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Registered plans

Registered plans in Canada include the TFSA, RRSP, RRIF, RESP and RDSP.

You will see financial benefits when you open a savings plan that is registered with the Canadian government.

Your taxes can be deferred until a later date (and at a potentially lower rate), or your funds can be entirely sheltered from being taxed. With a non-registered investment account, you are required to pay taxes annually on income you earn from that account.

Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) 

If you are 19 years or older and hold a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN), you can open a tax-free savings account to help meet your financial goals. (You can also start accruing your TFSA contribution when you turn 18).

Your savings will grow tax-free and you won’t pay taxes when you withdraw funds.

Benefits of a TFSA

  1. Grow your money tax-free.
  2. Pay no tax when you withdraw funds.
  3. Save for short-term goals with flexibility.

How do I ladder my term deposits?

If all your term deposits mature at the same time—and rates are low at that time—this may reduce your overall income or growth of your savings.

Features of a TFSA

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You don’t pay taxes on investment income

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You can contribute up to $6,000 annually and carry forward unused contribution room

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You can withdraw money tax-free and then re-contribute any amounts you withdraw from your TFSA in the following year

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You can invest your TFSA funds in stocks*, bonds*, mutual funds* and term deposits.

 

* Disclaimer: Mutual funds are offered through Credential Asset Management Inc. Mutual funds and other securities are offered through Credential Securities, a division of Credential Qtrade Securities Inc. Credential Securities is a registered mark owned by Aviso Wealth Inc.

Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)

Reduce your taxable income and grow your investments tax-free with an RRSP.  

Opening an RRSP is a good first step in preparing for your retirement.

Benefits of an RRSP

  1. Defer taxes until your marginal tax rate is lower.
  2. Save taxes by reducing your taxable income.
  3. Take advantage of income splitting.

How do I plan for retirement?

It's never too early to start planning for your retirement. Set yourself up to enjoy your later years by taking steps in your 20s and staying focused on your retirement goals through your 30s, 40s, and 50s. 

Features of a RRSP

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You can contribute up 18% of your earned income in the previous year, up to the annual RRSP limit. For the year 2022, the annual limit is $29,210.

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Contributions you make in the year, or the first 60 days of the following year, can be deducted from the year’s taxable income.

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By December 31st in the year in which the RRSP holder turns 71, the RRSP must be collapsed, transferred to an annuity or a registered retirement income fund (RRIF).

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You may name a beneficiary for your RRSP in case you should pass away.

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You can choose to contribute to your own RRSP or your spouse’s plan (to maximize your contribution limits).

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You can borrow from your RRSP tax-free for your first home or if you are returning to school.

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You can invest funds from your RRSP into stocks*, bonds*, mutual funds* and term deposits.

 

* Disclaimer:  Mutual funds are offered through Credential Asset Management Inc. Mutual funds and other securities are offered through Credential Securities, a division of Credential Qtrade Securities Inc. Credential Securities is a registered mark owned by Aviso Wealth Inc.

Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF)

You’ve worked hard and saved your money. It's time to transfer your savings to an RRIF and start enjoying your retirement.

A registered retirement income fund (RRIF) is a government-sponsored plan to which you can transfer your RRSP (or other government savings plans). Having an RRIF allows for tax-efficient growth of your savings and allows you to generate a predictable income stream during your retirement. It also allows you to continue to shelter your RRSP funds.

You can convert your RRSP to provide income at any time, but you’ll need to close or convert your RRSP no later than the year you turn 71.

When you are ready to convert your RRSP, you’ll have three basic options:

  1. ​Withdraw your funds from the RRSP in a lump sum. It is important to note with this option the total amount of your RRSP will be included in your taxable income for the year.
  2. Convert your RRSP to an annuity. An annuity provides a stream of income into the future.
  3. Convert your RRSP to an RRIF. An RRIF provides tax-deferred growth. While it is similar to an RRSP, an RRIF requires that you withdraw a minimum amount each year.

What are annuities?

Annuities enable you to receive guaranteed life-long income once you leave the workforce.

Benefits of a RRIF

  1. Creates a steady income flow from retirement savings.
  2. Allows for tax-deferred growth of your savings. You only pay taxes on what you withdraw.
  3. Gives you the option to increase, decrease or change your income amount at any time.
  4. Can be left to your spouse in your will, tax-free.

Features of a RRIF

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Eligible for a full array of investment options including term deposits, savings accounts, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, stocks and bonds*

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Follows a government schedule of minimum withdrawal requirements (the percentage required to withdraw increases as you get older)

Ready to retire?

Work with Gulf & Fraser to set up your retirement income plan.

