A review in the fall gives you something a January review can't — time to act on what you find.

This episode covers a full check-up: a cash flow review using the categorization your bank has already done, a realistic approach to emergency savings, and the registered accounts with December 31 deadlines. That includes the FHSA, where room only starts building once the account is open, RESP grant timelines that end sooner than most people expect, the RDSP match, and TFSA withdrawal timing that can cost or save you a year of contribution room.

We also get into RRSP contribution versus deduction timing, tax-loss harvesting and the superficial loss rule, and how to fund holiday spending over the next 15 weeks rather than in December.

Four months is enough time to make a few of these decisions well.

Informational purposes only — not legal, tax, or financial advice.

Downsizing in retirement sounds simple — sell the big house, buy something smaller, pocket the difference. In reality, it's one of the most emotional and financially complex decisions Canadians face. In this episode, Ben Davies sits down with real estate agent Alyssa Ismail, mortgage brokers Rob and Sandra Zanet, and real estate & estate lawyer Sebastian Schmoranz for a 360-degree look at what it really takes to make the right move — and the costly mistakes people make when they try to go it alone.

In this episode:

• Rent vs. own in retirement — including the landlord risk most people never think about
• The hidden costs that quietly turn a "downsize" into an accidental upgrade
• Carrying a mortgage into your 70s, 80s, and beyond — and when it actually makes sense
• Reverse mortgages: how they really work, who they're for, and what to watch out for
• Estate myths that cost families dearly — probate, putting your kids on title, and joint bank accounts
• Multi-generational living and ADUs: the pros, the tax traps, and the cleanest way to set it up

In Part 2 of our 2026 Real Estate Round Table, we are diving deep into the essential programs and strategies you need to know if you're looking to enter the housing market. We are once again joined by our incredible local expert panel: Sebastian Schmoranz (Lawyer, Kingsville), Alyssa Ismail (Real Estate Agent, Windsor Essex), and Rob & Sandra Zanet (Mortgage Brokers, Indi Mortgage Co.).

In this episode, we cover: • Navigating the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) • Leveraging the RRSP Homebuyers’ Plan • Breaking down the new Federal/Provincial HST rebate for new home builds and significant renovations

Important FHSA Note: While contribution room accumulates when you open an FHSA, you can only contribute a maximum of $16,000 in any given year ($8,000 for the current year plus $8,000 carried forward). Keep this in mind if your strategy is simply to open the account to let the room build!

If you missed Part 1 covering our comprehensive Windsor Essex real estate market update, be sure to go back and give it a listen.

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