Methodology
How The Advanced Quebec Retirement Decision Tool Works
This tool models retirement as a year-by-year income decision, not a single target number. It combines public benefits, pensions, savings accounts, estimated tax, and withdrawal order to show where the plan is strong or fragile.
- Uses manual RRQ/QPP, OAS, pension, part-time work, and other income timing so you can match official estimates.
- Separates RRSP/LIRA, TFSA, non-registered accounts, and cash because each source can affect after-tax income differently.
- Estimates Quebec and federal tax, OAS recovery tax, bridge years before public benefits, and extra savings needed to close a gap.
- Stress-tests the decision with earlier/later retirement, lower returns, higher inflation, and delayed public benefits.
FAQ
Why is this a décision tool instead of a calculator?
The useful answer is not one number. The decision depends on timing, income sources, tax drag, account mix, withdrawal order, and whether weak years appear before or after public benefits start.
Does it calculate my exact RRQ or OAS?
No. Enter your own estimates from official statements or government calculators. This tool focuses on how those income streams interact with the rest of the plan.
Are the tax results exact?
No. The tax model uses simplified 2026 Quebec and federal assumptions. It excludes many credits, deductions, premiums, pension splitting rules, GIS, and special situations.