{"id":1310,"date":"2021-07-26T15:20:02","date_gmt":"2021-07-26T22:20:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/?page_id=1310"},"modified":"2024-09-05T11:58:53","modified_gmt":"2024-09-05T18:58:53","slug":"what-is-rrif","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/investing\/what-is-rrif","title":{"rendered":"RRIF: How to Maximize Your Registered Retirement Income Fund"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"\">A registered retirement income fund, or RRIF, is one several powerful tax-deferred savings vehicles for Canadians. A RRIF is available to anyone with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/banking\/what-is-an-rrsp\">registered retirement savings plan (RRSP)<\/a> but is of particular interest to Canadians who&#8217;ve reached the age of 71.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is an RRIF?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">A RRIF is a federally registered account that can provide you with a steady stream of income from your retirement savings. It is essentially a continuation of your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/banking\/what-is-an-rrsp\">RRSP<\/a> and functions in much the same way. However, you can only make withdrawals from a RRIF; you can&#8217;t make deposits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How a RRIF works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">RRSPs are excellent vehicles for securing retirement savings, but they don\u2019t last forever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">You\u2019re required to convert your RRSP into an income-generating account, such as a RRIF or annuity, by the end of the year in which you turn 71. You can also choose to withdraw the balance, but this isn\u2019t typically recommended as the full amount will be taxed as income when you file your annual return.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">If you elect to turn your RRSP into an RRIF, you can keep your money in this tax-deferred account and avoid a large tax bill when you turn 71. Once your RRSP becomes an RRIF, you can no longer make contributions into the account and must withdraw a minimum amount starting the following year. That minimum withdrawal amount, which is taxable, is determined by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/tax\/businesses\/topics\/completing-slips-summaries\/t4rsp-t4rif-information-returns\/payments\/chart-prescribed-factors.html#nt_3\">Canada Revenue Agency<\/a> based on your age and account balance.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-lightest-blue-background-color has-background\">Let&#8217;s say you are 72 years old, your withdrawal rate is 5.4%, for example. If you have $100,000 in your RRIF, your minimum required withdrawal for that year would therefore be $5,400 ($100,000 x 0.054). You can set up monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual withdrawals, depending on your financial institution.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">You are allowed to take out more than the minimum amount, but you can never withdraw less than the legally required minimum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">While all RRIF withdrawals are added to your taxable income when you file your annual return, withdrawals in excess of the minimum amount will have some income tax withheld at the source and remitted to the CRA in advance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Don\u2019t worry if this seems to be overwhelming \u2014 your financial institution can calculate the amount owing for you on request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Since the amount you have to withdraw increases as you age, the government gives you the option of making withdrawals based on the age of your spouse or common-law partner if they\u2019re younger than you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-lightest-green-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"\">\ud83e\udd13 <strong>Nerdy Tip:<\/strong> You don\u2019t have to wait until you turn 71 to open an RRIF. You can convert an RRSP, or part of an RRSP, to a RRIF at any time before you turn 71. This can be a good option for those who retire in their 50s and 60s and are looking for a reliable source of income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">If you do elect to start an RRIF before you turn 71, you can figure out your annual minimum withdrawal rate using the following calculation: <strong>1 \u00f7 (90 &#8211; your age)<\/strong>. So, for example, at age 65, the withdrawal rate is 4.0% (1 \u00f7 25).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to open an RRIF<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">You can open an RRIF at any Canadian bank, trust company or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/banking\/what-is-a-credit-union\">credit union<\/a>. You can also start a RRIF with an insurance company, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/banking\/what-are-mutual-funds-in-canada\">mutual fund company<\/a> or an investment firm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">You can hold cash, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/banking\/best-gic-rates-in-canada\">GICs<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/investing\/what-is-a-stock\">stocks<\/a> and bonds, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/investing\/what-is-an-etf-in-investing\">ETFs<\/a> in your RRIF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The bank that holds your RRIF will help you set it up. The process is straightforward and the institution will help you fill out the paperwork. