INVESTMENTS & SAVINGS
Save with purpose.
Invest with direction.
Your financial goals may be different from someone else's. You may be preparing for retirement, buying your first home, saving for education or simply building more flexibility for the future.
We start with the goal, your timeline, financial situation and comfort with risk before discussing accounts and investment options that may fit your needs.
✓ Goal-Based
✓ Personalized Strategy
✓ Ongoing Reviews
✓ Goal-Based ✓ Personalized Strategy ✓ Ongoing Reviews
START WITH THE GOAL
The account is a tool.
Your goal comes first.
Different goals may call for different accounts, investment approaches and timelines.
We begin by understanding what you're working toward before discussing the options available to you.
FLEXIBLE SAVINGS
TFSA
Save and invest for
different future goals.
RETIREMENT
RRSP
Build toward
retirement goals.
EDUCATION
RESP
Save toward
education goals.
FIRST HOME
FHSA
Build toward a
qualifying first
home goal.
LONG TERMINVESTING
Segregated Funds
Explore investment
options based on
goals and risk.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
Retirement Strategies
Plan how savings
may support future
income needs.
TAX-FREE SAVINGS ACCOUNT (TFSA)
Flexible savings.
Tax-free growth potential.
A Tax-Free Savings Account is a registered account that can be used for a wide range of savings and investment goals. Investment income earned inside a TFSA and withdrawals are generally tax-free in Canada.
A TFSA is an account, not an investment.
Think of the TFSA as the container. What you choose to hold inside the account determines how your money is positioned and what level of risk and potential return you take.
What are you building toward?
EMERGENCY / FLEXIBILITY
Build accessible savings.
LONG-TERM GROWTH
Invest toward future goals.
MAJOR PURCHASE
Prepare for future expenses.
RETIREMENT
Build another source of tax-efficient savings.
Know your TFSA contribution room
Your contribution room is personal. It can include the current year's TFSA dollar limit plus unused room carried forward from previous years and eligible withdrawals from prior years.
2026 TFSA DOLLAR LIMIT
$7,000
Your personal available room may be different.
Always confirm your available contribution room before contributing. CRA also recommends comparing the information in your CRA account with your own financial institution records.
What happens when I withdraw?
A TFSA withdrawal does not create new contribution room immediately. The amount withdrawn is generally added back to your available TFSA contribution room on January 1 of the following calendar year.
Re-contributing a withdrawal in the same year can cause an over-contribution if you don't already have enough available room.
Not sure how your TFSA should fit into your plan?
We can start with your goal, timeline, existing savings and comfort with risk before discussing account and investment options.
REGISTERED RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN (RRSP)
Save for retirement.
Use tax-deferred growth with intention.
An RRSP is a registered account designed to help you save for retirement. Contributions may be tax-deductible, subject to your available deduction limit. Income earned inside the RRSP is generally tax-deferred while the funds remain in the plan.
Withdrawals are generally taxable, so an RRSP is commonly used as part of long-term retirement planning. CRA confirms that deductible RRSP contributions can reduce tax, investment income is generally exempt while it remains inside the RRSP, and amounts received from the plan are generally taxable.
An RRSP is an account, not a single investment.
Think of the RRSP as the container.
What you hold inside the account helps determine your level of risk,
growth potential and how your retirement savings are positioned.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS
Build long-term retirement assets.
TAX DEDUCTION POTENTIAL
Contributions may help reduce taxable income.
LONG-TERM INVESTING
Choose holdings based on your goals and comfort with risk.
DISCIPLINED SAVING
Contribute regularly toward future retirement goals.
TFSA
Contributions are not tax-deductible.
Eligible growth and withdrawals are generally tax-free.
RRSP
Contributions may be tax-deductible.
Growth is generally tax-deferred.
Withdrawals are generally taxable.
Know your RRSP deduction limit
Your RRSP deduction limit is personal. It is based in part on previous earned income, annual limits, pension adjustments and unused room carried forward. Check your latest CRA Notice of Assessment or CRA account before contributing.
Contributing beyond your available limits may result in tax consequences.
RETIREMENT PLANNING SUPPORT
Not sure whether a TFSA or RRSP fits your goal better?
We can start with your timeline, income, existing savings and retirement goals before discussing your options.
REGISTERED EDUCATION SAVINGS PLAN (RESP)
Save today.
Help prepare for tomorrow's education.
An RESP is a registered savings plan designed to help save for a beneficiary's education after high school. It can support qualifying studies such as university, college, CEGEP, trade school and apprenticeship programs.
Contributions are made to the plan, and eligible beneficiaries may also receive government education savings incentives. Investment earnings can grow inside the RESP while the funds remain in the plan.
