The “Big Five” Canadian banks include Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto Dominion Bank (TD Canada Trust), Bank of Nova Scotia, Bank of Montreal and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). Are there other viable options?
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Watch: How to open a bank account Sep 23rd
Looking for a better interest rate? Want more accessible ATMs? Tired of paying fees for things like bank drafts? Whatever your reason, changing banks or opening a new bank account can take just a few clicks—if you’re prepared. Watch this two-minute video to see what documents you’ll need (even.... More »
It’s probably time you switched banks—4 easy steps for Canadians + MORE Jun 29th
When you opened your first bank account, chances are it was with the same financial institution your parents used—because, why not? And given how loyal Canadians are to their banks, there’s a good chance you’re still banking with the same institution. In fact, 70% of Canadians held the sa.... More »
When a bank’s not a bank: How fintech—and neobanks in particular—are transforming banking in Canada + MORE Jan 19th
Neobanks and challenger banks are fintech (financial technology) firms that offer banking services, usually online only. These digital upstarts offer alternatives to the mainstream banking products and services we’re accustomed to.
The Canadian banking system is known worldwide for its strength.... More »
Assiniboine Credit Union Review: Another Option for Banking In Winnipeg Dec 10th
Canada’s credit unions have long been known for their customer service and commitment to the local community. Unfortunately, they haven’t always been competitive in the range of banking products and services they offer compared with the big banks. But times are changing, and today, digital techn.... More »
Credit Memo vs. Debit Memo: What’s the Difference? Apr 8th
If you pay close attention to your bank statements, you may notice an item labelled, “credit memo”, from time to time. But without more information, it’s hard to know what the credit memo is for; why you received extra money in your account. The same goes for “debit memos.” Businesses also.... More »
What to consider if you still have RRSP contribution room
– moneysense.ca
Registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs) have been around since 1957, and each February is commonly referred to as “RRSP season.” The banks and financial media used to make a bigger deal about RRSPs in the new year, but ever since Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) were introduced in 2009, RRSP season has seemed a bit watered down. That does not mean RRSPs are not good tax and investment options, it just reflects the fact that Canadians now have alternatives.
Maybe you’ve run some preliminary numbers on your 2020 tax return software, and discovered that you owe the CRA; or perhaps life simply got in the way of your organizing a contribution earlier (and if that’s the case, here are some tips on making last-minute RRSP contributions). Whatever the reason, if you are planning to make an RRSP contribution before the deadline, here’s a quick-reference roundup of key facts and myths to guide you.
RRSP facts
RRSP deadline for the 2020 tax year: March 1, 2021.
Maximum RRSP contribution for 2020: $27,230 (requires $151,278 of earned income in 2019 and no pension adjustment), plus any accumulated RRSP room the contributor has from past years…
Maybe you’ve run some preliminary numbers on your 2020 tax return software, and discovered that you owe the CRA; or perhaps life simply got in the way of your organizing a contribution earlier (and if that’s the case, here are some tips on making last-minute RRSP contributions). Whatever the reason, if you are planning to make an RRSP contribution before the deadline, here’s a quick-reference roundup of key facts and myths to guide you.
RRSP facts
RRSP deadline for the 2020 tax year: March 1, 2021.
Maximum RRSP contribution for 2020: $27,230 (requires $151,278 of earned income in 2019 and no pension adjustment), plus any accumulated RRSP room the contributor has from past years…


