Building a Canadian Retirement Portfolio: TFSA, RRSP, CPP, and OAS

A well-constructed Canadian retirement portfolio typically holds diversified global equities for growth (XEQT, VEQT), Canadian bonds for stability (ZAG, VAB), and increasingly GICs for the near-term spending bucket. All-in-one ETFs like VBAL (60/40) or VCNS (40/60) simplify this for those approaching or in retirement.

Account selection matters enormously. The TFSA is the most flexible — tax-free growth, tax-free withdrawals, no impact on OAS. The RRSP/RRIF provides tax-deferred growth but all withdrawals are taxable income. Non-registered accounts are taxed annually but offer capital gains advantages. A strategic mix across all three maximises after-tax retirement income.

Canada's three-pillar retirement system — TFSA/RRSP savings, CPP, and OAS — provides a structural foundation. CPP (up to roughly $1,365/month at 65) and OAS (up to roughly $727/month at 65) together can provide $25,000+/year. For Lean FIRE practitioners, this alone may cover most expenses.

A common mistake is treating a retirement portfolio as 'set and forget' for decades. Life changes, market conditions, and shifting goals all warrant periodic reassessment. At minimum, review your asset allocation annually and adjust as retirement approaches — gradually shifting from growth (VEQT) to balanced (VBAL) to conservative (VCNS).

The RRSP must be converted to a RRIF by December 31 of the year you turn 71, at which point minimum annual withdrawals become mandatory. Planning for this transition — ideally through an 'RRSP meltdown' strategy in your 60s — can save significant tax over your retirement.