TFSA vs RRSP for Students: Which Should You Choose First?

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Hey Hustlers! You’re finally ready to start investing and building wealth – congratulations on taking this massive step toward financial independence! But now you’re facing the classic Canadian investment dilemma: should you open a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) first?

At HustleHub, we know this decision can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling student loans, part-time work, and trying to figure out your post-graduation plans. The good news? We’re breaking down everything you need to know about TFSA vs RRSP for students in plain language, so you can make the smartest choice for your financial future.

This isn’t just about picking an account – it’s about building a strategy that maximizes your money while you’re young, sets you up for long-term success, and gives you the flexibility you need during these unpredictable student years.

Table of Contents

🎯 KEY TAKEAWAY

For 99% of Canadian students, the TFSA should be your first investment account. Here’s why: As a student with low or no income, you likely pay little to no tax, making the RRSP’s tax deduction worth pennies on the dollar. Meanwhile, the TFSA offers complete flexibility – withdraw anytime tax-free for emergencies, tuition, or opportunities without penalties. Your 2025 TFSA contribution room is $7,000 (plus any accumulated room since you turned 18), and every dollar grows tax-free forever. Save the RRSP for when you’re earning $50,000+ and that tax deduction actually saves you serious money. Exception: If you’re a co-op student earning $60,000+ annually, splitting between both accounts makes sense.

Understanding the Basics: TFSA vs RRSP

Before we dive into which account is better for students, let’s make sure we’re crystal clear on what each account actually does. No financial jargon – just straightforward explanations.

What Is a TFSA?

A Tax-Free Savings Account is exactly what it sounds like: a savings and investment account where your money grows completely tax-free. Despite the name “savings account,” you can hold stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, GICs, and more inside your TFSA.

Key TFSA Features:

Contributions are made with after-tax dollars (money you’ve already paid tax on)
All growth, interest, dividends, and capital gains are 100% tax-free
Withdrawals are tax-free and can be made anytime for any reason
Withdrawal amounts get added back to your contribution room next year
Must be 18 or older to open a TFSA
2025 contribution limit is $7,000 (plus cumulative room since turning 18)

Think of the TFSA as your flexible, all-purpose wealth-building account that rewards you with tax-free growth while giving you complete access to your money whenever you need it.

What Is an RRSP?

A Registered Retirement Savings Plan is a retirement-focused account designed to help Canadians save for their golden years while reducing current-year taxes.

Key RRSP Features:

Contributions are tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income
Money grows tax-deferred (no tax on growth until withdrawal)
Withdrawals are taxed as regular income at your current tax rate
Designed for long-term retirement savings
Contribution room is 18% of previous year’s earned income (max $31,560 for 2024 income)
Can contribute until December 31 of the year you turn 71
Deadline for 2024 tax year contributions is March 3, 2025

The RRSP is powerful for high-income earners who benefit from the tax deduction, but it comes with strings attached – mainly that withdrawing money early means paying tax on it.

The Critical Difference for Students

Here’s the key distinction that matters most for students: the RRSP’s main benefit (tax deduction) is worth very little when you’re in a low tax bracket, while the TFSA’s benefits (tax-free growth and flexible withdrawals) are valuable regardless of your income.

When you’re earning $15,000 as a part-time student, an RRSP contribution saves you maybe 20% in taxes. But when you’re earning $75,000 as a professional, that same contribution saves you 30-40%. The RRSP becomes way more valuable as your income increases.

Meanwhile, the TFSA delivers the same powerful tax-free growth whether you’re making $10,000 or $100,000.

TFSA for Students: The Complete Picture

Let’s dive deep into why the TFSA is typically the winner for students and how to use it effectively.

Why the TFSA Wins for Most Students

1. You’re Already in a Low Tax Bracket

Most students earn under $30,000 annually. At this income level, you’re paying minimal tax – often under 20% when you factor in the basic personal amount and tuition credits. So when you contribute to an RRSP, you’re getting back 15-20% in tax savings.

But here’s the kicker: when you eventually withdraw from that RRSP in retirement (or earlier), you’ll likely be in a similar or higher tax bracket, meaning you’ll pay similar or more tax on the way out. The RRSP’s tax deferral advantage largely disappears.

With a TFSA, you skip this problem entirely. You pay your low tax rate now, invest the after-tax money, and never pay tax on it again – not on the growth, not on withdrawals, not ever.

2. Maximum Flexibility When You Need It Most

Student life is unpredictable. You might need money for:

Emergency tuition payments if OSAP falls through
Last-minute flight home for family emergency
Security deposit on your first apartment post-graduation
Unexpected car repairs or medical expenses
Once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunity
Starting a business or side hustle

The TFSA lets you access your money instantly, tax-free, penalty-free, for any reason. The RRSP punishes early withdrawals with immediate taxation and permanent loss of contribution room (except for specific programs like the Home Buyers’ Plan and Lifelong Learning Plan).

3. Contribution Room Builds Automatically

Even if you can’t afford to contribute right now, your TFSA room is building. If you turned 18 in 2009 when TFSAs launched, you have $95,000 in total contribution room by 2025. Turned 18 in 2020? You have $42,000 in room.

This accumulated room waits for you – no rush, no pressure. When you land that first real job and start earning serious money, you can play catch-up and max out years of room all at once.

TFSA Contribution Room Calculation

Understanding your TFSA room is crucial. Here’s how it works:

Annual Limits by Year:

2009-2012: $5,000/year
2013-2014: $5,500/year
2015: $10,000
2016-2018: $5,500/year
2019-2022: $6,000/year
2023: $6,500
2024-2025: $7,000/year

Your Total Room = All annual limits since you turned 18 + Previous withdrawals – Previous contributions

Example: Sarah turned 18 in 2020. Her total TFSA room in 2025 is:

2020: $6,000
2021: $6,000
2022: $6,000
2023: $6,500
2024: $7,000
2025: $7,000
Total: $38,500

If Sarah contributed $10,000 total over these years, she still has $28,500 available room in 2025.

Strategic TFSA Usage for Students

Start Small, Think Big

You don’t need thousands to start. Even $25-50 per month builds serious wealth over time thanks to compound growth. The key is starting early and staying consistent.

If you invest $100/month from age 20 to 30 (just $12,000 total) and it grows at 7% annually, you’ll have about $18,000 by 30. Leave it untouched until 65, and it grows to $135,000 – all tax-free. That’s the power of starting young with a TFSA.

