Basic InvestorModule 12 · Plan in ranges
Retirement readiness is a process, not one magic number.
A useful plan connects income sources, spending, timing, housing, workplace plans, public benefits, health and the flexibility to adjust as life changes.
A repeatable framework
Separate the parts of the question.
- Income: What may come from work, public programs, workplace plans and personal savings?
- Spending: Which costs are essential, flexible, seasonal or likely to change?
- Timing: When could each income source begin, and what happens if the date changes?
- Risks: How could inflation, market returns, longevity, health or housing affect the range?
- Flexibility: Which decisions can be revisited, and what should be reviewed regularly?
A forecast is a tool for asking better questions. It is not a promise. Write down the assumptions and revisit them after meaningful life changes.
For personalized retirement, pension or tax decisions, use an appropriately qualified professional.
Private readiness checklist
Choose the next assumption to verify.
Save a short review plan without entering personal balances or sending anything to Basic Investor.
Primary references: Government of Canada: CPP and Old Age Security. Reviewed July 26, 2026.
Keep the plan alive.
Retirement readiness improves through regular review: update assumptions, check official program information and adjust contributions or timing when circumstances change.