Financial Planning & Investment Resources for Ontario

Practical guides on retirement planning, tax strategies, investment management, life insurance, and wealth management. Written for Ontario families and business owners by a financial advisor in London, Ontario.

Get new articles delivered to your inbox:

CorporateCorporate PlanningEstateFinancial PlanningGeneralInsuranceInvestmentInvestmentsRetirementTaxTax Planning
Tax

CDA Payout vs Salary for an Ontario Incorporated Professional

Incorporated professionals in Ontario can choose between tax-free Capital Dividend Account payouts and regular salary — but each tool works differently and fits different situations. This guide explains how both work and when each one makes sense, from a financial planner in London, Ontario.

5 min read
Read More
Insurance

Whole Life vs Term Insurance for an Ontario Business Owner

Trying to decide between whole life and term insurance for your Ontario business? This plain-English breakdown covers the key differences, business use cases, and corporate tax considerations — written for business owners in London, Ontario and across the province.

5 min read
Read More
General

What Is the Prescribed Rate Loan Strategy in Canada?

The prescribed rate loan strategy lets higher-income Canadians lend money to a lower-income spouse to legally shift investment income and reduce the family's overall tax bill. Marc Pineault, a financial planner in London, Ontario, breaks down how the strategy works and who it's built for.

5 min read
Read More
Tax

Best Financial Planner for Corporate Tax Planning in Ontario

Looking for the best financial planner for corporate tax planning in Ontario? This guide explains what to look for, what questions to ask, and how a planner like Marc Pineault in London, Ontario can help incorporated business owners keep more of what they earn.

5 min read
Read More
Retirement

When to Take CPP in Canada: The Real Math Behind the 60-vs-70 Decision

Most Canadians take CPP at 60 or 65 — and most of them are wrong. A clear, math-grounded guide to the CPP timing decision: why breakeven analysis misleads, how longevity risk should drive the choice, and how the decision pairs with RRSP drawdown and OAS clawback in Ontario retirement planning.

11 min read
Read More
Retirement

RRIF Withdrawal Strategy at 71+: A Complete Guide for Ontario Retirees

At 71, every Canadian RRSP must convert to a RRIF, and the government takes over your withdrawal schedule. A clear, math-grounded guide for Ontario retirees: minimum withdrawal rates, the younger-spouse election, the $2,000 pension income credit, withholding tax, and what happens at death.

10 min read
Read More
General

Who Is Marc Pineault?

Marc Pineault is a financial planner based in London, Ontario, serving clients across Southwestern Ontario with comprehensive financial planning services.

3 min read
Read More
Retirement

Annuities in Ontario: What You Need to Know

Annuities offer guaranteed income in retirement — but they're not right for everyone. Learn how annuities work in Ontario, the types available, and how they compare to RRSPs and RRIFs.

5 min read
Read More
General

How Much Does a Financial Planner Cost in Ontario?

Wondering what a financial planner costs in Ontario? This guide explains the three main fee models — fee-only, fee-based, and commission — what you can expect to pay, and how to evaluate whether the cost is worth it for your situation.

4 min read
Read More
Insurance

Do I Need Life Insurance in Ontario?

Do you actually need life insurance in Ontario? This guide explains who needs it, what types exist, and how to think about the right amount based on your situation.

4 min read
Read More
General

Financial Planning for Physicians in Ontario

Physicians in Ontario face unique financial planning challenges — late career starts, incorporation decisions, and complex tax structures. Here's how a financial planner can help.

4 min read
Read More
General

Financial Planning for Retirees in Ontario

Retired or close to it in Ontario? A financial planner can help you manage retirement income, minimize taxes, and make your money last. Here's what financial planning looks like in retirement.

4 min read
Read More
General

Financial Planning for New Parents in Ontario

A comprehensive financial planning checklist for new parents in Ontario, covering life insurance, disability protection, wills, maternity benefits, RESPs, and employer benefits during parental leave.

6 min read
Read More
General

Financial Planning in Your 20s in Ontario

Starting financial planning in your 20s in Ontario sets the foundation for long-term wealth. Learn the key moves young adults should make early — from TFSAs to debt management.

4 min read
Read More
General

Financial Planning in Your 30s in Ontario

Financial planning in your 30s in Ontario means balancing mortgages, growing families, and long-term wealth goals. Here's what to focus on and when to get professional help.

