On a recent episode of More Than Money, we posed a question we hear often: should you take CPP early or wait?
 

Wealth Advisor and Investment Advisor Leanna Wachniak gave a thoughtful answer, one that reflects the way many of our clients think about retirement. She said she would likely wait. The reason? More guaranteed income later in life. That would allow for greater flexibility in the earlier years of retirement when people tend to be more active and want to enjoy their lifestyle to the fullest.
 

That is the key here. Retirement isn’t just about preserving capital, it’s about structuring your wealth to support the lifestyle you want. For many people we work with, that means spending a bit more in the early years and relying on guaranteed income like CPP and pensions later to create stability as the years go on.
 

When it comes to estate planning, Leanna also shared a mindset that resonates with many of our clients. She’s not focused on leaving a specific dollar figure behind, rather she’s more interested in having the freedom to support what matters most along the way. Whether that’s helping children or grandchildren, or giving to causes that reflect your values, gifting wisely means being intentional.
 

These are the conversations we love having because they go beyond numbers and speak to the purpose behind the plan.
 

At the Popowich Karmali Advisory Group, we work with affluent Albertans who want to make confident, well-informed decisions about their retirement lifestyle. That includes when to take CPP, how to structure spending, and how to approach legacy and gifting in a meaningful way.
 

If you're thinking about these decisions, watch our segment from More Than Money here. We also invite you to join us at one of our seminars, or reach out to us when you're ready, and let’s talk about how to bring your retirement vision to life.