Your savings may receive a government boost.
The basic Canada Education Savings Grant generally adds 20% on the first $2,500 contributed each year for an eligible beneficiary, that's up to $500 of basic CESG for the year. Additional CESG may also be available depending on family income and eligibility.
Lifetime CESG maximum: $7,200 per eligible beneficiary.
CANADA EDUCATION SAVINGS GRANT
You contribute: $2,500
Basic CESG: ↓ $500
Total added toward education: $3,000*
*Example shown for educational purposes and assumes eligibility for the basic CESG.
Why families use an RESP
EDUCATION SAVINGS
Build savings toward future post-secondary costs.
GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES
Eligible beneficiaries may receive education savings grants and other incentives.
LONG-TERM INVESTING
Choose suitable holdings based on the timeline and investment profile.
FLEXIBLE EDUCATION COSTS
RESP funds used for qualifying education may help with costs such as tuition, books, tools, transportation and rent.
Know the RESP contribution limit
$50,000
Lifetime contribution limit per beneficiary
There is currently no annual RESP contribution limit, but total contributions to all RESPs for one beneficiary generally cannot exceed the $50,000 lifetime limit. Government education-savings payments do not count toward that contribution limit.
YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
May generally be withdrawn according to RESP rules.
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS
May include grants and investment earnings and are
paid to the beneficiary for qualifying education.
When the beneficiary enrolls in qualifying post-secondary education, the subscriber can request payments from the RESP. Educational Assistance Payments can help with eligible education-related expenses.
Starting early can give the plan more time.
You don't need to fund an education goal all at once.
A strategy can be built around your budget, timeline and the amount you want to work toward over time.
$50 / month
$100 / month
$200 / month
The right contribution is the one that fits your family's plan.
EDUCATION PLANNING SUPPORT
Give future education a plan today.
We can review your education goal, timeline, existing RESP accounts,
contribution strategy and available government incentives before discussing suitable options.
FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT (FHSA)
Save for your first home.
Build your down payment with intention.
A First Home Savings Account is a registered plan designed to help eligible first-time home
buyers save toward buying or building a qualifying home.
Contributions are generally tax-deductible, while a qualifying withdrawal can be made tax-free when the applicable conditions are met.
$8,000
FIRST-YEAR ROOM
Participation room when
your first FHSA opens
$40,000
Lifetime Limit
Maximum lifetime
FHSA limit
Up to $8,000
Carryforward
Unused room may
carry forward
Who may be eligible to open an FHSA?
RESIDENT OF CANADA
AGE REQUIREMENTS
FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER
Generally, you must be a resident of Canada, meet the applicable age requirements and qualify as a first-time home buyer when the account is opened. CRA's definition generally looks at whether you owned and lived in a home during the relevant current-year and previous four-year period.
An FHSA is an account, not a single investment.
Like a TFSA or RRSP, an FHSA can hold qualified investments. The holdings chosen inside the account should reflect your home-buying timeline, goals and comfort with risk.
When you're ready to buy
If the required conditions are met, you may make a qualifying withdrawal from your FHSA to buy or build a qualifying home without including that withdrawal in income.
✓ First-time home buyer requirements
✓ Written agreement to buy or build
✓ Qualifying home in Canada
✓ Intention to occupy it as your principal residence
✓ Other withdrawal conditions must be met
Eligibility should be confirmed before making a withdrawal.
FHSA
First-home focused
Contributions generally deductible.
Qualifying home withdrawal
may be tax-free.
TFSA
Flexible savings
Contributions not deductible.
Eligible withdrawals
generally tax-free.
RRSP
Retirement focused
Contributions may be deductible.
Withdrawals generally
taxable.
Special rules such as the Home Buyers' Plan may apply.
Can an FHSA and the Home Buyers' Plan be used together?
Potentially, yes. If all applicable conditions are met, an eligible buyer can make a qualifying withdrawal from an
FHSA and also withdraw from an RRSP under the Home Buyers' Plan for the same qualifying home.
Current HBP withdrawal limit: up to $60,000 from eligible RRSPs.
FIRST HOME PLANNING SUPPORT
Your first home starts with a plan.
We can review your timeline, current savings, FHSA room, TFSA or RRSP
assets and first-home goal before discussing suitable options.
SEGREGATED FUNDS
Invest for your goals.
Add insurance-based guarantees.
Segregated funds combine investment opportunities with certain insurance-contract features. Your money is
invested according to the objectives of the funds you select, and the value can rise or fall with market performance.
Depending on the contract, guarantees may apply at maturity and upon death.