Use It for Short and Medium-Term Goals

The TFSA is perfect for goals 2-10 years away:

Down payment fund (can also use First Home Savings Account)
Post-graduation travel
Emergency fund (keep 3-6 months expenses)
Wedding or major purchase
Entrepreneurship startup capital

Keep your timeline in mind when choosing investments within your TFSA. Need the money in 2-3 years? Stick with high-interest savings or GICs. Investing for 5+ years? Consider stock/bond ETFs for higher growth potential.

Avoid the Overcontribution Trap

Contributing over your limit triggers a 1% penalty tax per month on the excess amount. The CRA is serious about this.

Check your exact contribution room through:

CRA My Account online
Calling 1-800-267-6999 (automated TIPS service)
Your latest Notice of Assessment

Pro tip: Don’t rely on your bank’s calculation – they sometimes get it wrong. Always verify with CRA directly.

RRSP for Students: When Does It Make Sense?

While the TFSA wins for most students, there are specific situations where an RRSP makes sense even during your student years.

The RRSP’s Value Proposition

Tax Deduction Mechanism

Every dollar you contribute to an RRSP reduces your taxable income by one dollar. If you’re in the 30% tax bracket and contribute $5,000, you get $1,500 back as a tax refund (or reduced tax owing).

The math: $5,000 contribution × 30% tax rate = $1,500 tax savings

But here’s the catch – if you’re only in the 15% bracket because you’re a student earning $20,000, that same $5,000 contribution only saves you $750. Half the benefit.

Tax-Deferred Growth

Like the TFSA, investments inside an RRSP grow without being taxed annually. You don’t pay capital gains tax, dividend tax, or interest tax while the money stays in the account. This tax deferral is powerful over decades.

The difference from a TFSA? Eventually you’ll pay tax when you withdraw in retirement (hopefully at a lower rate than when you contributed).

When Students SHOULD Use an RRSP

Scenario 1: High Co-op or Internship Income

If you’re in engineering, computer science, or another field with lucrative co-op terms earning $50,000-80,000, you’re temporarily in a much higher tax bracket. This is when the RRSP shines.

Example: Marcus is a computer science co-op student earning $70,000 during his 16-month work term. He’s in the 30% combined federal/provincial bracket. A $10,000 RRSP contribution saves him $3,000 in taxes. After graduation, he’ll likely earn similar amounts, so the tax deferral to retirement makes sense.

Strategy: Max out TFSA first ($7,000), then contribute excess savings to RRSP while in the high bracket. When you return to school and your income drops, stop RRSP contributions and switch back to TFSA only.

Scenario 2: Employer Matching

If your co-op employer offers RRSP matching (contribute $1, they contribute $1), this is free money. Always contribute enough to get the full match, even as a student. A 100% return beats any tax consideration.

Scenario 3: Specific RRSP Programs

The Lifelong Learning Plan lets you withdraw up to $20,000 from your RRSP tax-free for full-time education. If you’re doing a second degree or graduate program and have RRSP savings from previous work, this can fund your education.

But this is more about using an existing RRSP strategically rather than opening one specifically as a student.

RRSP Contribution Limit Calculation

Unlike the TFSA’s flat annual limit, RRSP room is personalized based on your earned income.

The Formula: RRSP Deduction Limit = 18% of previous year’s earned income (up to annual maximum) + Unused room from prior years – Pension Adjustment (if applicable)

2024 maximum: $31,560 (based on 2023 earned income) 2025 deadline: March 3, 2025 (for 2024 tax deductions)

Example: Priya earned $25,000 in 2024. Her 2025 RRSP contribution room is:

$25,000 × 18% = $4,500
Plus any unused room from prior years

If Priya only earned $10,000 in 2024, her 2025 room would be just $1,800. Students with low income accumulate very little RRSP room compared to the TFSA’s guaranteed $7,000 annual limit.

The RRSP Overcontribution Trap

Unlike the TFSA’s $2,000 buffer, the RRSP has only a $2,000 lifetime overcontribution allowance (if you’re 18+). Exceed your limit by more than $2,000, and you’ll pay 1% tax per month on the excess – same as the TFSA penalty.

But there’s an extra wrinkle: overcontributions don’t earn you additional deduction room. You’re penalized AND you can’t deduct the excess. It’s a lose-lose.

Always check your RRSP Deduction Limit Statement on your Notice of Assessment or in CRA My Account before contributing.

Head-to-Head Comparison: TFSA vs RRSP for Students

Let’s put these accounts side by side with specific student scenarios in mind.

Tax Treatment Showdown

Feature	TFSA	RRSP
Contribution Tax Treatment	No deduction (after-tax money)	Tax-deductible
Growth Tax Treatment	Tax-free forever	Tax-deferred
Withdrawal Tax Treatment	Tax-free	Taxed as income
Best for Low Income?	✅ YES	❌ NO
Best for High Income?	✅ YES	✅ YES

Student Scenario: Emma earns $18,000 annually and pays roughly 15% tax after basic personal amount. She contributes $3,000 to each account.

TFSA Result: $3,000 invested, grows tax-free, withdraws tax-free in 10 years. Simple and effective.

RRSP Result: $3,000 contribution saves $450 in taxes. She invests $3,000. In 10 years, she withdraws it while earning $50,000 (25% tax bracket), pays $750 tax. Net benefit: -$300. The RRSP actually cost her money due to bracket creep.

Flexibility and Accessibility

Feature	TFSA	RRSP
Withdrawal Anytime?	✅ YES	⚠️ YES (but taxed)
Penalty for Early Withdrawal?	❌ NO	✅ YES (taxation)
Recontribute Withdrawn Amounts?	✅ YES (next year)	❌ NO (room lost)
Emergency Access	✅ Perfect	❌ Expensive
Life Flexibility	✅ Maximum	❌ Limited

Student Scenario: Marcus needs $5,000 for an unexpected opportunity to study abroad.

TFSA: Withdraws $5,000 tax-free today. Gets $5,000 back in contribution room Jan 1 next year. Zero impact.

RRSP: Withdraws $5,000, immediately owes $750-1,250 in withholding tax. Files taxes, might owe even more if in higher bracket. Lost $5,000 in contribution room forever. Expensive and permanent.

