my rule: avoid GIC's. You pay tax on gains, they're locked up and untouchable whilst they're there, and they're already barely above inflation. So really you're losing in most situations (except a short period of time recently).
It's time *IN* the market, not timing of the market. So the goal is to consistently put money away (except short periods when "life happens"), don't hop in and out of the markets, and really question all your expenditures. That $50k car today?... that $50k could be worth $400k in ~25yrs, so is it worth that opportunity cost? Ditto for home purchases... they don't always make sense - do a proper financial analysis and don't assume it's a money loss.
Lastly... on inheritances... leave enough for them to do something, but not enough to do nothing.
Some sites ya'll can play with:
https://engaging-data.com/will-money-last-retire-early/ (the best one)
https://www.firecalc.com/
https://milliondollarjourney.com/cpp-ultimate-guide.htm