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Title: How Mike Would Allocate $1M for Retirement — Plus, Considerations for Spouses and Beneficiaries
We’re concluding our retirement mini-series with a question many aspire to respond to: “Mike, how would YOU allocate $1 million upon retirement?” In this episode, Mike reveals his personal retirement investment strategy, as well as how he’s preparing for a partner who doesn’t share his enthusiasm for equities—and how to establish a clear financial legacy for those he loves.
Regardless of whether your savings total $250K or $2.5M, this isn’t solely about figures. It’s about framework, adaptability, and tranquility.
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Key Insights from the Episode:
Why We Choose $1 Million (Hint: It’s About Clarity)
The $1M figure simplifies calculations—but the key lesson is implementing ratios. Whether your investment portfolio is bigger or smaller, the methodology applies. The emphasis? Creating a robust withdrawal framework and asset allocation, not obsessing over the total monetary amount.
Dividend Growth Investing in Retirement
Mike has depended on dividend growth investing for more than ten years. In retirement, he’ll make minor adjustments to the strategy, but the fundamentals stay the same:
– Prioritize total return over simple yield.
– Invest in fundamentally sound companies that increase revenue, earnings, and dividends each year.
– Focus on outpacing inflation and protecting capital throughout market fluctuations.
Adjusting to Retirement Realities
Managing assets after retirement differs from the accumulation period. Important factors to consider are:
– A 100% equity portfolio can still function—but only with adequate liquidity planning.
– Implement a 3-bucket strategy:
– Liquidity (cash or GICs) for spending during market declines
– Stability through dividend-paying equities
– Growth via capital appreciation
– Mike suggests maintaining enough cash to endure three years of market downturns.
Preparing for a Non-Investing Partner
Mike’s spouse isn’t interested in stocks—so he’s making arrangements for a scenario where she may have to handle finances independently. His approach?
– Default to a dependable, all-encompassing ETF like XGRO or XCQT.
– Simplify the process: sell individual stocks, transition to the ETF, and unwind.
– Another route? Seek a reliable advisor to create and sustain a comprehensive plan.
Essential Resources for DIY Retirees
If you’re overseeing your retirement portfolio independently, staying organized is crucial.
– Utilize tools that aggregate all accounts to monitor income and optimize taxes.
– At Dividend Stocks Rock, you can find screeners to assist in replacing underperforming stocks and ensuring robust dividend sustainability.
Common Pitfalls in Retirement Investing to Sidestep
Steer clear of costly errors with these reminders from Mike:
– Avoid pursuing high yields—they aren’t always maintainable.
– Don’t depend on blind optimism. Understand how each investment contributes to your strategy.
– Dividend growth requires vigilance. Assess performance quarterly and make yearly adjustments.
Establishing a Clear Legacy
It’s not only about your financial independence—it’s about equipping the next generation. Make sure your spouse and family are knowledgeable about the next steps:
– Develop a straightforward, written backup plan.
– Your aim is peace of mind—not perfection.
Free Webinar: 6 Retirement Enhancements to Secure Your Future
After years of guiding Canadians in retirement planning, Mike is now presenting a high-value webinar—completely free of charge. This will assist you in addressing six of the critical questions retirees often face:
– Am I financially ready to retire?
– How can I lower my investment costs?
– How can I reduce taxes and retain more of my earnings?
– Is it possible to increase spending now while ensuring future savings?
– What if the markets decline?
– How can I determine if I’m on the right track?
DATE: Thursday, May 22 @ 1PM ET
REGISTER: https://retirementloop.ca/webinar
Included in the Webinar:
– Complete replay access (regardless of live attendance)
– Printable materials and planning tools for live participants
– One full hour of Q&A following the 50-minute presentation
– 100% Canadian-focused content
– Limited to the first 500 live attendees
Mike will guide you through six targeted enhancements to help secure your retirement plan, alleviate stress, and boost confidence—whether you’re years away or already enjoying retirement.
Sign Up Now to Reserve Your Spot: retirementloop.ca/webinar
🗂 Bonus: Download The Canadian Retiree’s Guide to Income-Producing Investments
RELATED CONTENT:
Avoid the Most Frequent Retirement Mistakes
We also highlight seven retirement planning errors that many Canadians make—from accessing CPP too soon to allowing fear to hinder enjoyment of savings.
🎧 Listen now: Are You Undermining Your Retirement Without Knowing It?
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