In this week's edition

The debate around withdrawal rates in retirement is receiving fresh attention after claims that 8% is possible without depleting savings. Columnist Ben Felix refutes the claim. Most clients will be best served by some form of variable spending strategy that responds to year-to-year changes in portfolio values and expected returns, he writes. Meanwhile, Morningstar research suggests the long-standing 4% rule may be true again due to higher bond yields.

The Liberal government tabled legislation this week to implement measures from the 2023 budget and from last week’s fall economic statement. Notably absent were proposed changes to the alternative minimum tax, creating uncertainty about when the new rules will take effect. Just because the measures won’t be passed before the end of year, however, doesn’t mean they won’t eventually be implemented with a Jan. 1, 2024 start date, one tax expert said. Another budget measure that was included in the legislation affects the tax treatment of dividends on Canadian shares for financial institutions, a move that TD Securities warns could filter down into higher fees for investment products.

Executors have a duty to file tax returns and pay any tax liabilities on behalf of the deceased. This means they may be held personally liable for tax if they distribute estate assets before paying all tax amounts owed. Rudy Mezzetta explains the special rules governing the filing of income tax returns and the payment of any balance owing for the deceased.

Whether you’re retiring early or changing jobs, one of the largest financial decisions when leaving an employer is what to do with your retirement savings. Columnist Doug Carroll reviewed the options for transferring or commuting workplace pensions. The article is part of our Advisor to Client series of explainer articles meant for sharing with your clients.

Finally, markets may have soared in November but there are still tax-loss selling opportunities in Canada. Here are tips for finding those opportunities and staying onside of the superficial loss rules.