Contribution Room Building

Feature	TFSA	RRSP
Based on Income?	❌ NO	✅ YES (18% of earned income)
Annual Limit 2025	$7,000 flat	Up to $32,490 (2025 limit, based on 2024 income)
Starts When?	Year you turn 18	When you have earned income
Low Income Impact	No impact – always $7,000	Huge impact – minimal room
Room Accumulation	Automatic	Based on working

Student Scenario: Sophie is 22, turned 18 in 2021. She’s been in school full-time, working summers only.

TFSA Room in 2025:

2021: $6,000
2022: $6,000
2023: $6,500
2024: $7,000
2025: $7,000
Total: $32,500

RRSP Room in 2025:

2021 summer income ($4,000): $720 room for 2022
2022 summer income ($5,000): $900 room for 2023
2023 summer income ($6,000): $1,080 room for 2024
2024 summer income ($7,000): $1,260 room for 2025
Total: $3,960

The TFSA gave Sophie 8× more contribution room despite identical working patterns.

Real-World Student Scenarios

Scenario 1: The Traditional Student (TFSA Wins)

Profile: Jordan, 20 years old, part-time retail job earning $12,000/year, living with parents, wants to save for post-grad travel and eventual down payment.

Best Choice: TFSA 100%

Minimal tax savings from RRSP deduction (15% bracket)
Needs flexibility for unknown post-grad plans
Can withdraw tax-free for travel or other opportunities
Building emergency fund alongside investments

Action Plan: Contribute $100/month to TFSA, invest in balanced ETF portfolio (60% stocks/40% bonds), build to $5,000 emergency fund in TFSA HISA, then shift to growth investments.

Scenario 2: The High-Earning Co-op Student (Split Strategy)

Profile: Alex, 21 years old, alternates between $70,000 co-op terms and $0 during school terms, wants to maximize tax efficiency.

Best Choice: TFSA first, then RRSP

During co-op: Max TFSA ($7,000), then contribute $10,000+ to RRSP for 30% tax savings
During school: Stop all RRSP contributions, use TFSA only
Claim RRSP deduction in high-income years only

Action Plan: Year 1 (co-op): Max TFSA + $15,000 to RRSP = $4,500 tax refund. Year 2 (school): Stop RRSP, deposit refund into TFSA. Repeat pattern.

Scenario 3: The Graduate Student (Lifelong Learning Plan)

Profile: Mira, 24 years old, worked 2 years post-undergrad earning $55,000, now starting master’s degree, has $25,000 in RRSP from those working years.

Best Choice: Use existing RRSP via LLP, build TFSA during grad school

Withdraw up to $10,000/year from RRSP tax-free under Lifelong Learning Plan
Fund living expenses without student loans
Contribute to TFSA with any TA/RA income during master’s
Repay RRSP over 10 years after graduating

Action Plan: LLP withdrawal $10,000 in Year 1, $10,000 in Year 2 of master’s. Use tax-free to cover rent. Start TFSA with $100/month from TA position.

The Verdict: Which Should Students Choose First?

After examining every angle, here’s the definitive answer for Canadian students in 2025.

The 90% Rule: TFSA First

For the vast majority of students, the TFSA should be your first and primary investment account. Open it, max it out (or contribute what you can), and make it the foundation of your wealth-building strategy.

You should prioritize the TFSA if:

You’re earning under $45,000 annually
You’re in school full-time or part-time
You might need money for emergencies, opportunities, or life changes
You have student loans to pay off
You’re unsure about your post-graduation plans
You value flexibility and simplicity
You’re building your first emergency fund
You’re saving for short-to-medium term goals (2-10 years)

This covers about 90% of students. The TFSA’s combination of tax-free growth, unlimited flexibility, and guaranteed annual contribution room makes it the no-brainer choice.

The 10% Exception: RRSP Makes Sense

A small minority of students should consider the RRSP alongside or instead of the TFSA:

You should consider RRSP contributions if:

You’re earning $60,000+ during co-op or internship terms (tax savings of $1,500+ per $5,000 contributed)
Your employer offers RRSP matching (free money always wins)
You’ve maxed out your TFSA and still have savings to invest
You’re certain about high income post-graduation in same tax bracket
You’re older (25+) with established career direction
You’re already in a 30%+ tax bracket

Even in these cases, max your TFSA first, then move to RRSP with any additional savings.

The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

Can’t decide? Don’t want to choose just one? The hybrid approach gives you both benefits:

The Strategy:

First $7,000: Max out TFSA (flexibility + tax-free growth)
Next $3,000-5,000: Contribute to RRSP if in 25%+ tax bracket (tax savings)
Any additional: Back to TFSA if you have room, or taxable account

This approach ensures you have emergency access via TFSA while capturing tax deductions if your income justifies it.

Timeline Strategy: The 10-Year Plan

Here’s how your TFSA vs RRSP strategy should evolve from student years through early career:

Ages 18-22 (Student Years): TFSA 95%, RRSP 5%

Focus almost entirely on TFSA
Only use RRSP if employer matches or earning $60,000+
Build emergency fund in TFSA first
Learn investing basics with TFSA flexibility

Ages 23-25 (Early Career): TFSA 70%, RRSP 30%

Continue maxing TFSA
Start RRSP contributions as income rises
Use RRSP deduction to pay down debt faster
Build retirement foundation

Ages 26-30 (Career Growth): TFSA 50%, RRSP 50%

Equal priority to both accounts
Max TFSA early in year for flexibility
Spread RRSP contributions for tax planning
Consider home purchase strategies

This evolution ensures you’re never locked in but always optimizing for your current life stage.

Common Mistakes Students Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Even with the best intentions, students make costly errors with TFSAs and RRSPs. Here’s how to avoid the biggest pitfalls.

Mistake 1: Choosing RRSP for the “Tax Refund”

The Error: Opening an RRSP because “I want that big tax refund” without understanding the math.

Why It’s Wrong: If you’re in the 20% bracket, a $5,000 RRSP contribution gives you a $1,000 refund. Sounds great! But you’ve locked up $5,000 that you’ll pay 20-30% tax on when you withdraw it. If you had invested $4,000 in a TFSA (the after-tax amount after paying your 20% tax), it would grow tax-free and you’d never pay tax on withdrawals.

The Fix: Calculate your actual tax bracket. If you’re under 25% and still a student, the tax refund isn’t worth the loss of flexibility.

Mistake 2: Not Opening Either Account

The Error: Keeping all savings in a regular bank account because “investing is complicated.”

Why It’s Wrong: A regular savings account might earn 2-3% interest, and you pay tax on that interest. A TFSA can hold the exact same savings account BUT the interest is tax-free. You’re literally paying unnecessary tax by not using the TFSA wrapper.