We understand this is a significant life change for you. As a member of Gulf & Fraser, you have access to a Retirement Planner who can help you with the decisions you need to make. Our accredited Retirement Planners, have gone through the retirement process themselves. They sell no products. They are there to provide advice to you—this is one of the many benefits of being a member.

Our Retirement Planner can help you decide how best to access your government benefits, how to replace your health and dental plans, when and how to convert your savings into retirement income, calculate your total retirement income from all sources and help you walk through some of the realities and lifestyle changes you may face.  

Our Retirement Planner can develop a comprehensive retirement plan and consolidate your retirement savings from all sources. This will give you an efficient way to manage your income through retirement, so you can Power your possible.

While the RRIF is the most common plan, there are other government-sponsored plans available through Gulf & Fraser. These include:

  • Life Income Fund (LIF)
  • Locked-in Retirement Income Fund (LRIF)
  • Restricted Life Income Fund (RLIF) 
 

* Disclaimer:  Mutual funds are offered through Credential Asset Management Inc. Mutual funds and other securities are offered through Credential Securities, a division of Credential Qtrade Securities Inc. Credential Securities is a registered mark owned by Aviso Wealth Inc.

Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)

Investing in an RESP will help you pay for post-secondary education.

A registered education savings plan is a government-sponsored plan which helps you save for a child’s post-secondary education. An RESP has the benefit of tax-deferred growth and provincial and federal government grants to top up your savings. All you need to start an RESP is your child’s social insurance number. 

Start saving early to maximize your savings and get a head start on helping tackle the high costs of education.

How do I pay for school?

A smart way to save for your child’s education is to set up an RESP through the federal government.

Benefits of an RESP

  1. Earn more by sheltering earnings on investments from taxes.
  2. Save more with eligible government grants.
  3. Choose this convenient way to start planning for your child’s—or grandchild’s—education.

Features of a RESP

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Contribute up to $50,000 per child

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RESP contributions are not tax-deductible but income earned grows on a tax-deferred basis

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RESP withdrawals are eligible for a wide range of post-secondary qualifying programs

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Option to open as a family plan or individual plan

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Savings grow tax-free as there are no taxes payable on the money earned in an RESP until it’s withdrawn. When withdrawn, the earnings are taxed in the beneficiary’s name.

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Receive provincial and federal grants. These are added to your savings and do not impact the contribution room in your RESP.

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Eligible for a full array of investment options including term deposits, savings accounts, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, stocks and bonds* 

 

* Disclaimer:  Mutual funds are offered through Credential Asset Management Inc. Mutual funds and other securities are offered through Credential Securities, a division of Credential Qtrade Securities Inc. Credential Securities is a registered mark owned by Aviso Wealth Inc.

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

For those who are faced with the complex challenges of living with a disability, an RDSP can provide future security and peace of mind. 

A registered disability savings plan (RDSP) is a government-sponsored plan that allows Canadians with disabilities and their families to save on a tax-deferred basis. 

Choose a RDSP and have savings in place to meet your future medical and living costs. 

What are living benefits?

Living benefits insurance typically covers three types of insurance protection: disability, critical illness, and long-term care.

Benefits of an RDSP

  • Save more with government grants and bonds that accelerate your savings.
  • Earn more by sheltering earnings on investments from taxes.
  • Have peace of mind knowing your loved ones will have future financial security.

Features of an RDSP

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No annual contribution limit - you can make contributions up until the end of the year in which the beneficiary turns 59

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RDSP contributions are not tax deductible, but income earned grows on a tax-deferred basis

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You can make one-time or annual withdrawals

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Eligible to receive government assistance with matching grants of up to 300% through the Canada Disability Savings Grant

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Eligible for the Canada Disability Savings Bond

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The Canada Disability Savings Grant is eligible to be paid into the RDSP up to the year in which the beneficiary turns 49

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Anyone can contribute to the RDSP for a beneficiary

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There are no restrictions as to what the withdrawals can be used for, as long as the funds benefit the beneficiary

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Available investments include mutual funds*

 

* Disclaimer:  Mutual funds are offered through Credential Asset Management Inc. Mutual funds and other securities are offered through Credential Securities, a division of Credential Qtrade Securities Inc. Credential Securities is a registered mark owned by Aviso Wealth Inc.

Buying your first home?

Get started with a First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

Launching in Spring 2023, a First Home Savings Account is a new government registered plan and tax-free way to help you save for your first home. When you contribute up to $8,000 per year, the amount invested is tax-deductible, like a RRSP. This means you can reduce your yearly taxable income by the amount you contribute. Any money you earn on top of your investments will also be tax-free if you withdraw it to purchase a new home, like a TFSA.

Get notified when the FHSA is available at Gulf & Fraser

 
 

Interested in a TFSA or RRSP?

Talk to a Gulf & Fraser expert about which one is right for you.

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