Field Notes
Plain-spoken notes on retirement, money, and the Canadian dollar — for people who’d rather understand the numbers than be sold them.
Best Places to Retire in Canada (and What Actually Matters When Choosing)
Where you retire in Canada affects your taxes, housing costs, healthcare access, and lifestyle. Here's a practical framework for thinking through the decision, including the hidden financial factors most people overlook.
Pension Income Splitting in Canada: Reduce Your Retirement Tax Bill
Pension Income Splitting is one of the simplest tax-planning tools available to retired Canadian couples. Here's how it works, what income qualifies, and when it's most valuable.
6 min read
Can Couples Split CPP Income in Canada?
CPP Pension Sharing lets eligible spouses redistribute monthly CPP income to reduce the household tax bill. Here's how the calculation works, who qualifies, and when it actually saves money.
7 min read
LIRA and LIF: Managing Your Locked-In Pension Assets
If you've left a job with a pension, your locked-in funds likely live in a LIRA. This guide covers how that money converts to retirement income through a Life Income Fund, and what the withdrawal limits mean in practice.
9 min read
How Much Do You Need to Retire in Canada?
A practical guide to estimating your retirement savings target using top-down income replacement, bottom-up expense planning, and the 4% rule.
7 min read
What Are CPP and OAS (and Why Do They Matter?)
A plain-English guide to Canada's two main retirement income programs, how they work, and when to start taking your benefits.
8 min read