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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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How to Invest Wisely in 2024: A Guide for Long-Term Success

As the year 2023 comes to an end, many investors may be tempted to review their portfolio performance and make changes based on the latest market trends. However, this may not be the best strategy for achieving long-term financial goals. Instead, investors should focus on the big picture and stick to their investment plan, regardless of short-term fluctuations.

According to experts, there are several benefits of adopting a long-term perspective when investing. First, it can help investors avoid emotional reactions to market volatility, which can lead to costly mistakes. Second, it can reduce the impact of fees and taxes, which can erode returns over time. Third, it can allow investors to take advantage of compound interest, which can significantly boost their wealth in the long run.

To invest for the long term, investors need to have a clear vision of their objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon. They also need to diversify their portfolio across different asset classes, sectors, and regions, and rebalance it periodically to maintain their desired allocation. Moreover, they need to review their portfolio regularly and make adjustments only when necessary, such as when their circumstances change or when their investments deviate significantly from their expectations.

By following these principles, investors can increase their chances of achieving their financial goals and enjoy a prosperous new year.

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