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Saving for Retirement

Fuel Your Financial Independence


Fuel your dreams
Retirement is your time to live life on your terms, free from financial stress and full of possibilities. Saving now means creating the future you’ve always wanted—whether it’s traveling, enjoying family time, or finding peace of mind.

Every dollar invested today brings you closer to a retirement where you're in control. Small, consistent steps add up, and starting early gives your money time to grow. The future you dream of begins with the actions you take today.

Why Saving for Retirement Matters

It’s never too early—or too late—to start saving for retirement. Having a solid retirement savings plan ensures that you:


Understanding Saving for Retirement - One Slice at a Time
This infographic serves up saving for retirement in a way that’s easy to digest and fun to explore!
How Much Do You Really Need to Retire?

Everyone's retirement vision is different. Whether you see yourself traveling the world, spending more time with family, or picking up a new hobby, your savings should reflect your unique goals.

A good starting point is aiming to replace about 70-80% of your pre-retirement income. But it’s important to consider your lifestyle, spending habits, and any new adventures you want to take on in retirement.

Use Our Retirement Planner: Take the guesswork out of the equation. Our planner helps you supercharge your retirement savings strategy and determine how much you need to live your best life.

Simple - yet Powerful - Steps

For Where You Are & Where You Want to Be

No matter your age or where you are in life, it’s never too early—or too late—to start saving for retirement. The steps you take now can help build a strong foundation for the future, and the good news is, it’s possible to make progress at every stage. Here’s how you can fuel your future with smart savings strategies, no matter where you are on your journey.

Your 20s are all about setting the stage for future growth. While retirement might seem far away, this is the perfect time to harness the power of compounding growth. Even small contributions now can have a huge impact later on.

  • Open an RRSP or TFSA: Start with whatever you can contribute—even small amounts make a difference when you start young.

  • Automate Your Savings: Set up automatic transfers to your retirement account, so you’re consistently building your future. Learn more.

  • Invest in Growth: Focus on more aggressive, growth-oriented investments* while you have the time to ride out market fluctuations.

Take Action: Set up an automatic transfer of at least $50 a month into your RRSP or TFSA. Time will do the rest! 

Easy Win: With QTrade Guided Portfolios, you can easily open and fund a personalized portfolio—all online. It's fast, straightforward, and tailored to you! Learn more and take your next step toward financial success!

In your 30s, you’re likely earning more and establishing your career, so now’s the time to accelerate your retirement savings. You still have plenty of time, but it’s important to build on what you’ve started.

  • Increase Contributions: If you’ve gotten a raise or bonus, direct some of that extra income into your retirement savings.

  • Max Out Employer Contributions: If your employer offers a matching contribution to your pension plan, make sure you’re contributing enough to get the full match.

  • Diversify Your Investments*: Continue to grow your portfolio with a balance of riskier and more stable investments.

Take Action: Review your budget and increase your retirement contributions by 5%—a little more now will have a big impact later. Want to learn more about budgeting, check out this free guide in our financial education portal: Getting Started with Budgeting

Your 40s are a critical time to catch up if you’ve fallen behind or to refine your strategy if you’re on track. You’re likely juggling more financial responsibilities, but it’s also the time to start thinking seriously about the retirement lifestyle you want.

  • Maximize RRSP Contributions: Take full advantage of your RRSP contribution room, especially if you’ve got unused space from previous years.

  • Focus on Higher Contributions: Increase your monthly contributions as your income allows and focus on building a stronger retirement fund.

  • Refine Your Investment* Strategy: Start gradually shifting toward more balanced investments to reduce risk as you get closer to retirement.

Take Action: Use our easy, one-screen Retirement Calculator to check if you’re on track and adjust your contributions to meet your goals. For a deeper dive, try our comprehensive Retirement Assessment. Better yet, connect with us—we’d love to talk about your dreams and help craft a strategy to make them a reality!

Retirement is on the horizon, making this the perfect time to power up your savings and finalize your strategy. It’s your chance to give your retirement fund a serious boost while making smart financial decisions for the future.

  • Maximize Your Contributions: If you haven’t maxed out your RRSP or TFSA, now is the time. Take advantage of any catch-up opportunities, especially in your RRSP.

  • Consolidate and Simplify: Start organizing your accounts and simplifying your investments* to make it easier to manage when you retire.

  • Plan for Withdrawals: Begin thinking about how you’ll access your funds in retirement. Consider the best withdrawal strategies to minimize taxes and maximize income.

