The Conversations We Couldn't Unhear

Think of a blue car, suddenly every car on the road is blue!

That's exactly what happened to us when we first started building Optiml.

We were laser-focused on Canadian financial planning — and suddenly it felt like everyone around us was, too.

When our CTO Alex was still working his full-time job, he'd join us in the evenings to work on Optiml. He'd walk in, drop his bag, and say, "My coworkers were talking about it again."

• "What's your RRSP strategy?"
• "Do you think it's too early to convert to a RRIF?"

And all he could do was grin — because behind the scenes, he was building the tool that would one day answer those exact questions.

The Conversations We Couldn't Unhear

Coffee shops. Family dinners. Co-working spaces. We couldn't escape it.

And it was always the same set of questions:

• "When should I take CPP?"
• "What's your withdrawal plan?"
• "Are you and your wife planning to RRIF split?"

And the answers? Just as predictable:

• "I don't know."
• "No clue."
• "We're just hoping it works out."

It was funny at first — but also incredibly frustrating. These are not small decisions. They affect your taxes, your income, your retirement lifestyle, even the legacy you leave behind.

And yet, most Canadians are left to figure it out on their own — or not at all.

That frustration turned into fuel. We knew we could build something better — something that offered real clarity where there had only been guesswork.

We weren't there yet... But now we are. And we haven't looked back.

Financial Literacy in Canada Isn't Optional Anymore

More than 60% of Canadians say they don't feel confident managing their own finances without help. And in 2025, with rising living costs, volatile markets, and complex government benefits — that's a dangerous place to be.

Financial literacy today isn't just knowing what a TFSA or RRSP stands for. It's about being able to answer questions like:

• How do I reduce my taxes this year and in the future?
• What age should I take CPP?
• Am I using the right accounts for my goals?
• Will I face an OAS clawback?
• Could I actually run out of money in retirement?

These aren't hypothetical questions — these are real concerns happening to real people, right now.

The Problem With Traditional Advice

For too long, financial planning in Canada has looked like this:

• A templated PDF
• A one-size-fits-all withdrawal plan
• And the classic: "You should talk to your advisor"

But here's the problem:

• Many Canadians can't afford a financial planner
• And the advice they do get is often tied to selling them a product

What you're left with is half a picture, a lot of uncertainty, and a lingering feeling that there must be a better way.

What Optiml Brings to the Table

We built Optiml to change that. Not just for the people we overheard at coffee shops — but for everyone who's ever felt like they should "know this stuff"... and just doesn't.

Here's what Optiml does differently:

• Clarity on timing: Personalized insights on when to take CPP and OAS, based on your numbers — not generic advice.
• Smart withdrawal planning: See the most tax-efficient order to draw down your accounts (RRSP, TFSA, non-registered).
• Tax-saving strategies: Learn how to avoid OAS clawbacks, reduce RRIF conversion taxes, and keep more of your money.
• Custom goal setting: Whether you want to maximize your estate or spend every dollar, Optiml maps the most efficient path.
• Interactive what-if scenarios: Tweak retirement age, income, inheritances, and more — and instantly see the impact.

All of it built on math. No guesswork. No bias. No "standard advice."

Why This Matters More Than Ever

There's no shortage of financial tools out there. But what Canadians are really searching for isn't another app.

They're looking for understanding.

They want to feel in control. They want to know, not wonder. They want to plan with confidence — not just hope they're doing it right.

And now, with Optiml, they finally can.

Final Thoughts

Looking back on those early days of overheard conversations and unanswered questions, it's clear how far we've come — not just as a company, but as a country waking up to the urgent need for real, personalized financial literacy.

Optiml isn't just a product. It's what happens when frustration becomes focus — and focus becomes something that helps thousands of people take control of their future.