Skip to main content

Featured

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...

article

Trudeau's Zoom Call Sparks Cabinet Shake-Up: Freeland Out, Carney In

In a surprising turn of events, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau informed Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland over a Zoom call that she would be replaced by Mark Carney. This unexpected move has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, raising questions about the future direction of Canada's economic policies.

Freeland, who has been a key figure in Trudeau's cabinet, reportedly received the news during a virtual meeting, highlighting the modern approach to significant political decisions. The decision to replace Freeland with Carney, a former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, suggests a shift towards a more technocratic approach to managing the country's finances.

The announcement has sparked a flurry of reactions from political analysts and the public alike. Many are speculating about the reasons behind this sudden change and what it means for the Liberal government's economic strategy moving forward. Freeland's departure marks the end of an era, and Carney's appointment signals a new chapter in Canada's financial leadership.

As the dust settles, all eyes will be on Carney as he steps into his new role, tasked with navigating the country through its economic challenges and opportunities. The political landscape in Ottawa is sure to be closely watched in the coming days as further details emerge about this significant cabinet reshuffle.

Comments