Action: Use any extra income—bonuses, tax refunds, or reduced expenses (like paid-off debts)—to turbocharge your retirement fund.

Pro Tip: Planning now can make all the difference later. Talk to us about your retirement goals, and we’ll help you build a personalized strategy. Whether you need advice on contribution limits, withdrawal strategies, or simplifying your accounts, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s create a plan that ensures your financial well-being for the retirement you envision!

In your 60s, the time has come to fine-tune your plan and make the transition to retirement. You’ve worked hard, and now it’s about ensuring that your savings last and support the lifestyle you want.

  • Finalize Your Retirement Date: Decide when you want to retire and how that will impact your financial plan.

  • Convert Your RRSP: By the end of the year you turn 71, you’ll need to convert your RRSP into a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) or an annuity to start drawing income. To find out how much income you will get from your RRIF, or how long it will last, check out our Retirement Income Fund Calculator.

  • Plan for Longevity: Make sure your retirement income will last by carefully managing your withdrawals and considering any health care needs or future expenses.

Simple Steps: Collaborate with a financial advisor to design a withdrawal strategy that supports your retirement lifestyle and long-term goals.

Whether you’re just starting your career or nearing retirement, the key is to take action now. Every step you take moves you closer to the secure, fulfilling retirement you deserve. Ready to get started?

  • Use Our Retirement Planner: See how much you’ll need to save and create a plan that fits your lifestyle.

  • Talk to a Financial Advisor: Get personalized advice on maximizing your retirement savings and making the most of every dollar you invest.

  • Open or Contribute to Your RRSP or TFSA: It’s easy to take the first step toward a brighter future—start today!

Get started with a meeting

Strategies to Maximize Your Retirement Savings

PAC to Win $1K 

A Preauthorized Contribution (PAC) is an effortless way to grow your savings by automatically setting aside money on a regular schedule.

With "PAC to Win $1K" you can start building your financial future with ease. Set up your PAC today and be automatically entered to win $1,000 while building the foundation for long-term success. Small steps today lead to big dreams tomorrow—your journey starts here!

Catch Up With Unused RRSP Room

If you haven’t been contributing to your RRSP over the years, don’t worry! You can carry forward any unused contribution room indefinitely, so it’s never too late to boost your savings and catch up.

Diversify Your Investments*

Spreading your money across different types of investments*—like stocks, bonds, and real estate—helps protect your savings and ensures steady growth over time. Diversification can help you ride out market fluctuations and keep your retirement plans on course.

Reinvest Tax Refunds

If you’re getting a tax refund from your RRSP contributions, consider reinvesting that money right back into your retirement savings. It’s a great way to amplify your efforts and build your retirement fund faster.

DIY, Robo-Advice, or Advisor—what’s right for you?

The best step toward your financial future is getting started—today. Whether it’s opening a savings account or selecting a guided portfolio, you can start building your wealth online in just minutes. Set up automatic contributions to keep it effortless, consistent, and effective. Start small or go big—the key is to begin. Let your money work for you and watch your future take shape!

Guided Portfolios (or Robo-Advice)

Who’s it for?

  • Those who want investment guidance but prefer a hands-off approach.

  • New investors looking for a simple, low-cost way to get started.

  • Busy individuals who want a fast, online solution tailored to their goals.

Get tailored investment recommendations based on your goals with a quick online questionnaire—simple, fast, and fully online!

Online Brokerage for the DIY Investor

Who’s it for?

  • Confident, hands-on investors who want complete control of their portfolio.

  • Experienced individuals who enjoy researching and selecting their investments.

  • Anyone who values flexibility and the freedom to trade anytime, anywhere.

Invest anytime, anywhere with an award-winning online trading platform. Perfect for those who want full control.

Personal Advice

Who’s it for?

  • Those who prefer a personalized, relationship-based approach to investing.

  • Individuals with complex financial goals or who want expert insights.

  • People who value tailored strategies and guidance, available virtually or in-person.

Work with an advisor for personalized support, expert investment strategies, and a plan tailored to your goals. Connect your way—in-person or virtually.

Tax-Smart Savings: Understanding RRSPs and TFSAs

When it comes to saving for retirement, RRSPs (Registered Retirement Savings Plans) and TFSAs (Tax-Free Savings Accounts) are two essential tools that can help you grow your savings while offering significant tax advantages. Both accounts are designed to help you reach your retirement goals faster, whether you’re just starting out or already well on your way. Understanding the benefits and differences of these accounts will allow you to create a retirement plan that maximizes your savings potential and sets you up for long-term financial success.

An RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) is one of the most popular and effective ways to save for retirement in Canada. Here’s why:

  • Tax-Deductible Contributions: Any money you contribute to your RRSP can be deducted from your taxable income, lowering your tax bill for the year.

  • Tax-Sheltered Growth: Your investments grow tax-free while they’re in the RRSP, allowing you to build wealth more quickly.

  • Borrowing from Your RRSP: You can use up to $35,000 from your RRSP toward the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) or the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) without paying taxes, as long as you repay it within the required period.


RRSPs are ideal for those in higher tax brackets who want immediate tax relief.


Learn more


A TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) is a flexible savings option that can also help you save for retirement. While it isn’t exclusively for retirement, many people use it as part of their long-term savings strategy.

  • Tax-Free Withdrawals: You can withdraw money from your TFSA at any time, tax-free, giving you flexibility in retirement.

  • No Tax on Growth: Any income or growth earned in your TFSA is completely tax-free, so your savings can grow faster.

  • Complement Your RRSP: Many people use TFSAs to supplement their RRSP savings, especially for shorter-term retirement goals or to fund lifestyle choices in retirement.


TFSAs are great for those who want flexibility in accessing their money without tax implications.





RRSP

TFSA

Contribution Room 18 % of previous year's earned income up to $32,490 in 2025
$7,000 - the annual dollar limit is indexed to inflation.
Carry-forward  Carry forward until you turn 71 Carry-forward indefinitely
Contributions Pre-tax dollars After tax dollars
Tax deductibility Yes No
Tax Treatment of Growth Tax deferred Tax free


Both RRSPs and TFSAs are great tools for saving, but they’re designed for different goals:
  • RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan): Ideal for long-term retirement savings. Contributions are tax-deductible, and your money grows tax-free until you withdraw it—perfect for reducing taxable income now and building a nest egg for the future.
  • TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account): Flexible and versatile. Contributions aren’t tax-deductible, but your money grows tax-free, and withdrawals are completely tax-free—great for shorter-term goals or supplementing retirement savings.
The best choice depends on your goals, timeline, and tax situation. Need help deciding? We’re here to guide you!


Diversify Your Portfolio

Understanding Investments Within Your RRSPs and TFSAs

Think of your RRSP or TFSA as an empty piggy bank - an empty structure to hold your investments! Once you’ve set up your RRSP or TFSA (or both!), the next step is to fill your piggy bank - or your RRSP or TFSA - with a mix of investments. Both allow you to hold a variety of investment options, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and GICs, each offering unique benefits. By understanding what these investments are and who they’re best suited for, you can make informed decisions to grow your retirement savings while managing risk. Here's a closer look at these investment options and who may consider them:

Stocks represent ownership in a company, giving you a share in its profits and growth. Stock prices can fluctuate based on market conditions, offering higher potential returns but with higher risks.


Stocks are ideal for long-term investors who are comfortable with risk and want to grow their wealth over time. With higher potential returns, stocks are especially suited for younger investors or those with time before retirement to weather market fluctuations. They offer significant growth potential, making them a powerful way to boost your retirement savings.

Bonds are loans to governments or corporations. In return, you receive regular interest payments over a set period, and your principal is returned when the bond matures. Bonds are less volatile than stocks and provide steady income.


Bonds are best for conservative investors or those nearing retirement who want steady income with less risk than stocks. Bonds offer predictable returns and provide stability in your portfolio, making them a solid choice for anyone seeking to preserve capital while earning a consistent income.

Mutual funds pool money from many investors to invest in a variety of assets, such as stocks, bonds, or a combination. Managed by professionals, mutual funds offer a hands-off way to diversify your investments.


Mutual funds are ideal for investors looking for diversification without the need to manage individual investments. These professionally managed funds pool together various assets, spreading out risk while giving you access to a wide range of stocks and bonds. They are great for people who want a hands-off approach with the benefit of expert management.

ETFs are similar to mutual funds but are traded on stock exchanges like individual stocks. They offer a diversified mix of investments at a lower cost than many mutual funds.


ETFs are perfect for cost-conscious investors seeking diversification similar to mutual funds but with lower fees. ETFs offer flexibility, allowing you to trade them like stocks while giving you broad exposure to different asset classes. They’re suited for those who want a mix of investments but prefer lower costs and more control over buying and selling.

GICs are fixed-term investments where you deposit money for a set period in exchange for guaranteed interest. Your principal is also guaranteed, making GICs a low-risk option.


