Russell Sawatsky
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russsawatsky.bsky.social
Russell Sawatsky
@russsawatsky.bsky.social
36 followers 24 following 38 posts
Owner, https://moneyarchitect.ca/; retired IR; CFP®, CIM; Mennonite; From Chilliwack, BC, resident of London, ON; 日本に10年間住んでいた; New kidney, July 29, 2016. Posts about personal finance in Canada, #PFCan, and other stuff.
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russsawatsky.bsky.social
#Retirement #income strategy is about aligning personality with process. Whether you prefer cash wedges or a total return approach, understanding the philosophy behind each is valuable.
Here’s my take in my latest #MoneyArchitect blog post: moneyarchitect.ca/do-you-reall... #PFCan
A pie chart of an investment portfolio. There is a 7% "wedge" that is held in cash.
December 2, 2025 at 10:55 AM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
RRIF withholding isn’t a penalty; it’s a planning tool.

In my latest #MoneyArchitect blog post, I discuss RRIF withholding, the different approaches you can take, and why total retirement income should guide your decision. #PFCan moneyarchitect.ca/how-much-tax...
An image with the caption "RRIF Withholding." Beneath it is a padlock with a % sign above a stylized cheque.
November 25, 2025 at 11:15 AM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
When markets rise, it’s easy to “let your winners run.” But when volatility returns, confidence fades. My latest #MoneyArchitect blog post explores how disciplined #rebalancing helps manage #risk in #investing.
Read more at: moneyarchitect.ca/risk-managem...
#adviceonly #financialplanning #PFCan
A man walking on a rope across a canyon. This is an example of risk. However, he has taken steps to limit his risk in case he falls by tying himself loosely to the rope.
November 11, 2025 at 11:06 AM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
Even self-described index investors often chase “the best ETF,” emphasizing dividends, tech, or covered-call funds. Why does this happen? I explore the misunderstanding and the freedom that comes with true indexing in my latest blog post. moneyarchitect.ca/why-index-in... #PFCan
An image of a man searching for the "best ETF" to enhance his investment returns, totally misunderstanding the nature of ETF investing.
November 4, 2025 at 10:46 AM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
CTV called it a Consumer Alert when a daughter faced a $660K tax bill after both parents died in the same year.

This wasn’t a scam; it was just Canada’s tax rules.

In my latest #MoneyArchitect blog, I review what happened and how families can plan ahead:
moneyarchitect.ca/this-is-not-... #PFCan
An empty chair at the end of a dock, representing a deceased cottage owner and the tax and estate implications when leaving a cottage and an RRSP to one's beneficiaries.
October 3, 2025 at 3:14 PM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
Most investors believe they’re above average. But in investing, as in driving, not everyone can be. Stock picking feels right but the data show it rarely works. Read my latest Money Architect Financial Planning blog post for more: moneyarchitect.ca/how-can-stoc... #PFCan
An image of a chart showing the movement of a stock's price.
September 23, 2025 at 10:23 AM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
#Stewardship isn’t just for the wealthy. Even on minimum wage, there are ways to steward what you have: benefits, tax tools, generosity of time and action. Read my latest #MoneyArchitect blog post for more: moneyarchitect.ca/personal-fin... #adviceonly #FinancialPlanning #PFCan
This is the text of the image, a quotation from Rabindranath Tagore: "The one who plants trees knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life."
September 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
Is the complaint that “RRSPs aren’t fair” legitimate? In my latest blog post, we follow Susan as she compares the traditional RRSP/RRIF path (with reinvested tax refunds) to non-registered investing. moneyarchitect.ca/case-study-s... #AdviceOnly
#RetirementPlanning
September 9, 2025 at 10:07 AM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
Withdrawing RESP funds can be confusing: grants, investment growth, contributions—each comes with its own rules. Should you prioritize EAPs or PSEs? This new post walks through how parents can make the most of their RESP for their child's university years. #PFCan moneyarchitect.ca/making-the-m...
A couple with their son as he prepares to go off to the University of Alberta. The husband and wife have saved for their son's education in an RESP since the year he was born. Now is the time to start spending it.
July 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
Linda and David are 65, mortgage-free, and retired in a mid-sized Ontario city. With average savings and modest pensions, can they afford the average retiree lifestyle? I work through the numbers—and the trade-offs.
Read more: moneyarchitect.ca/will-average... #PFCan
Linda and David are sitting on the back deck of their house enjoying their morning coffee and looking forward to their new lives as retirees.
July 22, 2025 at 10:01 AM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
Why do some investors embrace #high-income ETFs while others stay committed to #totalreturn? In my latest #MoneyArchitect blog post, I explore this question through the story of Christopher and Ashley—twins with diverging paths and philosophies. #PFCan
moneyarchitect.ca/twins-at-the...
Fraternal twins Christopher and Ashley, who have very different approaches to saving for retirement.
July 8, 2025 at 9:57 AM
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#Vacations are meant to restore us, but what if the way we do them just adds stress? In my latest post, I explore how #budgeting for #rest, financially and personally, can help us recover what's been lost.

moneyarchitect.ca/budgeting-fo...

#PFCan #AdviceOnly #FinancialPlanning
A family of four enjoying a rejuvenating hike in Canada's mountains. They exemplify the budgeting for a vacation that is more about time together and restoration than exotic locations and busyness.
July 1, 2025 at 10:11 AM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
Health and finances are more connected than we admit. A serious diagnosis can derail not just well-being but also income, savings, and goals.

