You already know it’s important to add money to your RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan). Of course you want to build up your savings and plan for the future. Doesn’t everyone?
Where most people get stuck is finding the money to contribute. After all, you have everyday expenses, maybe a mortgage or some debt you’re paying down. You might be saving up for a trip or a new car and it can feel like you don’t have any to spare.
Well, you might have more options than you think. Here are some six tips to consider.
1. Add a little bit at a time, automatically
You hear a lot about RRSP contributions in the months before the annual contribution deadline, which is usually in late February or early March. So people often spend January and February trying to come up with the maximum contribution amount.
Make things easier for yourself by contributing throughout the year, a little at a time. You can do it automatically by setting up a pre-authorized contribution plan (PAC). A PAC withdraws a set amount from one of your other accounts and adds it to your RRSP at pre-determined times (every month, for example). You can start by contributing as little as $25 at a time.
With a PAC, your RRSP contributions can build throughout the year with no work on your part – plus, you won’t be scrambling to come up with a lump sum in February.
2. Use your tax refund
If you get a tax refund, why not add it to your RRSP right away? If it sits in your chequing account you may be tempted to spend it. Contributing it to your RRSP helps build up your retirement savings. A tax refund is your own money coming back to you. Why not use it wisely by investing in your own future?
3. Debt paid off? Add to your RRSP instead
If you’ve been working towards paying off your debt, you might have developed some great savings strategies and spending discipline along the way. When your debt is paid off (congrats!), you can continue to those great habits with regular contributions to your RRSP. Keep up the good work!
4. Put some of your annual bonus to work
Getting a salary bonus is a great opportunity to add money to your RRSP. If you not of a mind to immediately contribute all of it, here’s an idea: split your bonus into thirds. Contribute one-third to your RRSP, one-third to paying off debts, and use one-third to reward yourself with something fun.
5. Pay increase? Increase your RRSP
Got a raise? Good for you! It can be tempting to increase your spending habits to match, but increasing your savings instead will help you more in the long run. So when your paycheque goes up, consider increasing your RRSP contributions to match.
Here’s another thing to watch for on your paycheque: once your earnings exceed the annual maximum set for the Canadian Pension Plan/Employment Income (CPP/EI), the CPP/EI deductions are no longer made and you’ll notice a net pay increase on your pay stub. If you use this increase to set up automatic contributions to a high-interest savings account, you can start building up a lump sum contribution for your RRSP.
Learn more about CPP contribution rates, maximums and exemptions
Learn more about EI premium rates and maximums
6. Give yourself a gift
Ever open a birthday card and find a cheque inside? Many people receive money as a gift for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. Contributing some or all of that to your RRSP will help grow your retirement savings! Of course there will be times to spend gift funds on something fun, but think of it this way: the more you contribute to your RRSP, the less you’ll worry about the future. That’s a gift, too.
Get started with an RRSP from Meridian
Talk to an advisor about your RRSP
Learn more about RRSPs
A version of this article was originally published on January 21, 2020