GICs are ideal for conservative investors who prioritize security and guaranteed returns. GICs provide a fixed interest rate over a set period, making them perfect for those who want to protect their principal while earning a predictable return. They’re a great choice for individuals nearing retirement or anyone looking for a safe, low-risk investment.

Qtrade Guided Portfolios® is a fully online, professional investment service designed to help you grow your wealth effortlessly. Through a quick, goals-based questionnaire, it builds a customized portfolio that matches your financial goals and risk tolerance. With continuous oversight, low fees, and automatic rebalancing, your investments stay aligned with your objectives without the need for in-person meetings.


We get it; life is busy Life is busy, and finding time for in-person appointments isn’t always easy. Qtrade Guided Portfolios® is a hassle-free, hands-off approach to investing with professional guidance every step of the way.

Private wealth solutions provide personalized financial management for high-net-worth individuals, offering tailored investment strategies, estate planning, tax optimization, and retirement planning. A dedicated advisor works with you to align your strategy with your goals, risk tolerance, and future needs.

Ideal for individuals or families with complex financial needs, such as business owners, professionals, or retirees with significant assets, these services offer advanced wealth growth, tax efficiency, and legacy protection. With a hands-on, expert partnership, you can confidently navigate your financial journey.

Check out the Investing to Build Wealth course! This course bumps your investment readiness up a notch with a broad overview of different types of investment vehicles, strategies, and principles.

Learn More

Here are some cool calculators and learning resources we've curated for you! Whether you’re planning for retirement, saving for a big goal, or just curious about your financial future, these tools can help.
Personalized Advice: We’re Here to Help
Investing can feel overwhelming with so many options—stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, GICs, and more. But you’re not alone. Our Aviso Wealth representatives are here to provide personalized, expert guidance tailored to your unique goals.


We don’t just offer services; we offer partnership. Our advisors—your friends and neighbors—are committed to helping you succeed. Whether you’re building a retirement plan, choosing investments, or crafting a strategy that matches your risk tolerance, we’re here to listen and guide you.


Together, we’ll build a custom portfolio that fits your needs, giving you confidence and control over your financial future. Your success is our success.

Meet the Team

With personalized guidance, you gain more than just wealth; you gain the clarity, confidence, and direction to create the future you’ve always envisioned.


Each member of the Aviso team offers unique expertise to support your financial journey. Investment Specialists focus on growing and managing your assets, providing tailored strategic advice to help you build a solid foundation and achieve your investment goals. For clients with more complex financial situations, Senior Wealth Advisors deliver advanced insights and personalized strategies to navigate intricate challenges. Together, they ensure you receive the right guidance at every stage of your financial path, all committed to helping you realize your aspirations.

Clarissa Welsh

BBA

Investment Specialist
Aviso Wealth
T 306 842 9556


Darla Brenholen

WC, CEA 

Investment Specialist
Aviso Wealth
T 306 842 9569


Jordan Rederburg

B.A. Econ, CFP®

Senior Investment Specialist
Aviso Wealth
T 306 842 9553


Tony Gill

BBA, CFP®, CIM®, CLU®, FCSI®


Senior Wealth Advisor
Aviso Wealth
T 306 842 9571



Sean Purdue

CFP®, FCSI, CIWM, CIM, CLU


Senior Wealth Advisor
Aviso Wealth
T 306 842 9554


Retirement Planning: Expert Guidance with a CFP Professional

Planning for retirement can feel complex, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right guidance, you can create a solid plan that ensures you're prepared for the future—without the stress and uncertainty. Working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) gives you access to expert, personalized advice, tailored to your unique financial situation, goals, and timeline.


Whether you’re just starting to save or refining your plan as retirement nears, a CFP professional will help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence. By working with a CFP professional, you’re not just creating a retirement plan—you’re building a partnership with someone who understands your goals and cares about your success. Let us help you take the guesswork out of retirement planning, so you can focus on enjoying the journey ahead.
Supercharge Your Future: Start Saving Today!
Take control of your future today. Whether you're just starting out or building on what you've already saved, it's never too early—or too late—to begin supercharging your retirement savings.


Online brokerage services are offered through Qtrade Direct Investing. Mutual funds and other securities are offered through Credential Securities. Qtrade Direct Investing and Credential Securities are divisions of Credential Qtrade Securities Inc. Credential Securities is a registered mark owned by Aviso Wealth Inc. Qtrade and Qtrade Direct Investing are trade names and trademarks of Aviso Wealth.


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