Planning ahead can soften the blow when life goes off course.

Read: moneyarchitect.ca/health-and-p...

#PFCan
A man in a hospital bed looking worriedly at his computer as he contemplates the impact of his health situation on his finances.
June 24, 2025 at 9:57 AM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
My latest #MoneyArchitectFinancialPlanning blog post explores the stories of fraternal twins, Jessica and Michael, whose respective risk-seeking and risk-averse investing behaviours reveal lessons about financial discipline. #adviceonly #FinancialPlanning #PFCan moneyarchitect.ca/twins-tensio...
Jessica and Michael, fraternal twins, frowning because they are experiencing the challenges of being extremely risk-seeking (Jessica) and risk-averse (MIchael) in their investing lives.
June 17, 2025 at 10:12 AM
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Daniel is thoughtful about where he puts his money. With Trump back in the headlines, he's wondering: should he keep investing in the U.S.? My new #MoneyArchitect blog post explores how politics and #investing intersect. #PFCan moneyarchitect.ca/should-i-inv...
Daniel, a UI/UX designer at a company in Calgary, AB, shown at work. He wonders whether he should keep his current allocation to U.S. equities given the recent actions of President Trump against the Canadian economy.
June 3, 2025 at 10:16 AM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
James and Sandra, both 65 and newly retired, are thinking through how to leave a well-structured estate for their beneficiaries. With $1.7 million in assets and cross-border complications, their story offers a strategic take on estate planning.
Read more here: moneyarchitect.ca/estate-plann...
James and Sandra, a newly retired couple in Winnipeg, Manitoba, are shown discussing their estate plan with a professional (not shown in this image).
May 27, 2025 at 9:59 AM
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If you have a #DefinedContribution (DC) pension through work, you’re not alone. But what does that actually mean?
My latest #MoneyArchitectFinancialPlanning blog walks through how DC plans work, your choices, and how to plan for retirement. #PFCan moneyarchitect.ca/understandin...
A photo full of coins representing the accumulated value of a defined contribution pension plan.
May 13, 2025 at 10:05 AM
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#Alternatives. #Commodities. #RealAssets. If you’re wondering whether these asset classes belong in your RRSP or TFSA, my latest #MoneyArchitect blog post breaks down what they are and why they’re gaining attention. moneyarchitect.ca/should-you-a... #adviceonly #financialplanning #PFCan
A middle-aged man Canadian man looking at his laptop and considering the option of whether to add alternatives and commodities to his investment portfolio.
May 6, 2025 at 10:07 AM
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A typical Canadian couple is entering retirement in 2025. What can their story teach us about balancing risk, income, and longevity? In my latest #MoneyArchitectFinancialPlanning post, I explore adding annuities to the retirement mix in a practical way. #PFCan moneyarchitect.ca/can-annuitie...
An image of green shoots emerging from a glass filled with coins.
April 29, 2025 at 10:07 AM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
We often hear “Max your #RRSP!" But is that always the best move?

In my new #MoneyArchitect blog post, I look at Karen and Michael & Sarah to explore who benefits most from RRSPs, and who might want to rethink them.

moneyarchitect.ca/should-you-m...

#AdviceOnly #FinancialPlanning #PFCan
Karen, a lower-income earner in Mission, BC, and MIchael & Sarah, an upper-middle-income earner couple in Stratford, ON.
April 22, 2025 at 10:11 AM
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The CPC's proposed “Canada First TFSA Top-Up” offers a $5,000 bonus for Canadian investments, but it raises big questions:
1. Will it help Canadian companies grow?
2. Could it worsen home bias for investors?
3. What are the long-term tax impacts?
Full blog here: moneyarchitect.ca/the-canada-f...
Two women having coffee while discussing the election in Canada and talking about the Conservative proposal for the "Canada First TFSA Top-Up."
April 15, 2025 at 9:54 AM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
Recent market volatility might have you questioning everything. In my latest #MoneyArchitect blog post, I explore how to stress-test your #InvestmentPlan, stay grounded in your goals, and avoid emotional traps. moneyarchitect.ca/how-investor... #AdviceOnly #FinancialPlanning #PFCan
A senior is looking at his laptop, stressing over the state of his investment portfolio following the recent market turbulence.
April 8, 2025 at 9:57 AM
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Hannah’s new tech job pays well but has no pension benefits. She decides to build her own by contributing to an RRSP and investing in a 2065 target date fund. Learn how you can create your own pension plan, even without employer support. moneyarchitect.ca/building-you... #retirementplanning
24-year-old Hannah sitting at her desk at her tech job.
March 25, 2025 at 10:08 AM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
For #seniors moving to a retirement community, emotional and financial considerations are paramount. This blog post shares how thoughtful planning helped Margaret embrace a new chapter with stability, support, and connection. #AdviceOnly #RetirementPlanning moneyarchitect.ca/where-do-i-g...
March 18, 2025 at 10:09 AM
russsawatsky.bsky.social
#Investing isn’t just about picking stocks—it’s about knowing what you can and cannot control. My latest blog breaks down key factors DIY investors should focus on for smarter, more confident decisions. Read more here: moneyarchitect.ca/what-investo... #AdviceOnly #FinancialPlanning
March 11, 2025 at 10:29 AM