:: Investment Services :: >> Retirement Planning

AS YOU get closer to retirement, your investment objectives change. Not only is your investment time horizon shorter, but you may need to draw on your savings to replace employment income and supplement other sources of retirement income. To meet these changing objectives, you may want to shift the emphasis in your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), from long-term growth and capital accumulation, to income, liquidity, and capital preservation. Keep the following in mind when adjusting your asset mix.

Cash and cash equivalents. A certain amount of liquid assets is needed for security. Remember, however, that highly secure assets (such as cash and money market funds) provide lower returns and are vulnerable to inflation.

Fixed income. Whether you are a conservative, moderate, or aggressive investor, fixed-income investments can provide income stability and help preserve your RRSP capital. They are generally less volatile and help offset the higher risks associated with equities.

Equities. While it may occupy a smaller proportion of your total plan as retirement draws closer, an equity component remains vital, especially since your retirement could easily span 20 years or more. Equities provide the long-term inflation protection and growth you need to meet your retirement objectives.

Professional advice can help you fine-tune or reallocate your RRSP investments as you head into retirement. If you would like to learn more about this strategy or similar Giroux planning methodologies - visit this area often for updates or call us to book a personal strategy session.

Manulife Securities Investment Services Inc. is registered as a Mutual Fund Dealer, or its equivalent, with the provincial securities commissions and as such our Advisors are entitled to sell mutual funds and other approved securities as permitted under our registration. They may also be able to provide other services or products to you through their own business. As a member of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada ("MFDA"), Manulife Securities Investment Services Inc. is obligated to disclose to you that you may be dealing with companies other than Manulife Securities Investment Services Inc. when purchasing services or products from your Associate (remuneration to your Associate may also come from various sources depending on the services or products purchased). For example, your Associate may offer any one or more of the following through a separate business, which would not be the responsibility of Manulife Securities Investment Services Inc.:

* Deposit Instruments: GICs, Canada Savings Bonds;
* Fee for Service Financial Planning; * Estate Planning;
* Tax Planning or Income Tax Preparation;
* Insurance: Life, Accident, Sickness, Disability, General.

Please be sure that you have a clear understanding of which company you are dealing with for each of your services and products. Your Associate would be happy to provide any clarification you require.

The information contained herein is for Canadian residents only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation in any jurisdiction in which Manulife Securities or its Advisors are not appropriately licensed or registered or where any Product or Service is not eligible for sale. Details are available on request.