The Fix: Open a TFSA at your bank tomorrow. Move your existing savings into it (up to your contribution limit). That’s it – you’re now earning tax-free interest. Later, you can learn about investing in ETFs and stocks, but step one is simply using the TFSA for tax-free growth.

Mistake 3: TFSA Day Trading

The Error: Treating your TFSA like a day trading account, making dozens of trades weekly trying to get rich quick.

Why It’s Wrong: The CRA monitors TFSAs for “business activity.” If they determine you’re running a trading business inside your TFSA, they can tax all your gains and charge penalties. TFSAs are for long-term investing, not day trading.

The Fix: Keep it simple. Buy broad-market ETFs or index funds and hold them for years. The occasional rebalancing (2-4 trades per year) is fine. But daily trading crosses the line into business activity.

Mistake 4: Overcontributing Without Checking

The Error: Assuming your bank’s TFSA room calculation is correct and contributing based on that number.

Why It’s Wrong: Banks often show outdated contribution room or miss withdrawals from other institutions. The CRA only updates their records annually, and they’re the only official source.

The Fix: Always verify your exact contribution room through CRA My Account before making any TFSA contribution. It takes 2 minutes and saves you 1% monthly penalty taxes.

Mistake 5: Forgetting About Provincial Tax Rates

The Error: Calculating RRSP tax savings using only federal rates and missing the provincial component.

Why It’s Wrong: Your total tax rate is federal + provincial combined. In BC, earning $50,000 puts you in roughly 28% combined bracket. In Alberta, it’s about 25%. In Ontario, about 29%. This affects both your RRSP deduction value and your withdrawal tax.

The Fix: Use a combined federal/provincial tax calculator to determine your real tax savings. If your combined rate is under 25%, the RRSP is rarely worth it for students. At 30%+, the RRSP becomes more attractive.

Mistake 6: Withdrawing TFSA Contributions in Same Year

The Error: Contributing $5,000 to your TFSA in March, then withdrawing it in November because you need the money, thinking you can re-contribute immediately.

Why It’s Wrong: Withdrawal amounts only get added back to contribution room on January 1 of the following year. If you try to re-contribute that $5,000 in December, you’ve overcontributed by $5,000 and will pay 1% monthly penalty.

The Fix: Track your contributions carefully throughout the year. If you withdraw, wait until January 1 to recontribute. Or better yet, keep 3-6 months of expenses in a regular savings account so you don’t need to raid your TFSA.

Mistake 7: Claiming RRSP Deduction in Wrong Year

The Error: Contributing to RRSP in January 2025, claiming the deduction on your 2024 tax return (filed in early 2025), but not realizing you could save it for 2025 when you’ll earn more.

Why It’s Wrong: You can contribute in the first 60 days of 2025 (before March 3) and choose whether to deduct it on your 2024 or 2025 return. If you’re graduating and expect higher income in 2025, claiming it in 2025 saves more tax.

The Fix: Understand that contributing and deducting are separate decisions. You can contribute now but delay claiming the deduction for up to several years when it’s worth more. File Schedule 7 to track undeducted contributions.

Step-by-Step: How to Actually Open These Accounts

Theory is great, but let’s get practical. Here’s exactly how to open your first TFSA or RRSP as a student.

Opening Your First TFSA

Step 1: Choose Your Institution

You can open a TFSA at:

Traditional banks (RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC): Easy if you already bank there, but often higher fees
Online brokerages (Questrade, Wealthsimple Trade, IBKR): Lower fees, better for investing in ETFs
Robo-advisors (Wealthsimple Invest, Questwealth): Automated investing, good for beginners
Credit unions: Often good rates on TFSA savings accounts/GICs

For students, I recommend:

Wealthsimple Trade for self-directed investing (zero commissions on stocks/ETFs)
Wealthsimple Invest for hands-off automated investing
EQ Bank for TFSA high-interest savings account (no investing, just savings)

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
Proof of address (recent utility bill or bank statement)
Direct deposit info (void cheque or bank account details)

Step 3: Open the Account Online

Most institutions let you open accounts entirely online:

Visit the institution’s website
Click “Open Account” and select TFSA
Enter personal information and SIN
Upload ID documents
Link your bank account for funding
Sign electronically

The process takes 10-15 minutes, and your account is usually approved within 1-2 business days.

Step 4: Fund Your Account

Transfer money from your regular bank account to your new TFSA:

Set up automatic monthly contributions ($50, $100, $200/month)
Make one-time lump sum deposits when you have extra money
Keep contribution room in mind (check CRA My Account first)

Step 5: Invest the Money

Don’t let it sit in cash! Options by experience level:

Beginner (never invested): Robo-advisor or all-in-one ETF like VGRO/VBAL Intermediate (some knowledge): Build simple 3-ETF portfolio (Canadian stocks, US stocks, Bonds) Advanced (comfortable with research): Individual stocks, sector ETFs, custom allocation

Pro Tip: Start simple. You can always get more sophisticated later. A basic VGRO (growth-focused balanced ETF) or VBAL (balanced ETF) gives you global diversification in one ticker.

Opening Your First RRSP

The RRSP opening process is nearly identical to TFSA, but with a few key differences:

Step 1: Verify You Have Contribution Room

Before opening an RRSP, check your RRSP Deduction Limit Statement:

Log into CRA My Account
View your latest Notice of Assessment
Find “RRSP deduction limit for [year]”
Confirm you have room before contributing

Step 2: Choose the Same Institution as Your TFSA

For simplicity, open your RRSP where you have your TFSA. This makes:

Managing investments easier (one login, one dashboard)
Transferring money between accounts simpler
Rebalancing across accounts more convenient

Step 3: Decide on Contribution Timing

Unlike TFSA where timing doesn’t matter much, RRSP timing affects tax planning:

Contribute in first 60 days of year if you want to deduct on previous year’s return (higher tax savings if you had high income last year)
Spread throughout the year to dollar-cost average and smooth market timing risk
Contribute late in year if you expect higher income in current year

Step 4: Set Up Contribution Schedule

Most students should use automatic contributions if using RRSP:

Bi-weekly contributions matching your paycheque schedule
Monthly contributions on the same day each month
One-time contributions at year-end with bonus/tax refund money

Step 5: Track Your Contributions

Keep detailed records of every RRSP contribution:

Save all official receipts from your financial institution
Note exact dates and amounts
File Schedule 7 with your tax return showing contributions
Track unused contributions if you don’t claim deduction immediately

Setting Up Your Investment Strategy

Once accounts are open, you need an actual investment plan. Here’s the student-friendly approach:

The Simple Three-Fund Portfolio (Recommended for Students)

This strategy requires minimal maintenance and gives you global diversification:

Option A – Single Ticket Solution:

100% in VGRO (aggressive growth, 80% stocks/20% bonds) OR
100% in VBAL (balanced, 60% stocks/40% bonds)

That’s it. One ETF, automatic rebalancing, globally diversified. Perfect for students.

