Our methodology
RetireBridge is built around one question: what must a household review before leaving work and funding the years before traditional retirement milestones?
Important: The system is educational. It produces estimates, issue lists, and professional question prompts. It does not tell users what to do.
The bridge-year framework
- Timeline: identify ages and years between work exit and retirement milestones.
- Account access: identify accounts that may create penalties, withholding, or tax drag.
- Tax awareness: flag questions that should be reviewed by a tax professional.
- Income durability: map rough funding sources by year.
- Professional handoff: convert findings into a CPA/advisor/attorney question pack.
Source register
- IRS: substantially equal periodic payments and Section 72(t) early distribution concepts.
- IRS Notice 2022-6: SEPP calculation methods and interest-rate guidance.
- IRS: early distribution exceptions, including separation from service during or after the year an employee reaches age 55.
- CRA: RRSP withdrawal withholding rates.
- CRA: RRIF minimum withdrawal rules.
- Government of Canada: CPP timing and OAS recovery tax guidance.
- IRS: substantial presence test and Form 8840 closer connection exception.
Every public-facing calculator, checklist, article, and product should be reviewed at least annually and after material rule changes.