Although it may be about average for a male, 71 seems awfully young to die. Particularly with medical technology improving all the time. I like to assume I'm going to live until 85 when planning retirement, as I don't really want to be a destitute senior living on social assistance.

I agree with you in principle; however, I have family history of diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. I have also been more than 50 pounds overweight for about half of my life so far (I'm 27). I don't see myself living into my 80s. :)

I was also wondering about your girlfriend's retirement plans. Is she putting cash into an RRSP too, or are your retirement savings going to cover both of you? Or are you keeping your financial/retirement plans separate? Is she interested in RE or will she continue working? As for the $25K/year withdrawal, is that for the two of you or just your half of the expenses?

She is still paying off debts: student loans. For now, we are keeping our plans separate. She has opted to enjoy her job for less money now rather than find a high-paying, less-fulfilling job for the time it takes to pay off her loans. At present, my plans would be sufficient only for me, but I could easily expand my plans to include her and let her work her way out of debt.

She is definitely the type to keep working. :)

<jbrains>