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Unexpected Costs, Health Issues and Higher Taxes Are Biggest Retirement Surprises

Author: CIBC - Contact: cibc.com
Published: 2017/02/27
Topic: Disability and Retirement (Publications Database)

Page Content: Synopsis Introduction Main Item

Synopsis: Nearly half of retired Canadians over 50 years old stopped working earlier than expected and many regret not planning for retirement sooner.

Introduction

Retired Canadians aged 50 and over are finding that unanticipated costs, health issues and higher than expected tax bills are their biggest surprises in retirement, finds a new CIBC poll. Complicating the situation for these retired Canadians is that many left the workforce before they expected to, putting pressure on their retirement income and leaving many wishing they had started planning sooner.

Main Item

"There's a lot we can learn from Canadians about their retirement experiences to help us steer clear of costly surprises," says David Nicholson, Vice-President, CIBC Imperial Service. "Heading into the final weekend of RRSP season, it's important to remember retirement planning is much more than checking your annual RRSP contribution off the list. The key to mitigating surprises or coping with the cost of health issues is planning ahead for the life you want to live."

Key poll findings:

"Many Canadians underestimate their spending in retirement, or don't realize that they may have to retire earlier than they expect to leaving them unprepared to manage higher expenses than expected on a lower income than planned," says Mr. Nicholson. "While travellers can expect to spend more, those staying put may be surprised by the costs of all that free-time to explore new interests or may dip into savings for renovations put off during their working years."

Taxes can impact retirement cash flow

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Worried your golden years will lack luster? Unexpected costs, health and taxes top Canadians list of retirement surprises, CIBC poll finds. (CNW Group/CIBC - Consumer Research and Advice)
Worried your golden years will lack luster? Unexpected costs, health and taxes top Canadians list of retirement surprises, CIBC poll finds. (CNW Group/CIBC - Consumer Research and Advice)
Continued...

Before 2009, when Tax Free-Savings Plans (TFSA) were introduced, Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP) were among the few tax-efficient retirement savings vehicle. The poll indicates that some retirees bulked up on their RRSP savings, and are now facing a surprising tax bill as they convert their RRSP income into Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs). As a result, some may also experience claw-backs on income-tested government benefits, which could have been avoided with earlier planning.

"Making the transition from saving for retirement to funding retirement can be complicated," says Mr. Nicholson. "Whether you retire earlier, later or not at all, it's important to work with an advisor to understand how your income will be taxed at different stages of retirement, and ensure you're not leaving any of your hard earned money on the table."

Tax tips for fewer retirement surprises:

Key Poll Findings:

Canadians aged 50+ who faced surprises upon retirement:
I experienced unexpected health issues24%
I had to pay more taxes than I had anticipated15%
I had to carry debt or mortgage into retirement11%
*Unexpected home repairs or renovations forced me to use some of my savings9%
*I spent more money than I thought I would7%
I wasn't financially prepared for a change in my life circumstances6%
*Travelling cost me more than I had anticipated5%
*I didn't anticipate providing financial support for my children/grandchildren5%
*I didn't realize the costs of long-term care for myself or my spouse2%
*I wasn't prepared for the costs or loss of income due to caring for my aging parents2%
Other8%

* Total of 30% for "Unexpected Expenses"

Top three things Canadian retirees aged 50+ who would go back and change anything pre-retirement:
I would've saved more outside of RRSPs (e.g. TFSA, cash savings)38%
I would've started my retirement planning sooner38%
I would've retired later22%
Time of retirement for Canadians 50+:
1-2 years earlier16%
3-5 years earlier32%
On-time39%
1-2 years later6%
3-5 years later7%
Canadian retirees top reasons for retiring earlier than planned, by percentage:
I retired earlier due to an unexpected health issue33%
I was asked/incented to take early retirement by my employer22%
I had enough savings to retire earlier than planned17%

CIBC Retirement Surprises Poll Disclaimer: From February 6 to 9, 2017 an online survey was conducted among 662 retired Canadians over the age of 50 who are Angus Reid Forum panellists. The sample outgo was balanced on age, gender and region to Census Canada. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size has a margin of error of +/- 3.8%, 19 times out of 20.

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Cite This Page (APA): CIBC. (2017, February 27). Unexpected Costs, Health Issues and Higher Taxes Are Biggest Retirement Surprises. Disabled World. Retrieved November 13, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/news/seniors/retirement/tax-surprise.php

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