All about Retirement Planning in Canada. Learn the ins and outs and get the latest news.
Latest News
The 60/40 portfolio: A phoenix or a dud for retirees? + MORE Oct 26th
For Canadian investors, one of the biggest shocks of 2022 is how poorly balanced mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and portfolios have performed. Investors with funds based on the classic pension fund asset allocation of 60% in stocks and 40% in bonds have been bewildered to experience loss.... More »
Can I withdraw from RRSPs to pay bills? + MORE Apr 20th
What are the cons to withdrawing RRSP savings of $25,000 to pay off some unexpected bills I have incurred?—Anonymous
Withdrawing RRSPs when you’re not retired
Ahh, the unexpected bills.
Anonymous, I’ll give you my initial thoughts first, and then I’ll review the cons of withdrawing .... More »

Making sense of the markets this week: July 3 + MORE Jul 6th
While regular “Making sense of the markets” columnist Kyle Prevost is on vacation, Dale Roberts and I are filling in. Dale’s piece ran last week, and it’s my turn this week. Dale will return next week, after which a well-rested Kyle will resume.
Speaking of Dale, this week he wrote .... More »
RESP vs RRSP and TFSA: What’s the best option for education savings? Aug 31st
Welcome to Education Money, a new column that covers the questions and concerns parents and investors have about funding their child’s education. Andrew Lo, CEO of Embark, shares his thoughts and insights on how to make the most of RESPs. To kick off the column, he explains the different options C.... More »
TFSA vs RRSP: How to decide between the two
– moneysense.ca
One of the most common questions out there is whether to invest in a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) or a tax-free savings account (TFSA). Both will help you save, and save on taxes, but each works in a different way. Understanding how these accounts work will help you decide which is best for your current needs—and even when to use them in tandem.
What is a TFSA?
A TFSA (or tax-free savings account) is a registered investment savings account that any Canadian resident, aged 18 or older, can use for straightforward savings or to hold investments. It can store things like exchange-traded funds (ETFs), guaranteed investment certificates (GICs), bonds, stocks and cash.
Any income earned in the account—even when it is withdrawn—is tax-free. This means any interest, stock dividends and capital gains earned in your TFSA aren’t subject to income tax. However, your TFSA contributions won’t reduce your taxable income like RRSP contributions will.
There’s a limit on the amount of money you can contribute to your TFSA is annually…
What is a TFSA?
A TFSA (or tax-free savings account) is a registered investment savings account that any Canadian resident, aged 18 or older, can use for straightforward savings or to hold investments. It can store things like exchange-traded funds (ETFs), guaranteed investment certificates (GICs), bonds, stocks and cash.
Any income earned in the account—even when it is withdrawn—is tax-free. This means any interest, stock dividends and capital gains earned in your TFSA aren’t subject to income tax. However, your TFSA contributions won’t reduce your taxable income like RRSP contributions will.
There’s a limit on the amount of money you can contribute to your TFSA is annually…
