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This is as a friendly reminder of the contribution limits and cut-off dates for RRSP and/or TFSA contributions.

RRSP Contributions:

The cut-off date for your RRSP contributions to count toward reducing your income for 2019 is Monday, March 2nd, 2020. In order to meet this deadline, you should make your contribution by February 25th to allow for your deposit to clear your bank account. The 2019 contribution limit was 18% of your taxable income up to a maximum of $26,500, whichever is less. The 2020 contribution limit is $27,230. If you have unused contribution room from previous years, you may contribute more than the maximum, but one needs to be careful not to over-contribute.

TFSA Contributions:

If you would like to contribute to a TFSA for 2020 the limit is $6,000 for the year, unless you have not maxed out your contributions. The maximum one could have deposited into their TFSA account since 2009 is $69,500 as of 2020.

Contributions can be made through one of the following methods:

Transfer from Non-Registered Account: If you have a Non-Registered account set-up with enough funds in it, you can simply send us an e-mail indicating the amount you would like transferred from this account to your RRSP or TFSA. Instructions must be sent to us by 11:00am on Tuesday, February 25th in order to meet the deadline.

Online Banking Transfer (Bill Payment): Add your Custodian (“Credential Securities” or “National Bank Financial”) as a “Payee” through your online banking and enter your account number as the bill account number. If you need assistance finding your account number or are unsure who your Custodian is, please contact our office. If you choose this method, please also notify us with the amount you are contributing, so we can have your Portfolio Manager watch for it. Please note this must be submitted before midnight on Saturday, February 29th in order to meet the deadline.

EFT from your Bank: You will just need to sign an EFT form if you have not already done so, which allows your Custodian (Credential or NBIN) to take the money directly out of your account with your consent. Once you have signed the form, we will just require an email from you indicating the one-time amount you are authorizing them to withdraw from your bank account and which account you would like it deposited to. We must receive these instructions by Friday, February 28th at 3:00pm at the latest in order to process in time.

If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment to review your accounts, please contact our office at 780-490-4200.

Please find the material below for the fifth topic in our financial education program for post-secondary students:

For Parents: Post-Secondary Topic 5 (Are Credit Cards a Bad Idea)

Resources for Students:

1. Globe and Mail Article ‘Credit card crash lesson for students bound for university, college’: View on Website
2. Government of Canada Credit Card Payment Calculator: View on Website
3. Article ‘6 habit to help you use your credit wisely’: View PDF
4. Article ‘Basic tips to use credit cards wisely’: View on Website

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