How to Retire in 10 Years or Less

Overview:

Retirement planning doesn’t have to start in your 20s. If you’re a CPA in Canada and feeling behind, or know someone who is, this completely updated September 2025 edition of How to Retire in 10 Years or Less is your roadmap to financial freedom no matter your starting point.

Based on David Trahair’s bestselling book The Procrastinator’s Guide to Retirement, this course offers a step-by-step plan tailored for people who are ready to take control of their finances later in life. Whether you're in your 50s or just want a smarter strategy, you'll learn how to track your spending, optimize your investments, and leverage tax opportunities to build a secure retirement in a decade or less.

New for 2025:

Updated demos using Microsoft Copilot in Excel to automate financial analysis

Fresh insights on banking tools, credit card strategies, and reverse mortgages

Expanded coverage of retirement drawdown strategies, estate planning, and healthcare costs

Real-life case study: The Simpsons’ 10-year retirement journey, with downloadable spreadsheets

You’ll also receive free access to powerful Excel tools, including:

The Procrastinator’s Number Cruncher

RRSP vs Pay Down Debt Calculator

RRSP Needed for Mortgage Calculator

Estate Planning Record Keeper

Drawdown Risk and Annuity Return Calculators

Whether you’re drowning in debt or just unsure where to start, this course will give you clarity, confidence, and a practical plan to retire comfortably without sacrificing your lifestyle.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completing this course, you should be able to:

• Implement the most important step for personal finances: tracking your spending
• Optimize your retirement accumulation and drawdown strategy using a FREE spreadsheet
• Decide what is the best option: RRSPs, TFSAs, pay down debt or use a regular investment account using another FREE spreadsheet
• Appreciate all the different retirement funding sources including RRIFs, annuities, CPP and OAS
• Know all the advantages and disadvantages of RRIFs versus annuities
• Understand how to make use of the tax opportunities available during retirement
• Be cognizant of the risks of old age healthcare costs including what the government covers and what they don’t
• Be aware of the tax implications of death including probate fees
• Use a free online resource to you choose the right rewards credit card

Who Will Benefit: 

Individuals wishing to secure a comfortable retirement by optimizing their savings accumulation and drawdown strategies.