The account maze

TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, RESP and the rest. Plain explanations of every Canadian registered account, and how to decide which dollar belongs where.

19 articles in this topic

What to do after maxing your registered accounts

You've filled your TFSA, RRSP, and FHSA. Now what? Non-registered accounts, capital gains, tax-loss harvesting, and where to put the overflow.

8 min read

Why are Canada's account names so confusing?

TFSA has 'savings' in the name, so people think it's a savings account. RRSP sounds like a form. A rant about naming that costs Canadians money.

7 min read

What happens to your investments when you separate or divorce

Separation means splitting more than a household. Here's what happens to your TFSA, RRSP, and other investment accounts in a Canadian divorce.

7 min read

The FHSA explained: Canada's newest account

The First Home Savings Account launched in 2023 and many Canadians still don't understand it. Here's how it works and whether it makes sense for you.

7 min read

FHSA vs RRSP Home Buyers' Plan: which is better for your down payment?

A clear comparison of Canada's FHSA and RRSP Home Buyers' Plan for first-time buyers. Contribution limits, withdrawal rules, and when each one makes sense.

8 min read

What happens when you inherit an RRSP in Canada

Inheriting an RRSP or RRIF can come with a big tax bill. Here's how it works, what your options are, and how to avoid surprises.

7 min read

The non-registered account, explained

Everyone talks about TFSAs and RRSPs. Almost nobody explains the account you'll eventually need most: the non-registered account.

7 min read

The RDSP explained: Canada's most underused account

The government will match up to 300% of what you contribute. The RDSP is the best deal in Canadian finance, and most people have never heard of it.

7 min read

How much can you withdraw to buy a house?

Between the RRSP HBP, FHSA, and TFSA, first-time buyers can pull over $100K tax-free. Here's how the math works and what to watch for.

8 min read

RESPs: the account with free government money

The RESP gives you a guaranteed 20% return on the first $2,500 you contribute each year, courtesy of the government. Here's how it works.

8 min read

The RRIF explained: what happens to your RRSP at 71

Your RRSP has an expiry date. By the end of the year you turn 71, it has to convert to a RRIF. Here's what that means and how minimum withdrawals work.

7 min read

RRSP contribution limit and deadline for 2026

The 2026 RRSP contribution limit is $33,810 or 18% of your 2025 earned income, whichever is lower. Deadline March 1, 2027. How to check your real room, the 18% rule, and common mistakes.

5 min read

RRSP withdrawal rules: what happens when you take money out

Contributing to your RRSP gets all the attention. The withdrawal side gets less attention, and the tax hit can be a surprise.

7 min read

Spousal RRSPs: when sharing an account helps

If one spouse earns significantly more than the other, a spousal RRSP can save your household thousands in taxes during retirement. Here's how it works.

7 min read

TFSA contribution room: how it works

TFSA contribution room sounds simple until you accidentally over-contribute and get a penalty. Here's how the system works and mistakes to avoid.

7 min read

TFSA over-contribution: how it happens and how to fix it

The CRA charges 1% per month on excess TFSA contributions. Here's how people accidentally over-contribute, and what to do if it happens to you.

6 min read

TFSA vs FHSA: where to put your money if you're saving for a home

Both accounts grow tax-free, but the FHSA adds a tax deduction. Here's how to decide which one to prioritize when saving for a home in Canada.

7 min read

TFSA vs RRSP: Which should you max out first?

The classic Canadian investing question. A clear, no-jargon breakdown of when to prioritize your TFSA, when to lean into your RRSP, and why it depends.

8 min read

What is a TFSA? (and why it's not a savings account)

A TFSA is not a savings account, even though the name suggests one. It's a container for investments, and the difference is what makes it powerful. Here's the plain-English version.

7 min read

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