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It's Your Money  

Financial planning for veterans

Money advice for veterans

Canadian veterans have dedicated their lives to serving their country, often facing unique challenges, both during and after their service.

When it comes to financial and retirement planning, veterans face distinct circumstances that require careful consideration. This column delves into the unique financial planning and retirement challenges that Canadian veterans encounter and offers tips on how to approach retirement planning effectively.

Here are some of the unique challenges veterans may face in their financial planning and some tips on how to deal with them:

Military pension system—Canadian veterans are eligible for various pension programs, depending on their years of service and the type of service rendered. However, understanding the intricacies of the military pension system can be challenging. Veterans must navigate through different options, such as the Canadian Armed Forces Pension Plan (CAFPP), the Reserve Force Pension Plan, and the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act (commonly known as the New Veterans Charter). Each program has its rules, benefits, and eligibility criteria, making it essential for veterans to seek expert advice to make informed decisions about their pensions. Ideally, reach out to a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional that has specific expertise in veteran planning.

Transitioning to civilian life—One of the most significant challenges veterans face is transitioning from military life to civilian life. This transition can be abrupt and overwhelming, impacting veterans' employment prospects, financial stability, and overall well-being. Finding suitable civilian employment can be challenging, especially if the skills acquired during military service do not directly translate to the civilian job market. This transition period may lead to income instability, making retirement planning even more critical. The quicker they can formulate a plan, update education or certifications as needed and engage with organizations that support these transitions the better.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and mental health—Many Canadian veterans struggle with mental health issues, including PTSD, as a result of their service experiences. These conditions can affect their ability to work, save and plan for retirement. Access to mental health services and ongoing treatment is crucial for veterans' well-being and their ability to address financial and retirement planning challenges.

Physical disabilities and health concerns—Service-related injuries and disabilities can impact veterans' ability to work and generate income, potentially leading to reduced retirement savings. Health concerns may require costly medical treatments and accommodations, which can significantly impact financial planning. It's essential for veterans to consider these factors when planning for retirement. The Canadian government has numerous tax programs for those with disabilities and they need to make sure they fully understand them and make full use of what is available.

Leverage supportive resources—Canadian veterans have access to various resources and organizations dedicated to helping them navigate financial and retirement challenges. They include Veterans Affairs Canada, Military Family Resource Centers, and veteran support groups. They should use those resources for guidance, information and support. Canadian veterans face unique financial planning and retirement challenges as a result of their service to the country. By seeking professional guidance, starting early and leveraging available resources, veterans can create a secure and fulfilling retirement that reflects their dedication and sacrifice in service to Canada.

On a personal note, I want to thank each and every veteran and current member of the military for their service!

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

Brett Millard is vice-president and a member of the executive leadership team at FP Canada, the national professional body for the financial planning industry. A not-for-profit organization, FP Canada works in the public interest to foster better financial health for all Canadians by leading the advancement of professional financial planning in Canada. 

He has worked in the financial advice industry for more than 15 years and is designated as a chartered investment manager (CIM) and is a certified financial planner (CFP).

He has written a weekly financial planning column since 2012 and provides his readers with easy to understand explanations of the complex financial challenges they face in every stage of life. Enhancing the financial literacy of Canadian consumers is a top priority for Brett and his ongoing efforts as a finance writer focus on that initiative. 

Please let Brett know if you have any topics you’d like him to cover in future columns ,or if you’d like a referral to a qualified CFP professional in your area, by emailing him at [email protected].

 



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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