Topic: How To Invest

I read your article on TSINetwork.com with interest. I was under the impression that an RRSP must be dismantled when you hit 70 and either you purchase an annuity or you take all your money out and it’s taxed. Are there any better alternatives? I’m 60 now, so I hope I have time enough to plan. Thanks.

Article Excerpt

When you turn 71, you have to roll over your RRSP into a RRIF. However, you don’t have to sell any of your securities at that point. Your RRSP is simply redesignated as a RRIF (you do need to fill out some paperwork to open a RRIF account and complete the conversion). The portfolio stays the same until you make changes in it. The main difference between an RRSP and a RRIF is that you must make a minimum percentage withdrawal each year from your RRIF’s asset value, and report that amount as income for tax purposes. (You may withdraw amounts above the minimum at any time.) The yearly minimum gradually increases on a fixed schedule. It starts at 7.38% of the RRIF’s year-end value at age 71, reaches 8.75% at age 80, and levels off at 20% at age 90. The money you withdraw from your RRIF is taxed at the same rate as ordinary income, much like an RRSP withdrawal…