How to build a million-dollar retirement if you’re already 50

If you’re earning six figures or more, solely focusing on budgeting might not be the most effective financial strategy. As your income increases, the principles of personal finance evolve. Here’s how high earners can manage their wealth efficiently:

Understanding High Earners

A high-income earner generally falls into the top 95th percentile or higher for their age group. According to Statistics Canada, as of 2021, the after-tax earnings for the top 95th percentile by age are:

• Ages 20 – 24: $50,000 or more
• Ages 25 – 29: $76,000 or more
• Ages 30 – 34: $94,000 or more
• Ages 35 – 39: $108,000 or more
• Ages 40 – 44: $118,000 or more
• Ages 45 – 49: $126,000 or more
• Ages 50 – 54: $128,000 or more

If you fall into this category, you’re statistically a high-income earner.

Redefining Financial Priorities

For those in lower income brackets or struggling with monthly expenses, budgeting can help manage finances and build savings. However, high earners should focus on strategic investment strategies to compound their wealth over time, while still maintaining some basic budgeting practices.

Beyond Basic Budgeting

High earners should elevate their financial strategies to maximize returns. This involves active wealth management, large-scale investments, estate planning, and tax strategies that significantly impact overall wealth accumulation.

Time Versus Money

For high earners, time is often more valuable than money. Traditional budgeting can be time-consuming and might offer only marginal benefits compared to investing time in finding new investment opportunities. Utilizing financial tools and services to streamline or automate money management can free up time for pursuing larger opportunities.

Strategic Investments

High earners have access to various investment opportunities that can yield significant returns. Some popular investment strategies include:

• Real Estate: Investing in commercial properties, land, or real estate investment trusts (REITs)
• Stock Market: Building a diversified portfolio of dividend-paying stocks or investing in exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
• Private Equity: Investing directly in private companies for higher potential returns
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): Purchasing a GIC from banks for a guaranteed return over a set period

Balancing high-risk/high-reward investments with lower-risk/lower-reward investments is a smart strategy, depending on your risk tolerance.

Wealth Management Strategies

Many intelligent investors employ skilled financial advisors for a second opinion or to streamline their wealth management. Financial advisors provide personalized advice tailored to individual financial situations and goals. Periodic portfolio audits by advisors can help minimize risk exposure while maximizing long-term profits. Fee-for-service planners, who charge a one-time fee for their services, can be a wise choice.

Tax Optimization

Canada’s progressive tax system means higher income results in a higher tax rate. However, high earners can reduce their tax liability by investing in retirement, their communities, and taking advantage of legal tax breaks. Tax optimization strategies include:

• Deferral Techniques: Utilizing retirement accounts and other tax-deferral options to reduce taxable income
• Income Splitting: Distributing income among family members in lower tax brackets to reduce the overall tax burden
• Investment in Tax-Efficient Vehicles: Choosing investments that offer tax advantages, such as RRSP retirement accounts or claiming deductions on business or real estate investments

Estate Planning

Wealthy individuals often optimize their estate planning to ensure their wealth stays within their family. Working with a skilled estate planner to create and execute a will is crucial. Increasing income to a level where comfortable investing becomes possible is often the first step for many.

By focusing on these broader financial strategies, high earners can maximize their wealth and save time.