Option B – Classic Three-Fund Portfolio:

40% VCN (Canadian stocks)
40% VUN or XUU (US stocks)
20% VAB (Canadian bonds)

Rebalance annually or when allocations drift 5% from target.

Emergency Fund First

Before investing aggressively, build an emergency fund:

$1,000-3,000 if living with parents
3-6 months expenses if living independently
Keep in TFSA high-interest savings account for tax-free growth
Only invest money you won’t need for 3-5+ years

Risk Tolerance by Timeline

Need money in 1-2 years? Keep in HISA or GIC (guaranteed)
3-5 year timeline? Balanced portfolio (50-60% stocks)
5-10 years? Growth portfolio (70-80% stocks)
10+ years? Aggressive growth (80-90% stocks)

Match your investments to your timeline and you’ll sleep better at night.

Tax Filing and Record Keeping for Student Investors

Investing as a student creates new tax responsibilities. Here’s how to handle them properly.

TFSA Tax Reporting (Spoiler: It’s Easy)

The beautiful thing about TFSAs? Almost zero tax reporting required.

What You DO Report:

Nothing on your personal tax return
No capital gains, no dividends, no interest income
Completely invisible to CRA for income tax purposes

What You DON’T Report:

Investment income earned inside TFSA
Capital gains from selling investments
Withdrawals (they’re not income)

Your Only TFSA Responsibility: Track your contribution room separately from tax filing. The TFSA lives entirely outside your tax return.

Exception: If CRA determines you’re day trading or running a business inside your TFSA, they’ll require reporting and tax those gains. Stick to buy-and-hold investing to avoid this.

RRSP Tax Reporting (More Involved)

RRSPs require annual reporting even if you don’t claim the deduction:

Required Forms:

Schedule 7: Mandatory if you contributed but didn’t deduct full amount, or if you participated in HBP/LLP
RRSP receipts: Keep all official receipts from financial institutions
Notice of Assessment: Shows your RRSP deduction limit for next year

How to Claim RRSP Deduction:

Enter RRSP contributions on Line 20800 of tax return
Attach Schedule 7 if required
Attach official receipts if filing paper return (keep for electronic filing)
CRA reduces your taxable income by amount claimed
Get refund based on your tax bracket

Strategic Deduction Timing:

You can contribute now but claim deduction later:

Contribute $3,000 in January 2025
File 2024 tax return showing $3,000 undeducted contribution on Schedule 7
Save deduction for 2025 or later when earning more
Claim when it saves maximum tax

This strategy is powerful for students expecting significant income increases post-graduation.

Record Keeping Best Practices

Create a “Tax Documents” Folder:

Physical or digital, keep everything organized:

TFSA contribution/withdrawal records (from your institution)
RRSP official receipts (from your institution)
T-slips (T4, T4A, T5, T3 from all sources)
Tuition receipts (T2202)
Notices of Assessment from CRA (shows contribution room)
Schedule 7 copies from previous years

Digital Tools to Use:

CRA My Account: View contribution room, NOAs, slips online
Spreadsheet tracking: Log every contribution/withdrawal with dates
Banking app screenshots: Backup proof of transactions
Cloud storage: Keep scanned documents accessible anywhere

How Long to Keep Records:

TFSA/RRSP receipts and statements: 6 years minimum
Notices of Assessment: Forever (they show historical contribution room)
Investment purchase records: Until 6 years after you sell (for capital gains)

Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder every January to:

Download previous year’s tax slips
Check updated TFSA/RRSP contribution room
Organize receipts for tax filing
Plan current year’s contribution strategy

Advanced Strategies for Ambitious Student Investors

Once you’ve mastered the basics, these advanced strategies can accelerate your wealth building.

The Income-Splitting Strategy (For High-Earning Students)

If you’re in a relationship and one partner earns significantly more during co-op terms:

The Setup:

High-earning partner (in 30% bracket) contributes to spousal RRSP
Gets tax deduction at 30% rate
Low-earning partner (in 15% bracket) will eventually withdraw
Pays tax at 15% rate when withdrawing in retirement

The Benefit: 30% tax savings on contribution, 15% tax on withdrawal = 15% net savings

The Rules:

Must be legally married or common-law (12+ months living together)
Spousal RRSP belongs to receiving spouse
Attribution rules apply if withdrawn within 3 years of contribution

Student Application: Marcus earns $70,000 on co-op, girlfriend Sarah is full-time student earning $0. Marcus contributes $10,000 to spousal RRSP for Sarah, saves $3,000 in taxes. In 40 years when Sarah withdraws in retirement, she pays $1,500 tax. Net family savings: $1,500.

The TFSA Swap Strategy (Tax-Loss Harvesting Alternative)

In taxable accounts, you can use tax-loss harvesting. In TFSAs, you can do something similar:

The Strategy:

Investment in TFSA drops 30% (say $10,000 to $7,000)
You have cash in taxable account or another TFSA
Withdraw $7,000 from losing TFSA position
Immediately buy same investment in other account
Re-contribute $7,000 to TFSA next January
Buy different investment that’s also down

The Benefit: You’ve “reset” your TFSA at lower values, giving more room for tax-free growth on the rebound. When the investment recovers to $10,000, that $3,000 gain happens inside TFSA tax-free.

Warning: Complex strategy, easy to accidentally overcontribute. Only for sophisticated investors who track everything meticulously.

The RRSP Meltdown Strategy (For Post-Graduation)

Plan ahead for when you graduate and start earning:

Years 1-3 Post-Graduation (Lower Salary):

Max TFSA first ($7,000/year)
Contribute minimally to RRSP (just enough for employer match)
Build emergency fund
Pay down high-interest debt

Years 4-7 (Salary Increasing):

Continue maxing TFSA
Increase RRSP contributions as salary rises
Target 15-18% total retirement savings rate

Years 8-10 (Peak Earning Years):

Max both TFSA and RRSP
Use RRSP deductions to fund TFSA (take refund, invest in TFSA)
Consider pension plan contributions if available

The Math: Every $1,000 RRSP contribution at 40% tax rate gives you $400 refund. Invest that $400 in TFSA. The RRSP gave you tax savings AND funded your TFSA. Double win.