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Once you set up a RRIF, you will also be able to select how often you want to receive payments (i.e., monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually). You can also transfer a RRIF from one bank to another, but there may be a <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/14e74tr36SOX53b8VmnvXMZqLUZATVjdrA8VGC_YLMZY\/edit\">transfer fee<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions about RRIFs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nerdwallet-blocks-accordion\"><div class=\"c-block-accordion-wrapper\"><div class=\"c-block-accordion-list\"><div class=\"c-block-accordion-item\">\n\t<div class=\"c-block-accordion-item__header\">\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"c-block-accordion-item__title\">How many RRIFs can I have?<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 256\"><path d=\"M213.66,101.66l-80,80a8,8,0,0,1-11.32,0l-80-80A8,8,0,0,1,53.66,90.34L128,164.69l74.34-74.35a8,8,0,0,1,11.32,11.32Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"c-block-accordion-item__content\">\n\t\t\n<div class=\"wp-block-nerdwallet-blocks-accordion-item\">\n<p class=\"\">There are no limits on the number of RRIFs you can have. However, because you are required to receive minimum payments out of each RRIF account each year, it could become confusing and hard to manage if you hold too many RRIFs. Some experts recommend having just one RRIF for simplicity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><strong>\u00bb MORE: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1GzoWS546eZz3PNX4QW28cnq4WejCWi3bPqeVtH05fVE\/edit#\">Should you defer Old Age Security?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"c-block-accordion-item\">\n\t<div class=\"c-block-accordion-item__header\">\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"c-block-accordion-item__title\">What is a self-directed RRIF?<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 256\"><path d=\"M213.66,101.66l-80,80a8,8,0,0,1-11.32,0l-80-80A8,8,0,0,1,53.66,90.34L128,164.69l74.34-74.35a8,8,0,0,1,11.32,11.32Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"c-block-accordion-item__content\">\n\t\t\n<div class=\"wp-block-nerdwallet-blocks-accordion-item\">\n<p class=\"\">A self-directed RRIF is an account that lets you manage the investments within your RRIF on your own. It\u2019s generally suitable for more experienced investors who like to take a hands-on approach to investing and who like to buy and sell their own stocks, bonds and ETFs. It\u2019s important to note that not all investments may be eligible to form part of a RRIF and there could be serious tax consequences if you choose a non-qualifying investment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Concerning self-directed RRIFs, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/tax\/individuals\/topics\/rrsps-related-plans\/contributing-a-rrsp-prpp\/self-directed-rrsps.html\">the Government of Canada<\/a> website states that \u201cYou should pay particular attention to the type of investments you choose for the plan. If you buy non-qualified investments in your RRSP or RRIF, or if qualified investments held in your RRSP or RRIF become non-qualified, there are tax implications.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"c-block-accordion-item\">\n\t<div class=\"c-block-accordion-item__header\">\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"c-block-accordion-item__title\">How is my RRIF protected?<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 256\"><path d=\"M213.66,101.66l-80,80a8,8,0,0,1-11.32,0l-80-80A8,8,0,0,1,53.66,90.34L128,164.69l74.34-74.35a8,8,0,0,1,11.32,11.32Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"c-block-accordion-item__content\">\n\t\t\n<div class=\"wp-block-nerdwallet-blocks-accordion-item\">\n<p class=\"\">Any cash or term deposits (<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1gq--bRHeDrEa6w29iTdhJWGxalIzyHIkqLaRJqoc91E\/edit?usp=sharing\">such as GICs<\/a>) held in a RRIF account at a Canadian financial institution that is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/banking\/banking-what-is-cdic-deposit-insurance\">CDIC member<\/a> are protected up to $100,000 by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">If you have investments in a RRIF account with a financial institution or firm that is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund, they are covered by the CIPF for up to $1 million. Speak to your financial representative to ensure you know how your account is protected.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"c-block-accordion-item\">\n\t<div class=\"c-block-accordion-item__header\">\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"c-block-accordion-item__title\">What happens to my RRIF when I die?<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 256\"><path d=\"M213.66,101.66l-80,80a8,8,0,0,1-11.32,0l-80-80A8,8,0,0,1,53.66,90.34L128,164.69l74.34-74.35a8,8,0,0,1,11.32,11.32Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"c-block-accordion-item__content\">\n\t\t\n<div class=\"wp-block-nerdwallet-blocks-accordion-item\">\n<p class=\"\">If you don\u2019t name a beneficiary, the funds in your RRIF become part of your estate and will be taxed as income on your estate\u2019s final return. If you name a qualified beneficiary for your RRIF, such as a spouse or dependent child or grandchild, the value of the account can be transferred to the beneficiary\u2019s RRSP, RRIF or other registered account and no taxes are payable.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">If you name a non-qualified beneficiary, such as a sibling or adult child or grandchild, the beneficiary will receive the value of the RRIF account, but it is your estate, not the beneficiary, that must report that money as income for tax purposes. If you plan to name a non-qualified beneficiary, it\u2019s a good idea to seek advice from a financial professional.