Good Advice

Retirement

Financial security when you retire

Identifying your financial needs before and during retirement.

It’s never too early to start thinking about your retirement plan. At every stage of life there are steps you can take to plan and prepare for the retirement of your dreams.

Wondering what retirement could look like?

We’ve broken out each stage of the retirement journey and laid out steps you can take to prepare yourself for the retirement you’ve been dreaming of.

Why every financial plan is wrong —and that’s OK

As interest rates, inflation, markets, and even you will constantly change over time, a financial plan can never be 100% accurate. But here's why you still need one.

What is a TFSA and how should I use it?

Learn the basics of a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and how you can use it to meet your financial goals.

The importance of planning early and often

Financial plans are not a “one and done” exercise. Learn why you need to regularly update this living document to stay on track with your financial goals.

CPP enhancements and your retirement

As enhancements to the Canada Pension Plan continue, find out how they will impact your payments and retirement planning.

Divorce or breakdown of your relationship

Nobody plans to get divorced, but a breakdown of your relationship could seriously impact your retirement plans. Find out how to plan for the unexpected in retirement.

Premature death of spouse or common-law partner

Losing your partner or spouse prematurely is heartbreaking, and can come with financial hardship too. Find out how to plan for the unexpected in retirement.

Living longer than you expect

Living longer than you expect is great - as long as you’ve planned for it. Find out how to plan for the unexpected in retirement.

Falling victim to a fraud or scam

Falling victim to a scammer could derail decades of retirement planning and saving. Find out how to plan for the unexpected in retirement.

Just graduated? Time to start your retirement plan (really)

Retirement might seem like it's in the distant future but if you start saving now, and take advantage of all available programs, your future self will thank you.

It's never too late to start investing

Even if you are close to retirement, it can still be beneficial to start investing in RRSPs and TFSAs.

How to succeed as a solo retiree

Facing retirement as a single person can be daunting. Here we offer six tips to make your retirement journey smooth and stress-free.

Aging in place

Many Albertans wish to stay in their own home as long as possible. This resource will help you identify planning and prevention considerations for aging in place.

Retirement planning - it’s not just about finances

A fulfilling retirement is more than having financial security, it requires a healthy body and mind, having a purpose and maintaining strong social connections.

Rethinking retirement: A focus on financial independence

Learn how the traditional view of retirement has gradually evolved into a more fluid and flexible approach to financial independence.

Continuing care in Alberta

Learn about the continuing care options available in Alberta and how to plan for your long-term needs.

What is a locked-in account, and why would I have one?

Information about locked-in registered retirement savings plans, including how you can use them and what types of funds are transferred into them.

Locked-in accounts: unlocking options

An overview of the situations where funds in locked-in accounts, such as LIRAs and LIFs, can be unlocked prematurely. 

Understanding the basics of the OAS program

Answers to commonly asked questions about Old Age Security (OAS), the government of Canada’s largest pension program.

When should I start collecting OAS?

Advice on when you should start collecting your Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security.

Government benefits for low income seniors: OAS Allowance and GIS

Information on additional programs that provide financial assistance for low income seniors: OAS Allowance and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) program.

How to test drive your retirement plans

When you plan your retirement, think about how you will spend your days, what your succession plan will be and what the ideal future looks like for you and your partner.

RRSP and TFSA Information for 2020

Making contributions to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) in 2020.

Canada Pension Plan, understanding the basics

Understanding the benefits of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), how contributions work, what you need to know about the CPP retirement pension, and recent enhancements to the CPP.

When to start receiving my Canada Pension Plan retirement pension?

Deciding when to start receiving payments from your Canada Pension Plan for retirement income.

Understanding Canada Pension Plan disability benefits

CPP disability benefits include monthly disability pension, post-retirement disability benefit, and children's benefit for children of a disabled contributor.

CPP benefits available on death of a contributor

Discover what Canada Pension Plan's benefits are available on the death of a contributor.

Understanding Registered Retirement Income Funds

Uncover the subtle differences between RRIFs and RRSPs and identify which may be a better fit for you and your retirement goals.

Helping you with year end RRIF planning

 Transferring your RRSP to a RRIF is one of the options available for establishing a retirement income stream from your registered investments.

The value of a financial plan

Creating a clear and strategic financial plan will ensure you will meet your short, mid and long-term financial goals. 

Structuring your retirement income — the mystery of decumulation

Structure your retirement income and maximize your savings.

How to increase retirement income with income splitting

Income splitting is a way of moving income from the higher to the lower-income spouse. Leverage Canada’s progressive tax system to maximize your retirement income.

Defined benefit and contribution pension plans

There are some pretty major differences between Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pension plans. Here they are, explained.

Retirement savings options beyond RRSPs

Maxing out your RRSPs? Learn how combining a TFSA and non-registered investment accounts to your savings plan can increase retirement savings.

4 tips for getting the most out of your RRSP

These tips can help you make the most out of your RRSP.

Aging in place

Many Albertans wish to stay in their own home as long as possible. This resource will help you identify planning and prevention considerations for aging in place.

ATB Wealth experts are ready to listen.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced investor, we can help.