What's Your Retirement Plan B?

Chances are, you have seen the ups and downs in the financial markets, which can really cause seniors a lot of anxiety when looking at those portfolio statements. Add to that the ripple effects of the Canada-U.S. trade war, and it’s more essential than ever to have a Plan B.

The Trade War Is Personal

The Canada-U.S. trade tensions may appear to be a political issue, but their repercussions are directly impacting kitchen tables across the country. Inflation is increasing the cost of everyday essentials, while investments—on which many retirees depend for income—are suffering.  For those who cannot easily re-enter the workforce, this situation is more than just inconvenient. It’s stressful.

Withdrawing investments during a market dip can permanently reduce your savings. Meanwhile, rising prices on everything from apples to arthritis medication stretch fixed incomes thinner than ever. This isn’t just about budgeting anymore —it's about building a wise financial safety net.

Plan B Matters More in Retirement

You’ve worked hard to reach this point. Retirement should be about freedom, not fear. However, having a backup plan is essential since there are limited ways to generate new income. Think of Plan B as your financial airbag — something you hope you never need, but you're grateful it's there when life encounters a bump. And let’s be honest: even the most well-padded retirement can use a little backup when the economy’s doing somersaults.

The Simple Economics of Cashflow

Managing your finances boils down to a straightforward equation: money in versus money out. Think of it as balancing a seesaw—on one side, you have your income (cash in), and on the other, your expenses (cash out). For seniors, especially those on a fixed income, keeping this balance is crucial.

Boosting Your Income

Even in retirement, there are ways to add a little extra to your “money in” side. This could be through part-time work, turning a hobby into a small business, or renting out unused space in your home. Every additional dollar earned can provide more breathing room in your budget.

Another option for many Canadians, is right under their feet—their homes. Home equity can be a powerful tool, giving them access to funds without selling or downsizing.

Here are some practical options you may want to consider:

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): If you qualify, a HELOC offers flexible access to funds and charges interest only on the amount you use. It’s perfect for short-term needs or emergency access. Remember, you’ll need to make monthly payments and provide proof of income to qualify.

Manulife One is a creative and customizable solution that combines your mortgage, income, and savings into a single account. It allows you to borrow against your home with greater flexibility. Payments are required but can be made within the available limit. Qualifying is similar to a HELOC.

Reverse Mortgage: For homeowners aged 55 and older, a reverse mortgage allows you to access your home equity without the need for monthly payments. The loan is repaid when you sell or move, providing you with freedom and cash flow while remaining in your home.

These tools can help ensure you're not forced to withdraw from investments during market downturns, letting your money recover while you stay comfortable.

Trimming Your Expenses

On the flip side, reducing your “money out” can be equally, if not more, effective. Perhaps you have subscriptions you no longer use for streaming services or mobile phone plans. Or you find you are purchasing too many items at the store because you aren’t preparing a list. Or you are dining out multiple times a week. Remember, every dollar you don’t spend is a dollar saved. Let’s unpack this a bit more, looking at this from a tax perspective

Understanding the After-Tax Advantage of Cost Reduction

For seniors supplementing their income with part-time work, it’s crucial to recognize that reducing expenses can be more impactful than earning additional income, primarily due to the effects of taxation.

For example, let’s consider part-time income at a marginal tax rate of 30%.

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• To have an extra $100 in your pocket after taxes, you’d need to earn approximately $142.86 before taxes. This is because 30% of $142.86 is $42.86, leaving you with $100 after tax.

• Conversely, if you reduce your expenses by $100, you effectively save the full amount. There’s no tax on money you don’t spend.

Why This Matters: Every dollar saved is equivalent to more than a dollar earned when considering taxes. This means that focusing on cost-saving measures can be a more efficient strategy for improving your financial situation than seeking additional taxable income.

3 Major Strategies to Help You Cut Costs

Budgeting: Prioritize identifying and eliminating unnecessary expenses. Regularly review subscriptions, dining habits, and utility plans to find areas where you can cut back.

Smart Shopping: Utilize discounts, loyalty programs, and bulk purchasing options to reduce spending on essentials.

Tax Planning: Be aware of how additional income might affect your tax bracket and eligibility for income-tested benefits. Sometimes, earning more can inadvertently reduce certain government benefits.

