Use savings earlier
Portfolio withdrawals can bridge the gap, but early withdrawals may increase sequence-of-returns pressure.
Focused decision guide
What happens in the years before CPP or OAS begins?
Retiring before benefits begin can create bridge years. Savings, a pension, part-time work or another source may need to cover more of the monthly paycheque during that period.
Understand the choice
What changes—and what you give up.
Add temporary income
Part-time work or a temporary pension can reduce early withdrawals, while changing the retirement experience.
Change benefit timing
Earlier benefits provide income sooner; later benefits may be higher. Use official estimates for the ages compared.
Before comparing
The assumptions that matter most.
- Retirement age and each benefit start age
- Official CPP and OAS estimates where available
- Temporary work, pension or other bridge income
- Savings available and monthly spending during bridge years
Test the question
Use the guide with a planning tool.
The timeline keeps bridge income and later benefits separate. It does not calculate benefit eligibility or tax.