Everyone is different in how they approach retirement living. Just because you're retired with a healthy bank account doesn't mean you simply replace an old appliance because it's old if it still works. No need to upgrade any asset for a shinier new one BUT if it makes you happy then it's worth it. It comes down to the value you place on your decisions. We would like to leave some money for our kids when we both are gone but I'd rather help them out now when they have struggles than when they are older and don't need it. Currently we have enough money to pay our bills, do some traveling and still put some money in the kids TFSA's and/or pay for a trip any time they's like to come home for a visit. (one lives on the other side of Canada and the other lives in another continent). I think we all remember living paycheck to paycheck when we were young so if we can ease that stress a little now it's much better than leaving them a lump of cash after the struggles are in the rear view. Just my two cents.

On the news last year there was a report from Auditor General that roughly 80% of the information given out by phone by Revenue Canada agents was wrong!! So, even calling in for answers won't get you the correct information!

Is the S&P really better than the TSX? 10 year returns VDY-14.22%, VFV-15.11%. If my math is correct in 2025, $100,000 invested in each, VFV would have paid $1,016 in dividends and VDY would have paid $4,739. Add in taxes for a US holding as opposed to a Canadian holding...which is better???