Saving Smart – Some Tips to Get Started

Your Plan B doesn’t have to focus solely on earning more income or borrowing. Sometimes, the best backup plan begins with cutting the extras. Think of it as being retro cool — just like you were before it became trendy.

Tip #1: Rethink Dining Out - A Once-A-Week Treat, Not a Routine

I love to dine out. It’s great to leave the cooking to someone else, especially after a busy day. But this is also one of the fastest ways to drain your budget. In Toronto, the average cost of a casual dinner for two with wine is around $90–$120. Opt for a more upscale spot? You’re likely looking at $150+ after tax and tip.

Savings Tips

• Cutting out one dinner per week could save approximately $400–$500/month or $5,000–$6,000/year.

• Think about hosting a monthly dinner with friends at home where everyone brings a dish. You’ll still enjoy social time—but for a fraction of the cost. Or maybe try organizing a game night. Perhaps it’s euchre or cribbage, or maybe charades they all have something in common (they don’t require a monthly fee). Organize a potluck to bring people together. Twister might be off the table (unless your chiropractor is on standby), but laughter and connection are always in season.

• Also think about how you can share resources. From ride-shares to splitting bulk grocery purchases with a neighbor, the old-school approach of sharing is making a comeback. It’s like carpooling, but with avocados and streaming passwords.

Tip #2 Review Your Subscriptions - What are you Really Using?

Have you already binge-watched all the episodes of your favourite shows, but you are still paying for streaming services you haven’t used in months? Then it’s time to cancel some subscriptions. According to the Convergence Consulting Group  The average Canadian household now spends $70–$90/month on streaming and digital services (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Spotify, etc.).

Many people are paying too much for mobile. According to the CRTC, the average Canadian pays $64/month for mobile service.  Seniors who negotiate can often reduce this to $35–$45/month—a 30–40% savings.

Savings Tips:

• Audit Your Subscriptions: Write down every monthly and yearly subscription you have. Even cutting or optimizing 2 or 3 could save $30–$50/month.

• Cancel subscriptions you don’t use often. You can always resubscribe later. Instead of paying for four platforms and using a few, consider rotating through them one at a time. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can catch up on your favorites. Many streaming platforms also offer free trials or cheaper, ad-supported versions.

• Call Your Mobile Phone & Internet Carrier Once a Year. Most people don’t realize how much loyalty can cost them. New customers often get much better deals than long-standing ones. When you call, here are some questions to ask:

“Am I on the best plan for my usage?”

“Are there any promotions I qualify for?”

“Can I get a loyalty discount?”

“Do you offer special discounts for seniors?”

Keep in mind there are also senior-specific mobile plans from carriers like Zoomer Wireless, Public Mobile, or SpeakOut.

• Don’t be shy about taking your business elsewhere. Carriers don’t want to lose subscribers and have special offers designed to make you want to stay. You’d be surprised how quickly they "find" a discount.

Savings Tip #3: Don’t Throw Out Those Flyers and Coupons

With inflation pushing up grocery prices, shopping smart matters more than ever. According to Statistics Canada, the average Canadian household now spends $1,065/month on groceries. So, it may be time to pay attention to those grocery store flyers you used to throw out. While Canadian data on potential savings is limited, US studies show that flyers and couponing can reduce costs by 10–25% for groceries and other household items if used consistently.

Savings Tips:

• Use apps like Flipp  or visit sites like Smart Canuks to find online flyers you may have missed.

• Sign up for loyalty cards to access extra discounts. One of the most popular savings programs, PC Optimum, offers frequent discounts and helps you collect points at Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws. Also, remember to swipe loyalty cards at the pump; many gas retailers offer discounts that can add up.

• Consider shopping at stores like Walmart, which have pricing-matching policies for identical items you find advertised elsewhere.

Saving Tip #4: Cut the “Daily Habits” That Add Up

Remember, it’s not just the big expenses—it’s the daily ones that sneak up on you. Let’s look at a few “seemingly small” indulgences as examples:

• 3 Starbucks Grande Lattes ($6.45 + tax) x 3 days/week = $1,137/year

• Take-Out Lunch (for $12 + Tax) x 3 days/week = $2,115/year

That’s over $3,000/year in “small” daily purchases!

