Investment Services
TFSA
A Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is one of the most versatile tools available for Canadians to grow their wealth. Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but all the growth inside your TFSA—whether from interest, dividends, or capital gains—remains completely tax-free, even when withdrawn. This makes it an excellent choice for both short-term savings and long-term investment goals such as buying a home, building an emergency fund, or supplementing retirement income. Withdrawals can be made at any time without tax penalties, and the amount you take out is added back to your contribution room the following year, giving you unmatched flexibility.
RRSP
The Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is a cornerstone of retirement planning in Canada. Contributions are tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income today, while the funds inside the RRSP grow on a tax-deferred basis. This means you won’t pay tax on investment earnings until you withdraw the funds, usually during retirement when your income (and tax rate) is lower. Beyond retirement savings, RRSPs offer additional advantages, such as the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) and the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP), allowing you to use your savings to purchase your first home or fund education, with the ability to repay the amount over time.
RESP
A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a dedicated savings plan designed to help families prepare for the cost of their children’s post-secondary education. Contributions grow tax-deferred, and the government enhances your savings through the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) and other incentives, often adding up to 20% or more to your contributions each year. Withdrawals made for educational expenses are taxed in the student’s hands, who typically has little or no income, resulting in minimal taxes. An RESP is a powerful way to maximize education savings, reduce future student debt, and invest in your child’s academic and career success.
RDSP
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a powerful, long-term savings vehicle designed specifically for Canadians with disabilities. Contributions to an RDSP can grow tax-deferred, and government programs such as the Canada Disability Savings Grant and Bond can significantly boost savings, often matching or exceeding contributions depending on family income levels. Funds are intended to provide financial security well into the future, supporting quality of life, independence, and peace of mind for both the beneficiary and their loved ones. With careful planning, an RDSP ensures that those with disabilities have access to financial resources throughout their lifetime.
LIRA, RRIF and LIF
When planning for retirement, funds may be held or converted through accounts like a LIRA (Locked-In Retirement Account), LIF (Life Income Fund), or RRIF (Registered Retirement Income Fund). A LIRA is created when pension funds are transferred from an employer plan and must remain locked until retirement, ensuring savings are preserved. Later, these funds can be converted into a LIF or RRIF to provide a steady stream of income during retirement. Both options allow your investments to continue growing tax-deferred while you withdraw funds annually, with rules on minimum and (for LIFs) maximum withdrawal amounts. Together, these tools ensure your retirement savings are protected, sustainable, and structured to support your long-term financial security.
Segregated Funds
Segregated funds combine the growth potential of market-based investments with the security of insurance benefits. Offered through insurance companies, these funds provide guarantees on maturity or death benefits, meaning a portion (or all) of your original investment may be protected, regardless of market fluctuations. Segregated funds also offer estate planning advantages, such as the ability to bypass probate by naming beneficiaries directly, ensuring faster and more private transfers of wealth. For individuals seeking investment growth along with added protection and peace of mind, segregated funds can be an excellent choice.
Non Registered Investments
Non-registered investments are flexible savings and investment accounts without contribution limits or withdrawal restrictions. While investment growth is taxable annually, these accounts provide the freedom to invest in a wide variety of options, including mutual funds, segregated funds, stocks, bonds, and ETFs. They are particularly useful once you’ve maximized contributions to registered accounts like TFSA or RRSP, or when you want unrestricted access to your funds. Non-registered investments are also valuable for long-term wealth building, as they allow strategic tax planning through capital gains treatment, dividend tax credits, and the ability to offset gains with losses.