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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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Canada’s Solar Eclipse: A Celestial Spectacle

On April 8, 2024, a remarkable and rare celestial event will unfold over Canada, the United States, and Mexico—a total solar eclipse. As the Moon aligns perfectly between Earth and the Sun, temporary darkness will sweep across parts of our country, captivating countless spectators.

In Canada, the solar eclipse’s path of totality will pass through several cities and towns in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. During those precious minutes, lucky observers within this path will experience complete darkness as the Moon completely obscures the Sun. For those outside the path of totality, a partial solar eclipse will still be visible, with the Sun partially hidden.

Remember that looking directly at the Sun during an eclipse can lead to serious eye damage. Always use appropriate eye protection when witnessing this awe-inspiring event. The last total solar eclipse visible in Quebec was over 50 years ago (in 1972), and the next one won’t occur until 2106. So mark your calendars and prepare to witness this once-in-a-generation phenomenon!


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