In recent years, the FIRE movement–short for Financial Independence, Retire Early–has gained traction among Canadians looking to leave the workforce decades ahead of the traditional retirement age. While the dream of stepping away from work in your 40s or 50s is exciting, it also raises a big question: how do you make your money last when you could be retired for 30, 40, or even 50 years?

Over the past century, Canadians have seen their lifespans stretch–many now live well into their 80s–yet the age at which they stop working hasn’t shifted much. That extended retirement phase can put a serious strain on your finances.

According to a recent Reddit survey, Canada’s average expected retirement age is around 64, with nearly half planning to retire before 65–but many also lack confidence in...

We all know the saying: nothing in life is certain except death and taxes. But there’s another truth we tend to forget–life is full of surprises, and not all of them are good ones.

A sudden job loss. A medical emergency. A serious accident. Even the loss of a loved one. When you think about how many ways life can throw a curveball, the odds of facing at least one major financial shock are high. Many Canadian families are just one missed paycheque away from real trouble. The real question isn’t if something unexpected will happen–it’s when.

So, why don’t more people prepare for it? Often, it’s because we think we’ll have time "later” or...

Feeling weighed down by debt while trying to save for retirement? You’re not alone. Many Canadians are juggling mortgages, lines of credit, and family expenses while still hoping to retire comfortably.

The numbers tell the story. According to Statistics Canada, the household credit market debt-to-disposable income ratio reached 173.9% in Q1 2025–the second-highest level on record. That means Canadians owe about $1.74 for every dollar they take home. Even though debt servicing costs are stable at around 14.4% of disposable income, the sheer size of household debt can feel overwhelming.

Sam and Marsha, both in their mid-40s, have a 17-year-old daughter, Alicia, who’s gearing up for college. They’ve always been...