The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) Addition

New for 2023, the FHSA combines best features of TFSA and RRSP for first-time home buyers:

FHSA Features:

Contributions are tax-deductible (like RRSP)
Withdrawals for first home are tax-free (like TFSA)
$8,000 annual limit, $40,000 lifetime
Must be first-time home buyer
15-year maximum participation window

Student Strategy:

Open FHSA at 18 if planning to buy home someday
Contribution room starts accumulating
Contribute during high co-op income years for tax deduction
Withdraw tax-free for down payment in late 20s/early 30s

Priority Order for Students Planning Homeownership:

Emergency fund (in TFSA HISA)
Employer RRSP match (free money)
FHSA contributions (tax deduction + tax-free withdrawal)
TFSA (flexibility)
Additional RRSP (if room and income justify)

The FHSA is genuinely the best of both worlds if you’re certain about buying a home.

Real Student Success Stories: TFSA vs RRSP Decisions

Let’s look at how real students (names changed) navigated this decision and the outcomes.

Case Study 1: Emily – The TFSA Maximizer

Background: Emily, 22, just graduated from nursing. During school, she worked part-time earning $15,000-20,000 annually. She opened a TFSA at 19 and contributed $100-200/month throughout her degree.

The Decision: TFSA only – ignored RRSP completely during school

The Contributions:

Ages 19-22: Total contributions $8,400 over 4 years
Invested in VGRO (80% stocks, 20% bonds)
Never withdrew, even when tempted

The Outcome (Age 22):

TFSA value: $10,200 (21% growth over 4 years)
Tax paid on growth: $0
Remaining TFSA room: $19,600
RRSP room accumulated: $5,400 (from low income years)

Post-Graduation Strategy: Starting nursing job at $65,000, Emily now:

Maxes TFSA first ($7,000/year)
Then contributes to RRSP ($10,000/year for tax savings)
Uses RRSP refund ($3,000) to top up TFSA

Lesson: The TFSA’s flexibility let Emily invest throughout school without penalty. Now that she’s earning well, she’s using both accounts strategically. If she had chosen RRSP during school, she’d have saved minimal tax but lost all flexibility.

Case Study 2: David – The Co-op RRSP Strategy

Background: David, 23, computer engineering co-op student. Alternated between $75,000 co-op terms (8 months) and $0 during school (4 months). Smart with money, wanted to optimize taxes.

The Decision: TFSA during school terms, RRSP during co-op terms

The Contributions:

Age 20 co-op: $7,000 TFSA + $15,000 RRSP = $4,500 refund
Age 20 school: Deposited $4,500 refund in TFSA
Age 21 co-op: Already maxed TFSA, $20,000 to RRSP = $6,000 refund
Age 21 school: Invested $6,000 refund in taxable account
Age 22 co-op: $18,000 to RRSP = $5,400 refund

The Outcome (Age 23):

TFSA: $13,500 (maxed)
RRSP: $53,000
Taxable account: $7,200
Total savings: $73,700

Post-Graduation Reality: Started at $90,000 salary (similar tax bracket as co-op). The RRSP strategy paid off – he deferred tax at 30% and will pay tax at 30% in retirement. Minimal disadvantage.

Lesson: High co-op income justified RRSP usage. David was disciplined enough to max TFSA first, then use RRSP for the tax arbitrage. If his post-grad salary had been $50,000, he would have been better off with TFSA only.

Case Study 3: Priya – The Course Correction

Background: Priya, 21, business student, made a common mistake in first year.

The Initial Mistake:

Age 18: Earned $12,000, contributed $3,000 to RRSP (because “tax refund!”)
Got $450 back in taxes (15% bracket)
Left money in RRSP, couldn’t access it

Age 19 Reality Check:

Needed $2,000 for emergency dental work
TFSA: $0 (had prioritized RRSP)
Had to withdraw from RRSP, paid $300 withholding tax, lost contribution room
Learned expensive lesson about flexibility

The Correction:

Age 19-21: TFSA only, built to $12,000
Used TFSA HISA for emergency fund (first $5,000)
Invested remainder in VBAL

The Outcome (Age 22):

TFSA: $14,800 (tax-free growth)
RRSP: $700 (remnant from mistake, left untouched)
Emergency fund fully funded
No more financial stress

Lesson: The wrong choice early cost Priya $300 in taxes and significant stress. Once she switched to TFSA-first, she built both wealth AND peace of mind. The flexibility was worth more than any tax savings.

Frequently Asked Questions: TFSA vs RRSP for Students

1. I’m 18 and just started university. Should I open a TFSA even though I have no money to contribute?

Yes, absolutely! Even if you can’t contribute now, opening the account has benefits:

Your contribution room is building automatically ($7,000 for 2025, plus all previous years since you turned 18). By opening the account now, you:

Get comfortable with the platform and interface
Can deposit small amounts ($20-50) when you have them
Learn about investing without high stakes
Avoid the “I’ll do it later” trap that costs years of tax-free growth

Plus, many banks waive monthly fees on student accounts, making it free to have open.

2. Can I have both a TFSA and RRSP as a student?

Absolutely! There’s no rule against having both accounts, and many students benefit from using both strategically.

The typical student approach:

Primary account: TFSA (for flexibility and tax-free growth)
Secondary account: RRSP (only if earning $50,000+ or getting employer match)

Having both lets you optimize for different goals:

TFSA for emergency fund + short-term savings + flexible investing
RRSP for retirement savings during high-income co-op terms

Just make sure you’re maxing TFSA first before putting significant money in RRSP.

3. What happens to my TFSA/RRSP contribution room if I don’t file taxes?

TFSA: Your contribution room builds automatically whether you file taxes or not. Turned 18 in 2020? You have room from 2020-2025 even if you never filed a single tax return. However, you should still file to track everything properly.

RRSP: Your contribution room only accumulates if you have “earned income” reported on a tax return. If you don’t file, the CRA has no record of your income, so you build no RRSP room. Even with minimal income, file your return to accumulate RRSP room.

Bottom line: File taxes every year, even with zero income. It ensures accurate records and unlocks benefit payments like GST/HST credit.

