How much do I need to save to retire in Canada?

It depends on your desired retirement lifestyle, expected CPP and OAS income, whether you have a workplace pension, and how many years your savings need to last. Use our retirement calculator to model your own numbers rather than relying on a single rule of thumb.

How do I know if I am behind on retirement savings?

Comparing your current savings to benchmarks for your age and income can help, but the right amount depends heavily on your personal circumstances, including expected pension income and planned retirement age. See our guide on assessing whether you are on track.

How does asset allocation change as I approach retirement?

Many Canadians gradually shift from a higher proportion of stocks toward more bonds and stable investments as they near retirement, reducing the risk of a market downturn just before they need to start withdrawing funds. The right mix depends on your risk tolerance and other income sources.

Retirement Planning in Canada 2026

Retirement Planning Hub

Retirement planning brings together your savings, government benefits, and workplace pension into a single plan for how much income you will have and how long it needs to last. These guides walk through how much you need, whether you are on track, and how to plan for specific situations like self-employment or an early retirement.

Complete Guide to Retirement Planning in Canada — Our full overview of building a retirement plan.
Retirement Calculator — Model your own retirement savings and income.
How Much Do I Need to Retire in Canada? — Estimating your retirement number.

Are You On Track?

Topic	Guide
Saving Enough	Am I Saving Enough for Retirement?
Behind on Savings	Am I Behind on Retirement Savings?
Guaranteed Income Sources	Canadian Retirement Income Floor

Planning Around a Specific Age

How to Retire at 65 in Canada — Bringing CPP, OAS, RRIF, and other income together at a standard retirement age.
Asset Allocation by Age — How much stock versus bonds to hold as you approach and enter retirement.

Estate and Account Planning

Avoiding Probate on Registered Accounts — Beneficiary designations on RRSP, RRIF, and TFSA accounts.

Self-Employed and Business Owners

Retirement Planning for the Self-Employed — Building retirement income without an employer pension.
Retirement Planning for Small Business Owners — Balancing reinvestment in the business with personal retirement savings.