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033 | Don’t Convert Your RRSP While Working (Unless This Is You)

April 25, 2026 · 55 min

Show notes

In episode 33 of Retirement Unpacked, Matthew and Kyle break down your options for large lump sums later in life, whether or not it makes sense to convert your RRSP before you retire, what rate of return you should use in your plan, how to coordinate RRSP and TFSA withdrawals from 60 to 65, and much more.


Later in the episode, Mathieu Huneault joins to discuss a unique situation where it could make sense to contribute to a spousal RRSP if you're over 71.

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0:00 Intro
0:36 What to do with large lump sums later in life
7:45 Should I convert my RRSP before I retire?
11:40 What rate of return should I use in my plan?
16:20 Retirement planning with a holding company
20:32 In-kind donations with donor advised funds
24:34 Foreign pension planning
28:03 Planning around a small spousal RRSP and large RRSP
32:14 RRSP & TFSA withdrawals from 60 to 65
36:11 How to avoid tax installments
42:06 Cashflow wedge needed with a defined benefit plan?
45:46 Contributions to spousal RRSP after 71
51:38 How is the pension jurisdiction set?

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