A Practical Way to Learn the Basics of Retirement Planning
At Common Wealth, we see how committed our members are to building a secure financial future. On average, members log in to their account more than 15 times a year – which shows a clear intent to take control of their path to retirement.
Yet we often hear from members who feel uncertain about retirement planning, even when they have access to high-quality group retirement plans. And they’re not alone. Across Canada, many people share these same concerns.
Retirement uncertainty remains a widespread issue in Canada. Nearly 9 in 10 Canadians don’t have a formal retirement plan. Almost half are worried about outliving their savings, and more than half either aren’t saving at all or don’t know if they’re saving enough for retirement (CIBC polls from 2018, 2023, and 2025).
These numbers reflect a widespread need for practical, accessible answers to some of the common questions Canadians are asking, such as:
- When should I retire?
- How much do I need to save?
- What’s the difference between an RRSP and a TFSA?
To support Canadians who feel uncertain or unprepared for retirement, or simply want to make more informed decisions, we created the Guide to Retirement video series.
Designed specifically for Common Wealth members and led by our own team, the series breaks down through short videos key concepts around saving and investing in a clear, approachable way. It also helps you understand how your Common Wealth plan can support your long-term retirement goals.
This series is rooted in the real questions we get every day from members. We’ve distilled years of experience, retirement research, platform insights, and frontline conversations, into a practical, accessible learning experience.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to feel more confident about your retirement goals, these short videos offer a practical, flexible way to build your knowledge at your own pace.
Modules Available Now
The first three modules are now available in your Common Wealth plan:
- Planning Your Retirement Journey
- Retirement Foundations
- Setting a Retirement Age
- Estimating Your Retirement Income
- Longevity and Planning for the Future
- Other Sources of Retirement Income
- Your Retirement Readiness Score
- Understanding Retirement Savings Accounts
- Making the Most of Your Savings Accounts
- How RRSPs Work
- How TFSAs Work
- RRSPs vs. TFSAs
- Savings Accounts Recap
- Smart Investment Decisions
- A Simple Approach to Investing for Retirement
- Don’t Just Save, Invest
- The Power of Time: Compounding Growth
- Building a Smart Investment Strategy
- Staying the Course: Avoiding Emotional Investing
- Keeping the Long View: Monitoring Performance
Coming September 2025: Modules 4, 5 and 6 will cover life events, account consolidation and preparing for retirement income, expanding the series to support you through every stage of your retirement journey.
How to Get Started
If you’re a Common Wealth member, log in to your account and head to the “Learn” tab to start watching.
Not a member yet but getting close to launching your plan? Take a look here to see what’s coming your way.
The videos are:
- Supportive and Clear: These videos break down important financial concepts in a way that’s clear and easy to follow.
- Relevant to Your Plan: Each lesson is grounded in the features and tools available through your Common Wealth plan.
- Created In-House: You’ll hear from the same team that designs and supports your retirement plan.
- Focused and Flexible: Watch 1–2 minute videos at your own pace, whenever it’s convenient for you.
Need Help Applying It to Your Situation?
If you’d like to talk through how these lessons apply to your plan, book a plan review with one of our retirement specialists. Whether you’re just starting or adjusting your goals, we’re here to support you with practical, personalized guidance.
