Your next chapter deserves a plan. We help turn your savings into an income strategy, with thoughtful decisions around tax, pensions, and the people you love.
Confidence comes from knowing your savings, CPP, OAS, and pensions are working together to support your lifestyle. We begin by understanding your unique needs and long-term vision, creating a personalized roadmap that clarifies how your resources will support you.
A closer look
Gaining clarity often brings immediate peace of mind. Whether you're on track or need small adjustments, our goal is to empower you with a clear, factual picture of your financial future as we develop your plan. Bring your latest statements to a complimentary assessment and we will run it with you.
The right choice depends on your income, family, and goals. We’ll look at your whole picture, not just one account.
Which accounts should I draw from first?
Choosing the most effective order for your withdrawals—often called drawdown sequencing—is a cornerstone of a tax-efficient retirement. By coordinating your registered and taxable accounts, we aim to preserve more of your wealth for the years ahead.
A closer look
There is no universal withdrawal order. We compare tax, benefits, cash needs, and future flexibility before choosing how your accounts will work together.
The right choice depends on your income, family, and goals. We’ll look at your whole picture, not just one account.
When should I start CPP and OAS?
CPP, the Canada Pension Plan, can start between ages 60 and 70. OAS, Old Age Security, generally starts at age 65 or later. Delaying either benefit can increase monthly payments, but health, income needs, and other resources determine what fits your life.
A closer look
The best starting age depends on your health, your other income and whether you need the money yet. If you can bridge the early years from savings, delaying is often the better deal, because the larger payments last for life and are indexed to inflation. If you need the income now, starting early is a perfectly sound choice. We model your actual numbers both ways before you decide. Retirement planning is where this lives.
The right choice depends on your income, family, and goals. We’ll look at your whole picture, not just one account.
Should I take the pension or the commuted value?
The commuted value is the lump sum that equals what your pension is worth today. If you leave a defined benefit pension, your employer offers you the choice: keep the monthly cheque for life, or take that lump sum into a locked-in account and manage it yourself.
A closer look
Every professional's situation is unique. A guaranteed pension offers valuable certainty, while a commuted value provides flexibility that might better suit your legacy or family goals. We help you evaluate these options objectively, ensuring you understand how each choice aligns with your long-term security. This decision is usually one-way and time-limited, so we run the numbers with you and, where it matters, alongside your accountant before the deadline.
The right choice depends on your income, family, and goals. We’ll look at your whole picture, not just one account.
How do I avoid the OAS clawback?
The OAS recovery tax is an important consideration for many retirees in BC and Ontario. When your taxable income reaches a certain threshold, a portion of your Old Age Security may be recovered. We focus on proactive planning to help you navigate these thresholds effectively.
A closer look
The usual cause is a large RRSP withdrawal or a big lump sum in a single year, because registered income counts fully toward the threshold. The fix is spreading withdrawals across years, using TFSAs for extra income since TFSA withdrawals do not count, and splitting eligible pension income with a spouse where it helps. A year of planning before large withdrawals usually saves more than the clawback would have taken.
The right choice depends on your income, family, and goals. We’ll look at your whole picture, not just one account.
What happens to what's left?
Your estate represents your legacy, and thoughtful planning ensures it is passed on according to your wishes. By coordinating registered accounts, property, and your will, we help you create a streamlined transition for your loved ones.
A closer look
Simple steps, like naming beneficiaries directly on registered plans, can make a significant difference in how your assets are transitioned. We also help you understand how tax-efficient strategies can help preserve the value of your estate for the next generation.
The right choice depends on your income, family, and goals. We’ll look at your whole picture, not just one account.
We learn about your financial habits, your goals, and what matters most to you.
Start with a complimentary conversation
02
Solutions Meeting
We handcraft a personalized financial plan, with clear recommendations and strategies.
Understand your options and next steps
03
Wealth And Maintenance
We implement your plan and stay connected as your work, family, and priorities change.
Keep your plan moving with your life
Real people. Real experiences.
Confidence starts with trust.
5.0 · 100 Google reviews
“HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I've been working with Athena Financial for a few years now and the shape of my finances has never been better. Ken and his team are knowledgeable, responsive, and easy to partner with. As a beginner investor back when I started, I felt I had a lot to learn but Ken was great about breaking down concepts to make things easy to understand.”
Jessica Tam
“Ken and his team is AMAZING !! I been working with them since 2019 and it's still going . Very easy team of people to work with and very responsive to my questions . I highly recommend them !!”
Christina Ng
“Ken always goes above and beyond to help you get your money invested the right way. Amazing experience as 5 year client.”
Beginning your planning five to ten years before retirement allows us to explore the full range of options for your pensions, savings, and tax strategies. Starting early gives you time to understand your options as you make these important life transitions.
Can you work with my accountant?+
Yes, and we think it is the right way to do it. Retirement income decisions touch your tax return every single year, so we put the plan in place alongside your accountant rather than around them.
Do I have to move my investments to work with you?+
No. If your current accounts and holdings fit your plan, we will tell you. The first assessment looks at what you have and where changing something would actually make a difference.
What happens in the complimentary assessment?+
In this 20-minute introductory meeting, we focus on understanding your current financial landscape and your vision for the future. Your advisor can provide insight on your finances, offered at no charge to you.
