I’m decades from retirement. Do I really need to contribute to my RRSP? + MORE Mar 15th

Not sure how to make a retirement plan? Read on…
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 retirement savings

In the years leading up to retirement, an updated financial plan is key: Experts + MORE Jun 29th

Retirement planning getting you down? There are always smart ways to plan the financial aspects of your retirement. In the years leading up to retirement, an updated financial plan is key: Experts - thestar.comContinue Reading On thestar.com » How to become a digital nomad—and not g.... More »
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Should we draw down my spouse’s RRIF faster? May 30th

Ask MoneySense My wife is currently drawing $24,000 per year from her RRIF, which has a balance of $510,000. She is also receiving OAS, CPP and a work pension of $22,000. She is 67. My question is if it would be prudent to start making larger withdrawals to try and reduce the tax that the estate .... More »
 registered retirement savings plan

How to save (and invest) your first $100,000 + MORE Mar 28th

A popular milestone goal for young adults just starting out is to save $100,000 cash. YouTube and TikTok are buzzing with videos on this very topic, and it makes sense—$100,000 is enough to give you financial breathing room and life-changing options, like making a down payment on a condo or house,.... More »

Can you delay a RRIF withdrawal? Jun 6th

Ask MoneySense I read you can base your RRIF withdrawals on your wife’s age to minimize them. Can you please explain exactly what that means? My wife is seven years younger than me, and I am 68. I already have a small RRIF, set up for the pension benefit. When I hit 71, when I convert my RRSP to a.... More »

Single, no pension? Here’s how to plan for retirement in Canada Jul 4th

Being single in retirement has some financial obstacles. Some people are single as they enter retirement. Others become single due to divorce or death prior to or after retiring. Here are some considerations for planning your retirement as a singleton, especially if you have no defined benefit (DB) .... More »
I’m decades from retirement. Do I really need to contribute to my RRSP?The biggest issue with contributing to an RRSP too early is the need down the road to withdraw the money for expenses other than retirement that come along, says experts

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I am looking to use my RRSP to buy a vacation property in Portugal. How much can I take out tax free?—Andy

Tax implications of buying property in another country

I think you are referring to the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP), Andy, when you ask about a tax-free registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) withdrawal. The HBP allows a tax-free withdrawal from your RRSP if you are a first-time home buyer purchasing an eligible home. HBP participants can withdraw up to $35,000, as can their spouse or common-law partner, for a total of $70,000.

You are considered a first-time home buyer if neither you nor your spouse or common-law partner owned a home that you occupied in the current year or the four previous years. However, in order for a property to be considered a qualifying home, it must be located in Canada. So, your Portuguese vacation property is not going to qualify for the HBP.

If you were to withdraw from your RRSP to buy this property, Andy, the withdrawal would be added to your other income for the year and be fully taxable…

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