Retirees

Whether you’re thinking about retiring or already drawing income, retirement is a time when financial decisions matter more than ever. Tax efficiency, income sequencing, and risk management all play a major role in protecting what you’ve worked hard to build.

At Green Helix Financial, we help retirees create financial plans that provide clarity, preserve assets, and ensure your money lasts - while supporting the lifestyle and legacy you want.

🧩 Example Scenario: Ready to Retire, But Not Sure How

A couple in their early 60s preparing to retire in the next few years. One has a defined benefit pension, while the other has a RRSP and some non-registered savings. They plan to downsize their home, want to avoid unnecessary taxes, and aren’t sure when to draw CPP, OAS, or whether to convert their RRSPs right away. They also want to leave something for their children but aren’t sure how much is possible.

Here’s how a fiduciary advisor can help:

• Plan Income Streams: Coordinate pension, CPP, OAS, RRSP/RRIF withdrawals, and non-registered assets to create reliable, tax-efficient income.

• CPP/OAS Timing: Analyze the trade-offs of early vs. delayed benefits to support long-term cash flow.

• RRSP to RRIF Strategy: Time conversions to minimize tax and reduce Old Age Security clawback risk.

• Home Downsizing: Structure the sale proceeds to preserve capital while funding lifestyle goals

• Investment Adjustments: Shift to a more income-oriented, risk-managed portfolio without giving up growth potential

• Tax Efficiency: Use income splitting, tax-loss harvesting, and account selection strategies to lower lifetime tax

• Estate Considerations: Ensure wills, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations are aligned with their legacy goals

With a coordinated retirement strategy, retirees like this can enjoy their next chapter with more freedom, fewer surprises, and a stronger sense of financial security.