4. I have $5,000 from summer jobs. Should it go to TFSA, pay off student loans, or build emergency fund?

This is the classic student priority dilemma. Here’s the decision framework:

Priority 1 – High-Interest Debt: If you have credit card debt or private loans over 8% interest, pay those first. The guaranteed “return” of eliminating 15-20% interest beats any investment.

Priority 2 – Basic Emergency Fund: Put $1,000-2,000 in a TFSA high-interest savings account. This covers unexpected expenses without derailing your finances.

Priority 3 – Government Student Loans: These are usually 2-4% interest (currently interest-free on federal portion). Don’t rush to pay these – invest instead for higher returns.

Priority 4 – Invest Remaining Amount: Put remaining money in TFSA invested in balanced ETF (VBAL/VGRO). Let it grow tax-free.

For your $5,000:

$1,500 to emergency fund (TFSA HISA)
$3,500 invested in TFSA (VBAL or VGRO)
Make minimum payments on government student loans

5. Can I withdraw from my TFSA to pay tuition and recontribute later?

Yes! This is one of the TFSA’s greatest strengths for students. Here’s how it works:

The Process:

Withdraw $5,000 in September for tuition
The $5,000 gets added back to your contribution room on January 1
Recontribute the $5,000 anytime after January 1
Zero tax, zero penalty, zero permanent loss of room

Critical Warning: The recontribution room comes back NEXT calendar year, not immediately. If you withdraw $5,000 in September and try to recontribute in November, you’ll overcontribute and face penalties.

Pro Tip: If you know you’ll need money for tuition, keep that amount in a TFSA HISA earning 3-5% tax-free. Don’t invest tuition money in stocks that could drop 20% right before you need it.

6. My employer offers RRSP matching but I’m only 20 and in school. Should I contribute?

YES! Employer matching is free money that trumps almost all other considerations.

If your employer matches 50% up to 5% of salary, that’s an immediate 50% return on investment. No tax strategy, no investment can beat guaranteed free money.

Strategy:

Contribute enough to get full employer match (usually 3-5% of salary)
This goes into RRSP
Separately, max your TFSA with your own money
Think of employer RRSP as “forced retirement savings” and TFSA as “my flexible money”

Even at age 20, that employer match is too valuable to ignore. The tax situation is secondary to the free money.

7. Should I invest my TFSA or just keep it as a savings account?

It depends on your timeline, but most students should be investing at least part of their TFSA:

Emergency Fund Portion (Need within 1 year): Keep in TFSA HISA earning 3-5% interest, tax-free. This is your “don’t touch unless emergency” money.

Goal-Based Savings (2-5 years): Keep in TFSA GIC or conservative balanced fund (30-40% stocks). For things like post-grad travel, down payment, wedding.

Long-Term Investing (5+ years): Invest in TFSA with growth portfolio (60-80% stocks) via ETFs like VGRO/XGRO. This is money you won’t need for years.

Common Split for Students:

30% in HISA (emergency fund)
20% in GICs (near-term goals)
50% in ETFs (long-term growth)

The TFSA is just a tax-free wrapper – what you put inside depends on your timeline and risk tolerance.

8. What if I exceed my TFSA contribution room by accident?

If you overcontribute to your TFSA, the CRA charges a 1% penalty tax per month on the excess amount. Here’s what to do:

Immediate Steps:

Calculate exact overcontribution amount (CRA My Account shows your room)
Withdraw the excess IMMEDIATELY (same month if possible to avoid penalties)
Don’t panic – one month of 1% penalty is $10 on a $1,000 overcontribution

Reporting Requirements: File Form RC243 (Tax-Free Savings Account Return) for any month you have an excess contribution, even if you withdrew it quickly.

CRA Waiver Possibility: If the overcontribution was a genuine mistake and you fixed it quickly, the CRA may waive penalties. Write a letter explaining the error and requesting waiver under taxpayer relief provisions.

Prevention:

Always check CRA My Account before contributing
Track contributions manually in a spreadsheet
Set up contribution alerts with your bank
Leave a small buffer (contribute $6,800 instead of full $7,000 to account for calculation errors)

9. Can I use my RRSP to fund my education through the Lifelong Learning Plan?

Yes! The Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) lets you withdraw up to $10,000 per year (max $20,000 total) from your RRSP tax-free for full-time education.

LLP Requirements:

Must be enrolled full-time in qualifying educational program
Must be Canadian resident when withdrawing
Must repay over 10 years (starting year 2-5 after first withdrawal)
Can only be used for your own education or spouse’s (not children)

Student Application: This is more useful for students who worked before returning to school. Example:

Sarah worked 3 years, built $30,000 RRSP
Returned for master’s degree
Withdrew $10,000/year for 2 years via LLP
Used tax-free for living expenses
Will repay $2,000/year over 10 years after graduating

Important: Only use LLP if you already have RRSP savings from previous work. Don’t build an RRSP specifically for LLP – just use student loans and TFSA instead.

10. I’m graduating soon and starting a $70,000 job. Should I change my TFSA/RRSP strategy?

Absolutely! Your strategy should evolve as your income changes. Here’s your new post-graduation approach:

Month 1-6 (Transition Period):

Build 3-6 month emergency fund in TFSA HISA
Start retirement contributions: 15% of gross income total
Pay minimum on student loans (unless interest-free period ending)

Year 1 Priority Order:

Emergency fund first: $15,000-20,000 in TFSA HISA
Max TFSA: Remaining contribution room ($7,000 new + any unused from student years)
RRSP to employer match: Usually 3-5% of salary
Additional RRSP: Up to $10,000/year (saves ~$3,000 in taxes at $70,000 income)

Sample First-Year Allocation ($70,000 salary):

Emergency fund: $1,000/month × 6 months = $6,000
TFSA max: $7,000
RRSP employer match: $3,500
Additional RRSP: $6,500
Total saved: $23,000 (33% savings rate)

Use RRSP tax refund (~$3,000) to top up TFSA or pay down high-interest debt.

At $70,000, you’re in the 30% combined federal/provincial bracket, making RRSP deductions worthwhile. But still max TFSA first for that flexibility.

Your Action Plan: Next Steps for Students

You’ve learned everything about TFSA vs RRSP. Now let’s turn knowledge into action with a concrete plan.

