Re-examining pension plans for professionals with Jason Pereira
Jun 20, 2024
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In this conversation, Jason Pereira, an award-winning financial planner with deep expertise in pension strategies, discusses Individual Pension Plans (IPP) and their benefits for professionals. He explains the distinctions between defined benefit and defined contribution plans and identifies who is best suited for an IPP. Jason also highlights common financial mistakes among business owners and the potential improvements in Canada’s financial planning landscape. Additionally, he shares insights on the importance of continuous learning and personal growth in achieving financial success.
The Individual Pension Plan (IPP) is a defined benefit plan tailored for incorporated professionals over 40, offering significant tax advantages and retirement benefits.
Understanding the differences between defined benefit and defined contribution plans is essential, as DB plans, like the IPP, guarantee retirement income based on salary and service history.
Navigating the pension landscape requires consulting experienced financial planners to understand the complexities and choose the right retirement strategy based on individual needs.
Deep dives
Understanding Individual Pension Plans (IPP)
An individual pension plan (IPP) is a type of defined benefit plan specifically available for incorporated professionals over the age of 40 who pay themselves a salary. Contributions to the IPP are determined by the salary taken and the number of years of service within the corporation. This form of pension plan allows funds to grow tax-sheltered, making it an attractive option for those looking to enhance their retirement benefits. However, IPPs also come with setup and maintenance costs that should be accounted for when considering their viability.
Comparison of Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans
There are critical differences between defined benefit plans, like the IPP, and defined contribution plans. While defined contributions specify the amount contributed without guaranteeing payouts, defined benefits promise a specific retirement income based on factors such as salary and years of service. Typically, defined benefit plans, including the IPP, can lead to significantly larger contributions for individuals, especially those entering their 40s. This often results in greater tax deductions, which makes IPPs a potentially more lucrative option for retirement planning.
Ideal Candidates for an IPP
The ideal candidates for an IPP typically include business owners or incorporated professionals earning at or above a certain income threshold and who have sufficient cash flow to maintain the pension. Those around the age of 40 are usually encouraged to consider an IPP because this is when the benefits of the plan align well with increased contributions. Key to this decision is also the person's history of earnings and whether they can fully utilize their RRSP limits first. It's essential for candidates to carefully evaluate their financial situation and retirement ambitions prior to committing to an IPP.
The Role of Actuaries in IPPs
Actuaries are vital in determining the financial viability of IPPs, calculating how much must be contributed based on expected returns and future payouts. They assess the historical earnings and years of service to provide a precise contribution schedule that aligns with defined retirement benefits. If investments underperform, actuaries can advise on additional contributions to stay on track with retirement goals. This level of detailed financial oversight highlights the IPP's complexity and why it’s not a product to be entered lightly.
Navigating Pension Planning
Navigating the pension landscape involves understanding the distinct rules and options regarding pension plans, such as IPPs and retirement compensation arrangements (RCAs). Given the diversity of retirement plans, it is crucial for individuals to seek advice from experienced financial planners who can consider their specific needs. Potential candidates are encouraged to consult multiple sources to ensure they comprehend the advantages and limitations of each pension type before making a financial commitment. A comprehensive understanding of these options can significantly influence retirement savings effectiveness.
Today I'm thrilled to welcome Jason Pereira, award winning financial planner to the show to re-explore pension plans for professionals. The focus is on the IPP, the individual pension plan.
Discussion Points: - Individual Pension Plan (IPP) overview (2:40) - Jason's background (5:25) - key definitions - defined benefit (DB) & defined contribution (DC) pensions (6:10) - how is the DB of an IPP calculated? (7:18) - When to start an IPP? Thoughts on waiting longer & reducing fees (11:20) - Who is the ideal candidate for an IPP? (14:08) - Is there an income threshold below which an IPP makes no sense? (16:25) - Is there a ceiling to the DB? (18:05) - Jason's thoughts on the RCA (21:02) - IPP vs PPP (26:00) - Does is make sense to place conservative assets inside the DB component? (30:33) - Is the contribution amount similar across different pension types? (32:28) - Navigating the pension landscape (32:50) - IPP vs RRSP & Spousal RRSP (34:30) - IPP vs investing in a corporation with new cap gains rules (35:15)) - Common mistakes professionals & business owners are making (37:45) - Improvements upcoming to financial planning in Canada (42:26)) - The most valuable lesson Jason has learned (50:00)