When optimism fades: Why a plan can make all the difference in retirement

For years, Canadians have generally felt positive about retirement. But something is shifting. According to the 2024 Fidelity Retirement Report, only 69% of Canadians now feel optimistic about retirement – the lowest percentage recorded since 2014.¹ Perhaps even more surprisingly, it’s not just younger Canadians who are feeling uneasy. It’s retirees themselves who are driving this decline in confidence.

So, what’s behind the drop? Rising living costs, shifting expectations about how and when retirement starts, and uncertainty about whether savings will last. But here’s the encouraging part: there’s a clear path forward, and it starts with a plan.

The power of a written plan

The data couldn’t be more telling. In 2024, 92% of retirees with a written financial plan said they felt confident about their future. In contrast, only 73% of those without a plan felt the same.¹

We believe that confidence isn’t about knowing exactly what will happen. It’s about having a framework that adapts – a roadmap that considers the whole picture of your life, not just your savings account.

A good plan does more than outline investments. It:

• Maps out income streams and spending needs
• Prepares for rising costs and unexpected events
• Adjusts for changes in markets, taxes, and personal situations
• Encourages open conversations about what kind of retirement you truly want
   

Clarity starts with the right questions

One of the most valuable things we do is ask questions – thoughtful, personal ones. What does retirement look like for you? What do you want your money to do for you — enable travel, support family, give back, or simply provide confidence and comfort?

Too often, planning gets reduced to numbers. But your goals aren’t just financial — they’re deeply personal. That’s why we focus on comprehensive planning. Because when your financial choices reflect your values, clarity follows.

Fear is natural. But it’s often misinformed.

Many people enter retirement with a lingering fear: “What if I run out of money?”

It’s a valid concern, but often an avoidable one. We’ve seen it time and again: people spend decades saving and then hesitate to spend. The result? Missed opportunities to enjoy the very lifestyle they worked so hard to build.

A personalized income strategy can shift that narrative. When you see – in clear, realistic terms – what you can afford, how your investments support your goals, and how your income flows month to month, the fear often fades.

We even help clients set up systems that make retirement income feel like a regular salary, bringing a sense of familiarity and stability to the transition.

Retirement isn’t the end. It’s a transition.

We talk a lot about “retirement,” but the reality is this chapter looks different for everyone. Some people keep working part-time or pursue passion projects. Others travel, volunteer, or focus on family. The common thread? It’s a change, not a stop.

That’s why our plans are dynamic. We regularly revisit them with you, adjusting as your needs evolve. Markets change. Families grow. Priorities shift. Your financial plan should be flexible enough to keep pace.

A partner in the journey

Retirement isn’t something to figure out alone. We’re here to be your trusted partner, helping you navigate uncertainty, ask the right questions, and make decisions that align with your life, not just the market.

We work with your existing professionals, including your accountants, lawyers, tax specialists, and bring our own network of experts when needed. Our role is to integrate all of the moving pieces into one clear path forward.

Because when all parts of your financial life are aligned, your retirement becomes more than a goal. It becomes something you can live – with confidence.

So reach out. Let’s get started on building a positive path forward into retirement.

Sources

1. 2024 Fidelity Retirement Report. 2024. Fidelity Investments Canada. https://go.fidelity.ca/rs/902-MHK-205/images/FCI-2077868e-FCI-Retirement-report-2024-Sep2024-v2.pdf?version=0.