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Find out about the best retirement strategies

The definition of retirement has changed tremendously over the past 10 years. Today, retiring does not necessarily mean that you stop working altogether. There are various ways for you to retire. Read about the financial impacts of each one.

What is it?

Phased retirement allows you to reduce the number of hours you work each week. Generally speaking, you must come to an agreement with your employer to benefit from this measure. If you would like to reduce your pace, this might be the best choice for you.

Who is it for?

Phased retirement isn't for everyone. Not all types of employment are conducive to phased retirement, and not all employers will allow you to.

The financial impact

Employment earnings

Unless you have a special agreement with your employer, your employment earnings will be reduced.

Pension plans and personal savings

You could choose to use amounts accrued under your pension plan or personal savings to make up for the loss of earnings.

A caveat: Be sure you will have sufficient savings to maintain your lifestyle for the rest of your life.

If necessary, consult a financial planner.

Pension under the Québec Pension Plan

The age at which you apply for your pension under the Québec Pension Plan (QPP) makes a big difference. Think about it carefully because you will not be able to change your decision.

If you apply for your pension under the QQP before age 65, its amount will be lower for life.

On the contrary, if you wait to apply, your amount will be higher for life.

Please note that if you are working while receiving a retirement pension, you can continue to contribute to the QPP. This will increase the pension amount you are already receiving.

Old Age Security pension

You can apply as of age 65.

If you apply after that age, the amount will be higher.

What is it?

Why not change jobs at age 60? Whether you want to make an old dream come true or just want a change of pace, starting a new career can give you a different outlook on retirement.

Who is it for?

Pro athletes aren't the only ones who change careers when they retire. Here are a few examples to guide you.

  • You would like to start your own business and choose when you work.
  • Your current employment requires physical endurance, so you choose a job that is less demanding.

The financial impact

Employment earnings

Depending on the work you do, your income could increase or decrease. The latter is more likely.

Pension plans and personal savings

To make up for lost income, you could use your personal savings or the amounts accrued under your pension plan.

A caveat: Be sure you will have sufficient savings to maintain your lifestyle for the rest of your life.

If necessary, consult a financial planner.

Pension under the Québec Pension Plan

The age at which you apply for your pension under the Québec Pension Plan (QPP) makes a big difference. Think about it carefully because you will not be able to change your decision.

If you apply for your pension under the QQP before age 65, its amount will be lower for life.

On the contrary, if you wait to apply, your amount will be higher for life.

Please note that if you are working while receiving a retirement pension, you can continue to contribute to the QPP. This will increase the pension amount you are already receiving.

Old Age Security pension

You can apply as of age 65.

If you apply after that age, the amount will be higher.

What is it?

This is when you completely stop working.

Who is it for?

You may want to completely stop working, or it may be necessary. 

If you want to stop:

  • You know what you want to do once you have retired.
  • You have saved enough to meet your needs.

It may be necessary to completely stop if your state of health prevents you from working.

The financial impact

Employment earnings

You will no longer have any.

Pension plans and personal savings

You will need to use your personal savings and the amounts accrued under your pension plan.

The amount you need largely depends on the age at which you retire: the younger you are, the more you will need.

Pension under the Québec Pension Plan

The age at which you apply for your pension under the Québec Pension Plan (QPP) makes a big difference. Think about it carefully because you will not be able to change your decision.

If you apply for your pension at age 60, its amount will be lower for life.

On the contrary, if you wait to apply, your amount will be higher for life.

Old Age Security pension

You can apply as of age 65.

If you apply after that age, the amount will be higher.

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