LIFESTYLE AND RETIREMENT

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* 1. Retirement isn’t at all clear for me yet; my "future-self" is a stranger.

This is me -- I need help to clarify my future and how I'll choose to enjoy it.

Untrue -- I clearly know what I want in retirement.

I am already retired, and enjoy shaping my next steps.

Unsure.

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* 2. I need more confidence how to save/budget for my current and future lifestyle.

This is me -- needing continued guidance now/future for financial success.

Already doing well because we review & confirm our plans are fully on track.

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* 3. Debts are a monster: how to ease or eliminate stress of debts & mortgage?

This is me all the time.

Sometimes I worry how one can ever clear away such debts.

Fully or nearly debt-free.

Any debt now is for investment, also tax-deductible.

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* 4. Flexible career & retirement planning: re-designing our work, our leisure.

VERY important to me.

Haven't thought much on this -- somewhat important to me.

Already retired, yet always happy to hear peoples' fresh ideas.

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* 5. What if adult children or aging parents need us for financial help?

This is me: I realize aging parents (or children) may need help from my retirement savings.

It's possible -- with life's unanticipated hurdles someone may need my help someday.

Not me: no way this need will arise.

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* 6. How to align pensions (govt &/or employer) with our retirement savings?

This is me: I've no idea how Pensions, CPP, OAS, etc. fit with my personal savings?

Not me: my Certified Financial Plan outlines how these combine for my retirement.

Unsure.

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* 7. Tax-planning: is it best to focus on each year, or on the lifetime of taxes?

Cannot face this yet: expenses take all my income. Tax-planning is impossible.

At least yearly we focus on cutting taxes by saving/using registered savings plans.

We look at the bigger picture: avoiding unnecessary taxes for LIFE and heirs.

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* 8. Reasons for working past retirement (income, friendship, other...)

Retirement is so far away, I cannot focus on this yet.

I have a time in mind to be fully and permanently retired.

I am already retired, but regret losing what I enjoyed in my former work.

I am fully retired and loving it -- and enjoy hearing how others enjoy retirement living.

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* 9. Estate: “Die with nothing” idea – leave nothing to heirs or charities.

That's me: "spending my children's inheritance."

Not me -- it would be sad to leave nothing when we're gone.

Not me, our financial / estate planning includes gifts to children &/or charity.

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* 10. Estate: “Live and Give” – surplus for life, family, charity, tax planning.

That's me: our financial & estate plans mention intended gifts to children &/or charity.

Yes: we'll spend to enjoy life fully, and whatever is left will go to our heirs.

Not me, or haven't considered yet.