It’s time to relax and live life to the fullest! What’s important to me right now is enjoying my retirement and making plans for my estate.

Congratulations! You’ve worked hard and now it’s time to do the things you’ve planned.

There are a number of financial decisions you have to make to get your retirement off to a healthy start – including strategies for minimizing taxes and equalizing spousal retirement incomes.

Start by re-evaluating your goals. What do you want to do? How much money will you need?

If you have a company pension, you may want to consider converting it to a Life Income Fund (LIF) that offers more control and flexibility.

Make a note that any RRSPs you currently hold will have to be cashed out or converted to Retirement Income Funds (RIFs) or Annuities before the end of the year in which you turn 71. You may want to look into your options now.

Your employer-sponsored extended health benefits may or may not continue after retirement, so you’ll want to ask your advisor about other health insurance options available.

Finally, you may want to give more thought to planning your estate.

Talk these issues over with a knowledgeable independent advisor then enjoy your golden years with the peace of mind you deserve!