Strategies

Proven Strategies That Actually Work

At Sage Collaborative Financial Planning, the most rewarding part of our work is making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. A close second is discovering — and correctly implementing — financial strategies that truly work.

For experienced financial planners, effective strategies aren’t just interesting — they’re deeply satisfying. Especially when they help clients achieve security, freedom, and peace of mind.

Expertise You Can Trust

Some strategies require a high level of expertise to implement properly. One of the strategies Sage Collaborative Financial Planning is best known for is the Smith Manoeuvre.

After helping hundreds of clients implement the Smith Manoeuvre over many years, our team has seen firsthand what works — and what doesn’t. During its peak popularity between 2005 and 2008, the Smith Manoeuvre was heavily marketed and often implemented incorrectly. The financial market crash of 2008 became the ultimate test.

Clients who implemented the strategy properly — and stayed disciplined long term — are now in strong financial positions.

The Smith Manoeuvre does work — but only when:

  • It’s used by the right people
  • Implemented correctly
  • Maintained with discipline over time

More Than One Strategy

Contrary to popular belief, the Smith Manoeuvre is not a single strategy.

There are seven distinct categories of Smith Manoeuvre strategies, each with multiple implementation approaches. When used correctly, they offer a powerful toolbox for the right households — but they are only one part of a much broader strategic framework.

They’re not even the only — or necessarily the most powerful — strategies we use.

More Than One Strategy

Our Strategic Focus Areas

On this page, Sage Collaborative Financial Planning explores a wide range of advanced planning strategies, including:

Advanced Wealth‑Building Strategies

  • The 7 Smith Manoeuvre Strategies – One of the only comprehensive sources covering all seven categories
  • Rempel Maximum – A structured process designed to build maximum wealth in a disciplined, reliable way
  • Lifecycle Investing – A powerful strategy for Millennials and long‑term investors that reduces risk by diversifying across time
    (Sometimes referred to as “the Smith Manoeuvre for renters” or “for Millennials”)

Retirement & Income Optimization

  • 8‑Year GIS Strategy – A highly effective approach that can provide up to $105,000 of tax‑free government income for eligible individuals in their early 60s without large government pensions
  • Clawback strategies for seniors
  • Tax‑efficient income strategies for retirees, including TFSA vs RRSP decisions later in life

Business Owners & Incorporated Professionals

  • Dividend and corporate strategies to optimize taxation
  • Converting income to the right type using corporate structures
  • “Cash Dam” Strategy — Using non‑incorporated business or rental income to make mortgage interest tax deductible

Tax‑Efficiency Strategies

  • RRSP Gross‑Up Strategy — Increase RRSP contributions by up to 67% without increasing cash flow needs
  • Optimizing tax deductions based on marginal tax brackets each year
  • Advanced tax‑reduction strategies for high‑income earners

Strategies for Seniors & High‑Tax Situations

  • Maximizing Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
  • Minimizing clawbacks — often a larger issue than income tax
  • Addressing difficult issues such as “Millionaire Seniors Living in Poverty”

In Depth Strategic Articles

Sage Collaborative Financial Planning has developed extensive educational resources covering these strategies, including:

  • The Smith Manoeuvre — Making your mortgage interest tax deductible
  • Smith Manoeuvre: Converting Your Mortgage to Deductible Interest
  • Smith Manoeuvre (Video Explanation)
  • Rempel Maximum
  • 8‑Year GIS Strategy
  • TFSA, RRSP, or Both?
  • The Optimal RRSP/TFSA Contribution Strategy
  • 7 Steps to Determine Your Optimal RRSP/TFSA Allocation
  • Case Study: Optimizing RRSP vs TFSA Contributions
  • Clawback Strategies for Seniors
  • TFSA vs RRSP: Taxation & Clawbacks in Retirement
  • Top 5 Asset Allocation Strategies
  • Lifecycle Investing: Diversifying Across Time
  • Is 100% Tax‑Efficient Investing Possible?

Strategy Alone Isn’t Enough

Every strategy has strict suitability criteria. What works exceptionally well for one person may be inappropriate — or even harmful — for another.

At Sage Collaborative Financial Planning, strategies are never applied in isolation. They are evaluated within the context of a comprehensive, personalized Financial Plan designed around your life goals, risk tolerance, tax situation, and long‑term objectives.