I’m Susan Mitchell
I Found Conservative Growth That Actually Works
Susan Mitchell sat at her kitchen table with her retirement planning binder, feeling overwhelmed by the maze of RRIF options and segregated fund brochures scattered before her. At 58, she was transitioning from her HR career to part-time consulting, but the financial decisions felt more complex than ever. “How do I know I won’t outlive my money?” she wondered, staring at conflicting advice about conservative versus growth investments.
The Challenge…
With a $90,000 household income and decades of careful saving, Susan was in better shape than many for retirement. But as a former HR Manager, she’d seen too many colleagues struggle financially in their later years despite having “good” retirement plans. The abundance of investment options – RRIFs, segregated funds, annuities – felt overwhelming, especially with conflicting advice about risk tolerance and tax implications.
“I want to be conservative, but I also need my money to last 30 years,” she told her financial planner during their annual review. “Everything I read says inflation will eat away at fixed income. But I can’t afford to lose money in market downturns either. How do I balance safety with growth?”
Her biggest fear was making the wrong decision now and paying for it throughout retirement.The Breaking Point…
Sitting at her kitchen table, Susan calculated her projected expenses against various RRIF withdrawal scenarios and felt her stomach drop. Even with her pension and savings, the numbers were tighter than she’d hoped. “I need my investments to work harder,” she realized, “but I can’t stomach the risk of major losses.”
Finding Saphira…
I discovered Saphira through a retirement planning workshop at my local community center. The presenter’s focus on guaranteed income and downside protection resonated immediately with me. “Finally,” I thought, “someone who understands that retirees need different solutions than 30-year-olds.” When I met with Saphira’s advisor, I was relieved by the conversation’s focus on security and predictability, including the role of RRIFs.
The Solution…
Saphira’s advisor built a strategy around Susan’s need for both growth and guarantees
Segregated Funds
Segregated Funds became the cornerstone of her retirement income strategy. “These give you professional investment management with built-in guarantees,” their advisor explained. “Your principal is protected from market losses, but you can still participate in market growth. It’s the perfect balance for someone in your situation.”
Universal Life Insurance
Universal Life Insurance provided tax-efficient wealth transfer planning. “This ensures you can leave something meaningful to your loved ones while potentially accessing cash value if needed,” the advisor noted. “Plus, the death benefit is tax-free to your beneficiaries.”
RRIF optimization
RRIF optimization maximized her tax efficiency. “We’ll structure your withdrawals to minimize tax impact while ensuring you meet government requirements,” their advisor said. “The goal is to keep more money in your pocket throughout retirement.”
Retirement income planning
Retirement income planning created a predictable monthly cash flow. “We’ll coordinate all your income sources – pension, investments, government benefits – to create a steady paycheck in retirement,” the advisor assured her.
The Difference…
I chose Saphira because they really know retirement planning, understanding complex tools like RRIF, and tailoring them to specific needs.
They understand that retirement planning isn’t about getting rich – it’s about staying comfortable and secure, I said after implementing my strategy.
Peace of Mind…
Three years into retirement, Susan enjoys the financial confidence she was seeking. Her segregated funds have provided modest growth while protecting her principal, and her structured income plan ensures she never worries about monthly expenses. “I sleep well knowing my money is protected but still working for me,” Susan reflects. “I’m not trying to beat the market – I just want to maintain my lifestyle and leave something for my family. That’s exactly what this plan delivers.” When friends ask about retirement planning, Susan always says, “Find someone who specializes in retirees and understands that our priorities are different. Security, including proper RRIF management, matters more than spectacular returns.”