The most common CPP question I am asked is: “Is it smart to take my CPP early?”

The answer to this question is different for investors than non-investors, especially growth-focused investors like most of our clients.

In my latest podcast episode you’ll learn:

• Why should you ignore “CPP breakeven” calculations?

• Why are life expectancy stats understated?

• What is the best way to estimate your life expectancy?

• What happens if you are still working?

• How does your tax bracket each year affect your CPP?

• How does your CPP fit into your overall retirement income?

• Who should take CPP early and contribute it to RRSP?

• How does CPP affect the estate you leave for your kids?

• Who should delay their CPP to age 65? Real life examples.

This is an updated post based on 2025 CPP amounts and expectations, and my latest insights.

What do you call a financial planner that does not plan finances?

I know that sounds funny. But it is an important topic to understand.

Most people assume that when they hire a financial planner, they're getting a personalized roadmap for their financial life. Yet surprisingly, that’s often not the case, and it can have a huge impact on your future.

In my latest podcast episode you’ll learn:

• Why don’t most financial planners plan finances?

• What does Ed’s team see with the public?

• What is a financial plan?

• What difference does a Financial Plan make in your life?

You want to retire soon.

What is the best way to set up your retirement income to give you the maximum cash flow that will reliably last the rest of your life?

Many financial planners use the “4% Rule”, which says that you can, for example, withdraw $40,000/year rising by inflation for life from a $1 million portfolio. Is that safe?

I studied 146 years of investment history. The conclusions are surprising:

1. Most of the advice seniors are given is not supported by history.

2. I found what really works to give you the maximum reliable retirement income – both how to set up your portfolio and manage your income.

In my podcast episode you’ll learn:

• What is the typical advice given to seniors and does it work?

• What does Ed’s study of 146 years of history show about the 4% Rule?

• Which asset allocations provide the most reliable retirement income?

• What is the main risk to your retirement for any asset allocation?

• Is it safer to hold some cash to use during market downturns?

• What are the reasons that the actual results of history are surprising?

• How can you manage “sequence of returns risk”?

• What is the impact of inflation?

• How does your risk tolerance affect your retirement income?

• What is Ed’s rule of thumb for a safe withdrawal rate?

• Are there advanced methods to manage a higher retirement income with 100% success?