Want easy and frequent access to your money, use a TFSA. You’ll be able to withdraw funds tax-free at any time and re-contribute the same amount in the future. Keep your RRSP for long-term retirement savings.

If you earn a low income you may benefit more from the tax-free growth and withdrawal flexibility of a TFSA than from the modest tax deduction of an RRSP.

If you are starting your career, then invest in a TFSA before an RRSP. Over the years you’ll accumulate RRSP contribution room that you can eventually take advantage of when your income is higher and when claiming the RRSP tax deduction has a bigger impact.

If you need to borrow money a TFSA can be used as loan collateral. Just remember, the interest on money borrowed to invest in a TFSA is not tax deductible.

When saving for a house or education a TFSA may be a better option than the RRSP’s Home Buyers Plan or Life Long Learning Plan. That’s because TFSA withdrawals don’t have to be paid back, money doesn’t have to be kept in the account for 90 days before withdrawing, and if you decide to use your money for another purpose, you don’t have to pay tax.

If you have interest-bearing investments, like GICs, money market mutual funds, term deposits, or bonds, which are taxed at higher rates, put them in a TFSA where they are tax sheltered.

If you own high risk/high return investments a TFSA might be better than an RRSP or non-registered account. If your $5K grows to $50K it could be withdrawn tax-free. The downside — you can’t claim a capital loss if your investments lose value.

Holding investments in a non-registered account, consider transferring them ‘in-kind’ to your TFSA so they can grow tax-free. But talk to an expert first because there may be tax consequences.

If you have a pension plan at work and therefore have limited opportunities to contribute to an RRSP, use a TFSA to augment your retirement savings.

If retiring in 10-20 years use a TFSA to complement your RRSP and grow your nest egg more aggressively.

If you are making maximum RRSP contributions, put additional savings in a TFSA before a non-registered plan so your money can grow tax-free.

If you need to reduce taxable income in retirement, use a TFSA in addition to your RRSP. After you convert your RRSP into a RRIF at age 71, RRIF withdrawals are taxed, and more money you withdraw the higher your marginal tax rate. But by also withdrawing tax-free funds from a TFSA you can reduce your RRIF withdrawals, potentially lowering the overall tax you pay.

If you don’t need all your RRIF/LIF withdrawal cash, move it to a TFSA where it can grow tax-free until you need them later.

If you are receiving Old Age Security, the Canada Child Tax Benefit, EI or the GIS, consider investing in a TFSA to avoid potential clawbacks. TFSA interest earned or withdrawals aren’t considered income so won’t affect your benefits.

Want more? Check out the TFSAs vs RRSPs brochure.

These are all only generalizations. Your situation is unique.
If you want to find out how to use the Tax-Free Savings Account to your advantage, contact one of our Wealth Specialists.
They can provide you with an expert’s perspective and help you invest in the future with your own Tax-Free Savings Account.