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The 4% Rule Just Dropped to 3.9% — But Your RRIF Doesn't Care

  Published August 5, 2026 Morningstar's newest research says retirees can safely start withdrawing 3.9% a year. Ottawa's RRIF rules don't ask what's "safe" — they just tell you how much to take out, whether the math agrees or not. For years, the shortcut retirees leaned on was simple: take out 4% of your portfolio in your first year of retirement, bump it up with inflation every year after, and your savings should last three decades. Morningstar's 2026 State of Retirement Income report just trimmed that number to 3.9%. On its own, that's a small adjustment. On a $500,000 portfolio, it's the difference between withdrawing $19,500 or $20,000 in year one. But for Canadians, the number that actually controls the withdrawal isn't Morningstar's — it's the Canada Revenue Agency's. And once your RRSP becomes a Registered Retirement Income Fund, the CRA's required minimum can blow right past whatever a "safe" withdrawal rate i...

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Canadian Housing Market Enters Winter Hibernation: What You Need to Know

 


According to a recent news article, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has reported that home sales in Canada have slowed down in October, with a 5.6% decline compared to September. The article also mentions that both buyers and sellers appear to be holding off for the time being, with some sellers shelving their plans until next spring.

The causes of the slowdown are attributed to various factors, such as higher interest rates, tighter lending rules, rising home prices, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and consumer confidence. The article also notes that some regions of British Columbia are starting to see softening in average home prices, while average home price declines are still uncommon throughout most of Canada’s major cities.

Despite the slowdown, the Canadian housing market remains active, with 33,921 homes sold in Canada in October, up 0.9% compared with the same month last year. The national average home price rose 1.8% year-over-year to $656,625.

If you’re planning to buy or sell a home in Canada, it’s advisable to keep an eye on the market trends and consult with a licensed real estate agent or mortgage broker. They can provide you with valuable insights and advice on how to navigate the current market conditions and make informed decisions.


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