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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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Four Money Tips You Might Be Missing Out On


Saving money for retirement and other goals can be challenging, especially in times of economic uncertainty. You might be familiar with some common money advice, such as creating a budget, paying off high-interest debt, and investing in a diversified portfolio. But there are some other money tips that are often overlooked, but can make a big difference in your financial future. Here are four of them:

1. Automate your savings. One of the easiest ways to save more money is to make it automatic. You can set up a direct deposit from your paycheck to your savings account, or use an app that rounds up your purchases and transfers the change to your savings. This way, you don't have to think about saving every month, and you can avoid the temptation to spend the money instead.

2. Increase your savings rate gradually. Saving a large percentage of your income might seem daunting, but you don't have to do it all at once. You can start with a small amount, such as 5% or 10%, and then increase it by 1% or 2% every year or whenever you get a raise. This way, you can adjust to living on less income without feeling too much of a pinch.

3. Negotiate your bills. Many people don't realize that they can save money by negotiating their bills, such as cable, internet, phone, insurance, and even medical bills. You can call your service providers and ask for a lower rate, a discount, a waiver of fees, or a better plan that suits your needs. You can also use online tools or apps that can help you negotiate your bills for a small fee or a share of the savings.

4. Track your net worth. Your net worth is the difference between your assets (what you own) and your liabilities (what you owe). Tracking your net worth can help you see your progress toward your financial goals, and motivate you to save more and spend less. You can use a spreadsheet, an app, or a website to calculate and track your net worth on a regular basis.
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