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Minimizing Taxes on Retirement Income

The Heart of Your Money

Release Date: 03/10/2025

How to Manage the Deaccumulation and Withdrawal Phase of Retirement in an Economic Downturn show art How to Manage the Deaccumulation and Withdrawal Phase of Retirement in an Economic Downturn

The Heart of Your Money

You've saved diligently, planned carefully, and can finally see retirement on the horizon. Then the market crashes. Does this mean putting your dreams on hold? Not necessarily. In this episode of Heart of Your Money, we dive into the often-overlooked "deaccumulation phase" – how to spend your retirement savings wisely even when markets work against you. We'll explore why the timing of market downturns can devastate unprepared retirees, share a real-world success story of a couple who retired during an 8% market decline, and reveal strategies that go beyond the oversimplified "4% rule." Ready...

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Effort Over Results: Quinn Magnuson's Journey from CFL to Leadership Coach show art Effort Over Results: Quinn Magnuson's Journey from CFL to Leadership Coach

The Heart of Your Money

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Quinn Magnuson, a former CFL player who has successfully transitioned from professional sports into business advising and leadership coaching. Quinn shares his remarkable journey from growing up on social assistance to earning a football scholarship that changed his life path. His unique philosophy of "Effort Over Results" emerged from his experiences in sports, teaching, and business ownership. In this episode, Quinn helps business leaders understand that true growth comes from valuing process over outcomes, creating psychological safety, and...

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How Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Can Keep Thousands More in Your Pocket show art How Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Can Keep Thousands More in Your Pocket

The Heart of Your Money

Whether you're just receiving your first paycheck or mapping out your retirement, understanding Canada's tax system is crucial for your financial well-being. In this episode of Heart of Your Money, I break down marginal tax rates and progressive taxation in simple, practical terms. You'll discover why that "next dollar earned" doesn't push all your income into a higher tax bracket. Tax-Smart Retirement Planning isn't just about saving—it's about strategic withdrawals that keep you in lower tax brackets. I share real examples, including how my husband's retirement income only decreased by...

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Tariffs, Turmoil, Truth: What’s Really Happening in the Markets show art Tariffs, Turmoil, Truth: What’s Really Happening in the Markets

The Heart of Your Money

Markets are in turmoil as new tariffs shake investor confidence, but is this truly the crisis the headlines suggest? In this episode, we cut through the panic to reveal what these trade policies really mean for your portfolio. Get the straight facts on the recent US tariff announcements, understand their actual impact on different sectors, and discover why seasoned investors see opportunity where others see only risk. Learn how to position yourself to not just weather this storm but potentially profit from it. Don't let fear drive your financial decisions—tune in now to gain the clarity and...

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Beyond the Financial Portfolio: Investing in Community with Fraz Wiest show art Beyond the Financial Portfolio: Investing in Community with Fraz Wiest

The Heart of Your Money

In a world increasingly focused on digital connection, there's something profoundly human about gathering in a circle to share stories. My conversation with Fraz Wiest, Development and Community Engagement Administrator at Regina's Globe Theatre, explores how theatre creates authentic bonds that transcend entertainment. As Canada's only permanent theatre-in-the-round completes its four-year renovation, Fraz reveals why supporting local arts represents a community investment with returns measured in connection, purpose, and belonging. From his personal journey as a theatre-loving child to his...

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Minimizing Taxes on Retirement Income show art Minimizing Taxes on Retirement Income

The Heart of Your Money

Retirement should be about enjoying life, not worrying about taxes eating away at your hard-earned savings. Yet many Canadians unknowingly pay thousands more in taxes than necessary simply because their investments are in the wrong accounts. In this episode, I break down three critical types of investment income—interest, dividends, and capital gains—and explain why understanding the tax implications of each can dramatically reduce your tax burden.  Whether you're already retired or planning ahead, knowing how to properly position your investments across registered and non-registered...

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The importance of aligning investments with retirement lifestyle goals show art The importance of aligning investments with retirement lifestyle goals

The Heart of Your Money

What does your ideal retirement lifestyle look like?  Before diving into investment strategies and portfolio allocations, we need to start with a more fundamental question: What truly matters to you?  In this episode of Heart of Your Money, we explore how understanding your core values transforms financial planning from a numbers game into a purposeful journey. Through real stories and practical exercises, you'll discover how to align your investments with your deepest goals – whether that's preserving a family legacy, supporting the next generation, or creating the freedom to...

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The Simple Way to Structure Cash Flow in Retirement show art The Simple Way to Structure Cash Flow in Retirement

The Heart of Your Money

Ready to structure cash flow in retirement but feeling overwhelmed?  While it might not be the most exciting topic, creating a clear system for your retirement income and expenses is crucial for a stress-free future.  In this episode, I'm breaking down a simple yet effective two-bucket approach to managing your money in retirement.  By separating your fixed expenses from your fun money, you'll gain the clarity and confidence to spend without worry. Whether you're planning for retirement or already there, this practical guide will help you create a system that ensures both your...

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Costly Mistakes that Retirees Make About Government Benefits show art Costly Mistakes that Retirees Make About Government Benefits

The Heart of Your Money

Retirement planning can be complex, but few aspects are as critical as understanding your government benefits. In this episode of Heart of Your Money, we're tackling four costly mistakes that could be diminishing your retirement income.  From underestimating the true value of CPP and OAS to getting blindsided by the dreaded clawback, these pitfalls can significantly impact your financial security. The good news? They're all avoidable with proper planning. Whether you're approaching retirement or already there, knowing how to maximize these benefits while minimizing tax implications could...

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Shifting from Nest Egg Retirement Mindset to Multiple Retirement Income Streams show art Shifting from Nest Egg Retirement Mindset to Multiple Retirement Income Streams

The Heart of Your Money

Are you staring at your retirement savings, wondering if it will be enough? You're not alone. Many retirees struggle with the emotional shift from saving to spending, often feeling anxious about "turning on the tap" of their hard-earned nest egg. But there's a more empowering way to think about retirement: instead of viewing your savings as one big pile that's slowly depleting, imagine multiple retirement income streams flowing toward you month after month, like a steady river. This mindset shift isn't just about feeling better—it's about creating a practical strategy that combines various...

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More Episodes

Retirement should be about enjoying life, not worrying about taxes eating away at your hard-earned savings. Yet many Canadians unknowingly pay thousands more in taxes than necessary simply because their investments are in the wrong accounts. In this episode, I break down three critical types of investment income—interest, dividends, and capital gains—and explain why understanding the tax implications of each can dramatically reduce your tax burden. 

Whether you're already retired or planning ahead, knowing how to properly position your investments across registered and non-registered accounts is crucial. I'll share practical strategies, including my "sprinkle approach," to help keep you in a lower tax bracket and maximize what stays in your pocket during retirement.

If you want to sign up for Get Your Money in Gear, go here: https://zenaamundsen.ca/get-your-money-in-gear-course/  

If you want more resources and show notes, check out https://astrafinancial.ca/podcasts/