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nwb-authors nwb-authors__footer wp-block-nerdwallet-blocks-authors-card\">\n\t<div class=\"nwb-authors__wrapper\">\n\t\t<h4 class=\"nwb-authors__title\">\n\t\t\tAbout the Author\t\t<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"nwb-authors__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/author\/sandra-macgregor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"nwb-authors__image\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/Sandra-MacGregor-e1626212852416-100x100.jpg\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\twidth=\"120\" height=\"120\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"Sandra MacGregor photo\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/author\/sandra-macgregor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Sandra MacGregor<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"nwb-authors__bio\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Sandra MacGregor is a freelance writer who has been covering personal finance, investing and credit cards for over a decade. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications like&hellip;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/author\/sandra-macgregor\" title=\"Read more about Sandra MacGregor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Read more about Sandra MacGregor and explore their articles<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t<section class=\"c-block-card-grid container\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"c-block-card-grid__title\">\n\t\t\t\tDIVE EVEN DEEPER\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"c-block-card-grid-scroll column-four\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"c-block-card-grid-scroll__column\">\n<div id=\"post-1316\" class=\"c-block-card post-1316 page type-page status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry content-classification-investing topic-investing-basic cluster-retirement\">\n\t<div class=\"c-block-card__inner c-block-card__inner--large\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"c-block-card__image-wrapper\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/investing\/what-is-the-canada-pension-plan\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"460\" height=\"191\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/What-is-the-Canada-Pension-Plan-e1627403060153-460x191.jpg\" class=\"c-block-card__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"Canada Pension Plan (CPP): How to Contribute, Receive Benefits\" \/>\t<\/a><!-- .c-entry__thumbnail -->\n\t\t\t<div class=\"c-block-card__content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\n<h4 class=\"c-block-card__title\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/investing\/what-is-the-canada-pension-plan\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"c-block-card__title-link\">\n\t\tCanada Pension Plan (CPP): How to Contribute, Receive Benefits\t<\/a>\n<\/h4>\n\n\t<div class=\"c-block-card__content\">\n\t\t<p>The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a monthly social insurance payment for retired Canadians. The amount you receive is based on your average earnings, CPP contributions and age.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"c-block-card__authors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"nw-written-by-layout-inline\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"nw-written-by-layout-inline--wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/author\/sandra-macgregor\" class=\"author url fn\" rel=\"author\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/Sandra-MacGregor-e1626212852416-40x40.jpg\" class=\"avatar avatar-32 photo wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>Sandra MacGregor<\/a>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .c-card__content-wrapper -->\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><!-- #post-1316 -->\n<\/div><div class=\"c-block-card-grid-scroll__column\">\n<div id=\"post-4344\" class=\"c-block-card post-4344 page type-page status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry content-classification-banking topic-type-of-banking-accounts cluster-registered-banking-products\">\n\t<div class=\"c-block-card__inner c-block-card__inner--large\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"c-block-card__image-wrapper\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/banking\/best-high-interest-rrsp\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"460\" height=\"191\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/02\/GettyImages-1277773881-e1645655618229-460x191.jpg\" class=\"c-block-card__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"Best RRSP Accounts and Rates in Canada for 2025\" \/>\t<\/a><!-- .c-entry__thumbnail -->\n\t\t\t<div class=\"c-block-card__content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\n<h4 class=\"c-block-card__title\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/banking\/best-high-interest-rrsp\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"c-block-card__title-link\">\n\t\tBest RRSP Accounts and Rates in Canada for 2025\t<\/a>\n<\/h4>\n\n\t<div class=\"c-block-card__content\">\n\t\t<p>Use these high-interest RRSPs to make contributions in the short term before deciding how to invest your retirement funds in the long term. <\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"c-block-card__authors\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .c-card__content-wrapper -->\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><!