Savings Tips:

• Prepare Meals in Advance: Cooking larger portions and planning for leftovers can minimize the temptation of ordering takeout. Planning meals and shopping with a list can prevent impulse purchases and reduce food waste.

• Embrace the Home Café Trend: Investing in a quality coffee maker and brewing your own coffee can add joy to your day but also reduce your costs.

• Set a Food Budget: Establishing a clear budget for dining out and groceries helps you track expenses and make more mindful spending decisions. Try allocating specific amounts to avoid overspending.

Saving Tip #5: Leverage Senior Discounts if you are 60+

From transit to museums to groceries and drugstores, there are dozens of businesses that offer 10–20% off for seniors—but they don’t always advertise it. Many stores also have a set day of the week for seniors' discounts. Consider this: A $50 weekly purchase with 20% off saves $10—over $500/year.

Savings Tips:

• Shoppers Drug Mart has a 20% Seniors Day on Thursdays (for those 65+)

• Rexall offers a 20% discount on Tuesdays

• Many major retailers (e.g., Canadian Tire, Sobeys) offer senior discounts that vary by location—ask at checkout.  Cineplex has special pricing for seniors plus seasonal promos like $5 Tuesdays if you want to take the grandkids with you.

Saving Tip #6: Mind Your Utilities and Insurance

Reviewing these bills once a year can result in hundreds of dollars saved.  Consider switching to time-of-use electricity plans, which are offered in most areas. Check to see when cheaper rates are offered during off-peak hours, and look at using appliances such as your clothes dryer on off-peak hours.  You can also lower your insurance premiums by looking at options such as raising your deductible (if you’re comfortable with the risk). Also, look at rates offered by providers for “pay as you drive” insurance, especially if you aren’t using your car a lot. Also, if you are not bundling your home and auto insurance, you may be missing out on some savings.

Saving Tip #7: Buy & Sell Online

Many items we need can be found for a fraction of the cost used on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji. And remember, buying a used item also saves on tax. Many retirees have extra furniture, tools, collectibles, or tech they don’t need. It's now easier than ever to declutter and turn these unused items into extra cash.

It’s All About Small Changes and Big Rewards

Recessions are hard on everyone, but especially on those living on fixed incomes. The good news is that there are plenty of smart, manageable ways to reduce expenses without giving up all the good things in life. By becoming a more conscious consumer and checking in on your spending habits once or twice a year, you can save thousands of dollars annually—money that can be redirected toward travel, gifts for grandkids, or, if nothing else, it just may calm your nerves.

Another Tip: Don’t Wait — Timing Matters

If this trade war continues, housing values may dip, which means the equity you can access could shrink. Getting your Plan B in place now ensures you lock in flexibility and peace of mind before things tighten up.  Remember, it’s easier to get approved for a HELOC or reverse mortgage when you don’t urgently need it. It's better to set it up and keep it on standby than to wait until it’s too late.

Talk It Out

Stress develops in silence. Speak to family and friends about your concerns. They may not have all the answers, but they’ll provide emotional support — and possibly assist with paperwork or technical hurdles.

If you have senior loved ones, check in and ask how they’re feeling about rising costs and uncertainty. These conversations go a long way and might even lead to better solutions.

This trade war isn’t solely about economics. It involves peace of mind, dignity, and stability in retirement. While it may not be the type of Plan B that preoccupies the younger generation, it is equally important — perhaps even more so.

So, take a breath. Make a plan. Get creative with your budget, and look at ways to save. Tap into your home equity if necessary, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. With the right Plan B, you can face the future with confidence — and perhaps even enjoy a little fun along the way. 

Here's a handy checklist to help you get started.  

Quick Wins Checklist

❏ Cancel one unused subscription

❏ Call your mobile carrier for a better deal

❏ Bring lunch instead of dining out 1x/week

❏ Use a coupon or flyer on your next grocery trip

❏ Look for a senior discount before you pay

❏ Brew your coffee at home 3 days this week

❏ Research potential discounts on your car insurance (bundling or pay-as-you-drive options)

❏ Use your clothes dryer or other appliances during off-peak hours to save on electricity

Don’t Retire … Re-Wire!

Sue