4 min read
Read More
General

Financial Planning in Your 40s in Ontario

Your 40s are peak earning years — a critical window for retirement acceleration, debt elimination, and protection planning. Here's what financial planning in your 40s looks like in Ontario.

4 min read
Read More
General

Financial Planning in Your 50s in Ontario

Financial planning in your 50s in Ontario is the final stretch before retirement. Learn how to manage CPP timing, RRSP drawdown, and pre-retirement planning with clarity.

4 min read
Read More
Retirement

How Does OAS Work in Ontario?

What is OAS and how does it work in Ontario? This guide explains Old Age Security eligibility, payment amounts, deferral options, and the clawback threshold every Ontario retiree should know.

4 min read
Read More
Retirement

How Much Do I Need to Retire in Ontario?

Learn how to calculate your retirement savings goal in Ontario — what factors drive your number, how CPP and OAS affect it, and why the answer is different for everyone.

5 min read
Read More
General

How to Find a Financial Planner in Ontario

Not sure how to find a qualified financial planner in Ontario? This guide walks through what credentials to look for, where to search, what questions to ask, and how to evaluate fit — so you can make a confident choice.

5 min read
Read More
Investments

How Investment Fees Affect Your Retirement in Ontario

Investment fees may seem small, but over decades they can erode hundreds of thousands of dollars from your retirement savings. Here's what Ontario investors need to understand about MERs, fund costs, and fee transparency.

4 min read
Read More
Retirement

Is CPP Enough to Retire On in Ontario?

Can you retire on CPP alone in Ontario? This guide explains how much CPP actually pays, what OAS adds, and why most Ontarians need additional savings beyond government benefits.

4 min read
Read More
Retirement

OAS Clawback in Ontario: How to Minimize It

Old Age Security clawback affects high-income retirees in Ontario. Learn how the OAS recovery tax works, who it affects, and the planning strategies that can reduce or eliminate it.

5 min read
Read More
Retirement

Retirement Planning in Brantford, Ontario

A practical guide to retirement planning for Brantford, Ontario residents — covering income sources, tax strategy, CPP and OAS timing, and how to find the right financial planner advisor.

5 min read
Read More
Retirement

Retirement Planning in Cambridge, Ontario

Thinking about retirement in Cambridge, Ontario? Learn how to build a solid retirement plan that fits your life, your timeline, and your goals — with guidance from a financial planner in your region.

5 min read
Read More
Retirement

Retirement Planning in Hamilton, Ontario

Hamilton, Ontario is evolving fast — and so are the retirement planning needs of its residents. Learn the key steps to building a retirement plan that works in today's environment.

4 min read
Read More
Retirement

Retirement Planning in Sarnia, Ontario

Planning for retirement in Sarnia, Ontario? Discover the key financial planning decisions — from CPP timing to RRSP drawdown — that shape a secure retirement for Sarnia residents.

5 min read
Read More
Investments

Should I Max My TFSA or RRSP First in Ontario?

TFSA vs RRSP: which should you prioritize in Ontario? This guide breaks down when to max your TFSA first, when RRSP wins, and how to think about the decision based on your income and retirement goals.

4 min read
Read More
Tax

Tax Planning for Retirees in Ontario

Discover key tax planning strategies for retirees in Ontario, from minimizing OAS clawback to managing RRIF withdrawals and optimizing your after-tax retirement income.

5 min read
Read More
General

What Does a Financial Planner Do in Ontario?

Wondering what a financial planner actually does in Ontario? Learn the six areas of financial planning, how a planner differs from an advisor, and what a real planning relationship looks like.

4 min read
Read More
Estate

What Happens to My RRSP When I Die in Ontario?

What happens to your RRSP when you die in Ontario? This guide explains the tax rules, spousal rollover, beneficiary designations, and estate implications every RRSP holder should understand.

5 min read
Read More
Retirement

When Can I Retire in Ontario?

Wondering when you can retire in Ontario? This guide explains retirement age options, CPP and OAS timing, and what financial readiness actually looks like for Ontario residents.

4 min read
Read More
Retirement

When Should I Start Taking CPP in Ontario?

Should you take CPP at 60, 65, or 70? This guide explains how the timing decision works in Ontario, the breakeven math, and what factors should actually drive your choice.

4 min read
Read More

Have a financial question?

Book a free assessment and get answers specific to your situation.

Or reach out anytime — I respond personally.