-- #post-4344 -->\n<\/div><div class=\"c-block-card-grid-scroll__column\">\n<div id=\"post-3044\" class=\"c-block-card post-3044 page type-page status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry content-classification-investing topic-investing-basic cluster-retirement\">\n\t<div class=\"c-block-card__inner c-block-card__inner--large\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"c-block-card__image-wrapper\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/investing\/how-much-money-to-retire\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"460\" height=\"192\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/12\/GettyImages-969583658-e1639423091384-460x192.jpg\" class=\"c-block-card__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"Here&#8217;s How Much Money You Need To Retire\" \/>\t<\/a><!-- .c-entry__thumbnail -->\n\t\t\t<div class=\"c-block-card__content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\n<h4 class=\"c-block-card__title\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/investing\/how-much-money-to-retire\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"c-block-card__title-link\">\n\t\tHere&#8217;s How Much Money You Need To Retire\t<\/a>\n<\/h4>\n\n\t<div class=\"c-block-card__content\">\n\t\t<p>Common guidance is to save enough money to have 70% of your income available each year for 25 years of retirement.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"c-block-card__authors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"nw-written-by-layout-inline\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"nw-written-by-layout-inline--wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/author\/hannah-logan\" class=\"author url fn\" rel=\"author\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/Hannah-Logan-e1626212867388-40x40.jpg\" class=\"avatar avatar-32 photo wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>Hannah Logan<\/a>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .c-card__content-wrapper -->\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><!-- #post-3044 -->\n<\/div><div class=\"c-block-card-grid-scroll__column\">\n<div id=\"post-6615\" class=\"c-block-card post-6615 page type-page status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry content-classification-banking topic-type-of-banking-accounts cluster-guaranteed-investment-certificates-gic\">\n\t<div class=\"c-block-card__inner c-block-card__inner--large\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"c-block-card__image-wrapper\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/banking\/gic-rrsp-explained\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"460\" height=\"198\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/05\/GettyImages-1314779118-e1653488399747-460x198.jpg\" class=\"c-block-card__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"RRSP GIC: A Way to Invest In Your Retirement\" \/>\t<\/a><!-- .c-entry__thumbnail -->\n\t\t\t<div class=\"c-block-card__content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\n<h4 class=\"c-block-card__title\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/banking\/gic-rrsp-explained\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"c-block-card__title-link\">\n\t\tRRSP GIC: A Way to Invest In Your Retirement\t<\/a>\n<\/h4>\n\n\t<div class=\"c-block-card__content\">\n\t\t<p>Your registered retirement savings plan can hold guaranteed investment certificates. Putting a GIC in an RRSP has tax benefits that may boost your retirement savings.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"c-block-card__authors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"nw-written-by-layout-inline\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"nw-written-by-layout-inline--wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/author\/hannah-logan\" class=\"author url fn\" rel=\"author\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/Hannah-Logan-e1626212867388-40x40.jpg\" class=\"avatar avatar-32 photo wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>Hannah Logan<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/author\/clay-jarvis\" class=\"author url fn\" rel=\"author\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/IMG_20220329_114424-150x150.jpg\" class=\"avatar avatar-32 photo wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>Clay Jarvis<\/a>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .c-card__content-wrapper -->\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><!-- #post-6615 -->\n<\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Avoid a large tax bill when you turn 71 by converting your RRSP retirement savings into retirement income with a RRIF.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1311,"parent":2483,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/article-sidebar.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_is_hidden":false,"apple_news_is_paid":false,"apple_news_is_preview":false,"apple_news_is_sponsored":false,"apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"middle","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":"[\"https:\\\/\\\/news-api.apple.com\\\/sections\\\/258a2d7c-962b-47be-93aa-4e3a3f4b4a02\"]","apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":"","_nw_pros_cons_block_schema":""},"content-classification":[35],"topic":[112],"cluster":[265],"pp_author":[24],"acf":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Retiring Soon? Use an RRIF to Maximize Your Savings - NerdWallet Canada<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A RRIF is a registered retirement income fund that keeps your RRSP savings tax-sheltered and safe. It helps convert retirement savings into income.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/investing\/what-is-rrif\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Retiring Soon? Use an RRIF to Maximize Your Savings - NerdWallet Canada\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A RRIF is a registered retirement income fund that keeps your RRSP savings tax-sheltered and safe. 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