Guides

Plain answers to the questions people ask most about retiring — with the real numbers and where they come from. More short answers on the blog.

• How much do I need to retire?

  A plain-language way to find your number — what you'll need and what you're on course to have, with a worked example.

• When should I take Social Security?

  Claim at 62, at full retirement age, or wait until 70 — what each choice actually costs and pays, in plain numbers.

• When should I take CPP and OAS?

  How early and late adjustments work for CPP and OAS, and how to think about the trade-off.

• What is the 4% rule, and is it right for me?

  Where the 4% rule came from, what it actually says, and when it fits your plan and when it doesn't.

• How do taxes work in retirement? (US and Canada)

  Which retirement income gets taxed, which doesn't, and how Social Security, CPP, and OAS fit in.

• Can I retire early if my benefits start later?

  How to cover the bridge years between stopping work and your Social Security, CPP, or OAS starting.