In print
and on the record.
A running collection of columns and feature pieces on retirement, decumulation, scenario-based planning, and the questions Canadians actually ask about money, published in the outlets that matter.
By Allan Norman · M.Sc. · CFP · CIM
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- Financial PostNovember 2025
What’s the best way to take money out of an RRSP when you’re close to retirement but still working?
While there are tax efficient ways to handle RRSPs and RRIFs, consider also behavioural issues of retirement spending.
- MoneySenseNovember 2025
Making the most of the pension tax credit
A reader asks whether converting a LIRA to a LIF before age 65 qualifies for the $2,000 pension tax credit — it doesn't, and Allan explains why the credit is worth only about $290 federally, while pension income splitting after 65 is often the more valuable strategy.
- MoneySenseNovember 2025
What’s more important: your wealth or your legacy?
A 77-year-old wonders whether to draw extra from his RRIF and LIF to fund TFSA contributions and maximize his estate for his son. Allan models gradual $15,000-a-year TFSA catch-up contributions kept below the OAS clawback threshold, lifting the after-tax estate to about $703,000 from $654,000.
- Financial PostOctober 2025
Laid off at 52, no pension and $250,000 in RRSPs. Is retirement a pipe dream?
There is hope, but act strategically to survive unemployment and set yourself up for catching up on retirement saving.
- MoneySenseOctober 2025
Taxes halved their inheritance. Could anything be done?
After both parents died unexpectedly, taxes took $659,000 of an Ontario family's estate. Allan explains why little can be done after a sudden death — and how life insurance can give children tax-free cash to cover estate taxes without forcing a rushed property sale.
- MoneySenseSeptember 2025
I inherited my husband’s TFSA. Does that affect my contribution room?
Rolina inherited her late husband's TFSA and worries it reduced her own contribution room. Allan explains that an exempt-contribution rollover has no impact on her future room, and shows how to confirm it through CRA My Account.
- Financial PostSeptember 2025
How can I reduce taxes on my estate so my children inherit more?
One strategy is to give your kids money before you die. Here are more tips.
- Financial PostSeptember 2025
Does it make sense to use my home equity for borrowing and investing?
Leveraging is risky and not for everyone, but it is a worthy strategy for some people.
- MoneySenseAugust 2025
We’re well off in retirement. How can we pay less tax?
A well-off retiree with CPP, OAS, RRIF and dividend income asks how to trim his annual tax bill. Allan walks through donor-advised funds, flow-through shares, corporately held second-to-die life insurance and a simple low-cost index ETF portfolio for better tax efficiency.
- Financial PostAugust 2025
Cancer hit this couple’s finances. Should they cash in RRSPs to maximize OAS and GIS?
One method gives the lowest taxable income and the highest GIS, financial planner says.
- Financial PostAugust 2025
How does John decide whether to sell or lease his grain farm before he retires next spring?
A decision grid can help with financial and other decision making dilemmas, financial planner Allan Norman says.
- Financial PostJuly 2025
Should Bob be withdrawing more than just the minimum from his $550,000 RRIF?
82-year-old worries about tax consequences if he draws down on his portfolio to go travel. FP Answers crunches the numbers.
- MoneySenseJuly 2025
This revealing investment research tool is now available for free
Allan introduces the Index Matrix, a previously paid research tool now free, which maps decades of stock and bond returns in colour-coded charts to help investors set realistic return expectations and make better allocation decisions.
- Financial PostJuly 2025
With tariffs and market turmoil, what events should trigger a financial plan update?
Proper financial planning helps you get what you want and keep it, no matter what happens.
- Financial PostJune 2025
What is the best way for Linda to die broke?
At 70 and without dependents, she wants to use up her savings. An adviser offers tips on how to do so without running out of money.
- MoneySenseMay 2025
Should we draw down my spouse’s RRIF faster?
Randall wonders whether to accelerate withdrawals from his spouse's $510,000 RRIF to cut eventual estate taxes. Allan's modelling shows minimum withdrawals usually win if you plan for a long life — drawing down early only pays off if death comes much sooner than expected.
- Financial PostMay 2025
Retiring surgical nurse Richard wants to know whether to max out RRSPs or top up TFSAs
One thing to consider is to maximize your RRSP and then use the tax refund to top up your TFSA.
- MoneySenseMay 2025
My three kids chose different educational paths. How do I withdraw RESP funds in a way that’s fair to them and avoids unnecessary taxes?
Paul's three kids took different educational paths, and he wants RESP withdrawals to be fair and tax-smart. Allan suggests pulling the government-grant money (up to $7,200 per child) early and timing EAP withdrawals for the years each child's taxable income is lowest.
- Financial PostMay 2025
Laid off at 59, Louie asks how to preserve capital in his retirement savings
Think about delaying CPP and OAS to age 70 and re-visit a 60/40 equity to fixed income investment portfolio.
- MoneySenseApril 2025
Should I draw down my RRIF to avoid estate taxes?
A reader considers pulling extra RRIF money to invest in a non-registered account and shrink the estate-tax hit. Allan advises against it in most cases: tax-free compounding inside the RRIF is a huge, often unrecognized benefit, and early withdrawals trigger tax and can erode government benefits.
- Financial PostApril 2025
Is pension splitting worth it for a retired couple making about $70,000 annually?
Couple in their 70s also wonders if their children will inherit their debt.
- MoneySenseMarch 2025
When and how should I start drawing on my retirement savings?
Mary asks when and how to start drawing down her RRSP in retirement. Allan shows the answer depends on her goal: waiting until age 72 maximizes her own wealth, while drawing earlier and shifting surplus income into a TFSA can preserve a larger estate.
- Financial PostMarch 2025
Can I work past age 70 while collecting CPP and OAS?
You will have to pay more income tax and may lose some of OAS, but you’ll have more money in your pocket.
- Financial PostMarch 2025
Should Martin and his wife use TFSA money to pay down a mortgage?
When deciding which leaves couple better off in retirement, include calculations on debt, investing and spending.
Showing 24 of 210 articles
Most articles start with a real question.
If something here sparks a question about your own retirement, decumulation, or planning situation, that's the conversation we should be having.
