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Longevity Planning

Older Couple posing for picture

Planning for a Long, Fulfilling Life

Many of today’s retirees can expect to spend 30 years or more enjoying the fruits of their labour. That’s why it’s increasingly important not simply to plan for retirement, but to plan for longevity in retirement - all of the years it might last, all of the ways your life will change and all of the events you can’t foresee.

In addition to the financial implications, retirement has life implications. Our knowledgeable and experienced team can help you sort through the possibilities and offer financial advice designed to guide you up to and through the retirement you’ve envisioned.

Ask yourself these key retirement questions:

Whether you’re bound for a dream home or planning to stay put, housing likely will be your biggest expense in retirement. While aging in the comfort of your own home would be ideal, modifications to the home – or your plan – could be necessary as mobility and transportation challenges arise

Let’s talk about:

  • Do you want to stay in your home? Will it need to be modified?
  • What housing options are available to you, and what will they cost?
  • Would you want to downsize? Relocate to a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood?

Being mobile means being independent. And retirement life brings more opportunity to go where you want whenever you want. That may help explain why transportation is the second largest expense for individuals older than 65 and accounts for about 17% of their annual expenditures, according to Stats Canada. That’s why we make sure to account for it as part of your long-term financial plan.

Let’s talk about:

  • How will you get to your favourite places in retirement?
  • Who will assist you if you can’t drive yourself somewhere?
  • What transportation options are available in your area?

Your health and your finances are intertwined in complex ways. Most expect Medicare to pay for their healthcare expenses in retirement. But, Medicare only covers medically necessary services and does not cover or may only partially cover services for vision care, dental care and prescription drugs. Every province is responsible for the management and delivery of their health system and as such premium coverage varies from province to province as well as premium cost. As you age, healthcare costs can add up.

Let’s talk about:

  • Do you know what costs Medicare will cover?
  • How will you pay for what Medicare doesn’t?
  • Have you considered private health insurance for health care services not covered by Medicare?

As we all live longer, chances are you may, at some point, provide care for a loved one or receive care yourself. Becoming a caregiver can be not only stressful, but also can have financial consequences if it requires taking time away from work. And long-term care is not covered by Medicare.

Let’s talk about:

  • Do you understand the full impact of being a caregiver?
  • How will you get the care you need as you age?
  • Should you consider long-term care insurance?

Giving yourself every opportunity to save enough for a long, fulfilling life requires careful, detailed longevity planning - strategies for saving, investing and taking withdrawals. Making the right decision to take CPP retirement benefits is vital to optimizing your retirement income strategy.

Let’s talk about:

  • When are you planning to retire?
  • What sources of income will you have in retirement?
  • How much income you will need in retirement?

Today’s longer life expectancies present opportunities and challenges as we get older.