This Week: Foundation Setup

Day 1-2: Check Your Numbers

Log into CRA My Account (or create account if you don’t have one)
Find your TFSA contribution room
Find your RRSP deduction limit
Screenshot both for your records

Day 3-4: Choose Your Institution

Research options: Wealthsimple, Questrade, your current bank
Compare fees: Look for zero-commission stock/ETF trading
Read reviews from other students
Make your decision

Day 5-6: Open Your Account

Start with TFSA (RRSP later if needed)
Complete online application
Upload required documents
Link your bank account

Day 7: Make First Contribution Even if it’s just $25-100, get money into the account. Starting beats perfecting.

This Month: Build Your Strategy

Week 2: Fund the Account

Set up automatic contributions: $50, $100, $200/month (whatever you can afford)
Transfer any existing savings (up to your contribution room)
Prioritize: Emergency fund first, then investing

Week 3: Choose Your Investments Beginner? Start with:

Option 1: VGRO (80% stocks, aggressive growth for long timeline)
Option 2: VBAL (60% stocks, balanced for moderate timeline)
Option 3: HISA (if you need money within 1-2 years)

Place your first investment order. Start with one of the all-in-one ETFs above.

Week 4: Set Up Systems

Calendar reminder: Check contribution room every January
Budget line item: “TFSA contribution” in monthly budget
Spreadsheet: Track contributions, withdrawals, investment purchases
Auto-increase: Set contributions to increase with any raise/bonus

This Year: Optimize and Grow

Every Quarter:

Review investment performance (but don’t panic over short-term dips)
Rebalance if needed (usually just let it ride with all-in-one ETFs)
Adjust contribution amount based on income changes

Every 6 Months:

Assess if you need to adjust stock/bond ratio
Review emergency fund adequacy
Consider if RRSP makes sense yet (if income increased significantly)

Annually (Every January):

Check updated TFSA contribution room
Max out TFSA if possible ($7,000 for 2025)
Review total financial picture
Adjust strategy as income and life circumstances change

Five-Year Vision: Student to Wealth Builder

Where this strategy takes you with consistent execution:

Year 1 (Current – Student):

TFSA: $3,000-7,000
Emergency fund established
Investing basics mastered
RRSP: $0-3,000 (only if high co-op income)

Year 2 (Graduating):

TFSA: $10,000-15,000
First real job secured
RRSP contributions starting (if income justifies)
Student loans being managed strategically

Year 3 (Early Career):

TFSA: $25,000-35,000
RRSP: $15,000-25,000
Emergency fund: 6 months expenses
Net worth: $40,000-60,000

Year 4-5 (Established):

TFSA: $45,000-60,000
RRSP: $35,000-60,000
Considering first home purchase (FHSA?)
Net worth: $80,000-120,000+

This isn’t fantasy – this is what happens when students start early, invest consistently, and let compound growth work its magic.

Resources and Official Information

Access these official Government of Canada resources for detailed information:

Essential CRA Publications

RC4466 – Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) Guide for Individuals Complete guide to TFSA rules, contribution room, and regulations

T4040 – RRSPs and Other Registered Plans for Retirement Comprehensive guide to RRSP contributions, deductions, and withdrawals

Key CRA Web Pages

TFSA Main Information Page

TFSA Contribution Room

RRSP Main Information Page

RRSP Deduction Limit Information

Important RRSP Dates

Online Tools and Services

CRA My Account Check your TFSA contribution room and RRSP deduction limit

TFSA Contribution Calculator Calculate your available TFSA room Use CRA My Account for most accurate calculation

Tax Information Phone Service (TIPS) Automated service for TFSA room and RRSP limit: 1-800-267-6999

Contact Information

CRA General Inquiries: 1-800-959-8281 Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-8pm ET, Saturday 9am-5pm ET TTY (for hearing impaired): 1-800-665-0354 International callers: 613-940-8495 (collect calls accepted)

Investment Learning Resources

Canadian Couch Potato Blog Evidence-based investing strategies perfect for beginners

Personal Finance Canada Reddit Student-friendly community for Canadian investing questions

Bank of Canada Inflation Calculator Understand real returns after inflation

Final Thoughts From HustleHub

Choosing between TFSA and RRSP as a student isn’t just a financial decision – it’s about building the foundation for your entire financial future. The choice you make today will compound over decades, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of dollars in wealth.

For the overwhelming majority of students reading this, the TFSA is your answer. It offers everything you need: tax-free growth, complete flexibility, guaranteed contribution room, and peace of mind. The RRSP will have its time to shine when you’re earning real money and those tax deductions actually matter.

But here’s what matters more than choosing the “perfect” account: actually starting. The student who opens a TFSA tomorrow and contributes $50/month will be far ahead of the student who spends six months researching the optimal strategy and never takes action.

Your Competitive Advantage

You’re young. You have time. You found this article and learned about these accounts before many of your peers. These three facts give you an enormous advantage in building wealth.

A 20-year-old who invests $200/month until age 30 (just $24,000 total) and then stops will have more at age 65 than someone who starts at 30 and invests $400/month until 65 ($168,000 total). That’s the power of starting early.

By opening your TFSA this week and starting with whatever you can afford, you’re joining the small percentage of students who actually build wealth. You’re not just saving money – you’re buying freedom, opportunities, and security for your future self.

The Real Secret

The real secret isn’t TFSA vs RRSP. It isn’t timing the market or picking perfect investments. The real secret is this:

Start early. Invest consistently. Stay the course. Let compound growth do the heavy lifting.

Do that, and in 20 years, you’ll look back at opening your first TFSA as one of the best decisions you ever made.

Your Move, Hustler

You’ve read 8,000+ words about TFSA vs RRSP. You understand the theory, the strategies, the tactics. Now comes the only part that actually matters: taking action.

Close this article. Open a new tab. Visit Wealthsimple, Questrade, or your bank’s website. Start the account application. It takes 15 minutes.

Do it today. Your future self will thank you.

We’ll be here at HustleHub with more strategies, guides, and insights to help you build wealth throughout your financial journey. But this first step? That’s all you.

Let’s get to work.

About HustleHub: HustleHub is Canada’s trusted resource for government benefits, tax strategies, and personal finance information. We break down complex financial topics into actionable advice that helps Canadians maximize their money. From student tax credits to retirement planning, we’ve got you covered.

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Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about TFSAs and RRSPs for Canadian students for the 2025 tax year. Individual tax situations vary. For personalized financial advice, consult the Canada Revenue Agency or a qualified financial advisor. All information is accurate as of January 2025 based on official Government of Canada sources.