DEADLINE
By December 31 of the year you turn 71
Your RRSP must generally be converted to a RRIF, used to purchase an annuity, or withdrawn. RRIF minimum withdrawals begin the following year.

Coordinating CPP, OAS, RRSP/RRIF withdrawals and taxes can make a significant difference over a 20–30 year retirement.

09/12/2026

RRIF minimums - can you take less? Should you take MORE?⬇️

Here's what you need to know.

Can you take less? No. It's the law.

At 71, mandatory minimums start.

Age 71: 5.28%, Age 80: 6.82%, Age 95: 20% .

Miss it? CRA charges 1% penalty per month PLUS you still owe the tax.

You cannot take less. Non-negotiable.

Should you take MORE? Maybe. Three reasons.

One: Future minimums will push you over OAS clawback. Take more now at lower rates before forced increases hit.

Two: Reduce the estate tax bomb. Taking extra in your 70s at lower brackets saves your kids hundreds of thousands later.

Three: You need the money. Lifestyle, travel, health. Don't suffer to save taxes.

Flip side? Don't need it and under OAS clawback? Stick to minimums. Let it grow tax-deferred.

Here's the play: Check your total income - CPP, OAS, pension, RRIF minimum.

At $85K with clawback at $90K? You have $5K room. Pull extra without penalty.

But if future minimums push you to $95K in five years, consider taking $95K NOW.

Smooth the tax over more years, reduce your RRIF before bigger minimums kick in.

That's RRIF optimization - proactive planning, not just reacting to minimums.

Bottom line: Can't take less. Taking more? Depends on income, clawback, and estate goals.