The specific percentage, timing, conditions and costs depend on the contract selected.
A guarantee does not mean your investment cannot lose value.
Segregated funds remain market-based investments. Their value can decrease.
The contractual guarantees generally apply only under specific conditions, such as at the contract maturity date or upon death. If money is withdrawn earlier, the market value
may be lower than the amount originally invested.
Why might someone consider segregated funds?
INVESTMENT CHOICE
Choose from available funds based on goals, timeline and risk tolerance.
MATURITY GUARANTEE
A contract may guarantee a percentage of eligible deposits at a specified maturity date.
DEATH BENEFIT GUARANTEE
A contract may guarantee a percentage of eligible deposits if the insured person dies.
ESTATE PLANNING FEATURES
Insurance-contract beneficiary features may provide additional estate-planning considerations depending on the contract and applicable law.
MARKET VALUE
Can rise or fall
The day-to-day value depends on the
performance of the underlying investments.
GUARANTEED AMOUNT
Contract-based protection
The guarantee is determined according to the contract and applies at specified events such as maturity or death.
The timeline matters.
Segregated fund maturity guarantees are generally designed for longer holding periods. Maturity periods vary by contract and may be 10 years, 15 years or longer. Someone who expects to need the money sooner should consider whether the product’s liquidity and guarantee structure fit their needs.
✓ Understand the maturity date
✓ Understand withdrawal consequences
✓ Match the investment to your timeline
✓ Understand the maturity date ✓ Understand withdrawal consequences ✓ Match the investment to your timeline
Understand the cost of the guarantees
The insurance features of segregated funds come with costs.
Management fees may be higher than comparable investment funds because of the
guarantees and insurance features. Fees, investment expenses and contract features vary by product.
Always review the Fund Facts and contract information before investing.
Who may want to discuss them?
LONG-TERM INVESTORS
Comfortable with a longer investment horizon.
GUARANTEE-FOCUSED
Want to discuss contractual maturity or death guarantees.
ESTATE PLANNING
Want to explore insurance-based beneficiary features.
BALANCED PRIORITIES
Want investment exposure while considering certain guarantees.
INVESTMENT PLANNING SUPPORT
Are segregated funds right for your strategy?
We can review your goals, timeline, risk profile, need for liquidity and interest
in guarantees before discussing whether segregated funds may fit your situation.
RETIREMENT STRATEGIES
Retirement isn't one account.
It's how your income sources work together.
Retirement planning can involve several sources of future income, government pensions, workplace plans,
registered accounts, personal savings and investments. The goal is to understand how
those pieces may work together around the lifestyle and timeline you're planning for.
A retirement strategy can also evolve over time as your income, family,
savings, tax situation and retirement date change.
Where might retirement income come from?
PUBLIC PENSIONS
CPP / QPP & Old Age Security
Government benefits may form part of your retirement income.
WORKPLACE PLANS
Employer Pension / Group RRSP & Other workplace savings
Understand what your employer
plan may provide.
PERSONAL SAVINGS
RRSP / RRIF TFSA &
Other savings
Build personal assets around your goals and timeline.
INVESTMENTS & INCOME
Investment accounts Segregated funds
Other suitable strategies
Explore how accumulated assets may support future income.
Building wealth is one phase.
Using it is another.
ACCUMULATION
While you're working
RRSP
TFSA
Workplace savings
Pension income Investments
Build assets
RETIREMENT INCOME
As retirement approaches
RRIF
TFSA withdrawals
Pension income
Other income sources
Coordinate income
During your working years, the focus may be on accumulating assets. As retirement approaches, the conversation can shift toward how and when different sources of income may be used.
What is a RRIF?
A Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) is designed to provide income from registered retirement savings. Investments can remain inside the RRIF, while withdrawals are taxable when received.
Beginning in the year after a RRIF is established, a minimum amount generally has to be withdrawn each year.
When you start certain pensions can matter.
CPP - Canada
Standard start age: 65
May generally begin from 60 to 70. Starting earlier means a smaller monthly amount, delaying can increase the monthly amount up to age 70.
QPP - Québec
Normal retirement age: 65
It can generally begin as early as 60. Delaying after age 65 increases
the pension, with the maximum reached at age 72 under current QPP rules.
OAS
Generally begins at 65
Eligible individuals may delay it up to age 70 for a larger monthly pension.
The best timing is personal. Health, employment, other income,
longevity expectations, family circumstances and financial needs can all affect the decision.
Questions a retirement strategy should answer
01
When?
When would you like work to become optional?
02
When Much?
What level of income may your lifestyle require?
03
FROM WHERE?
Which pensions, accounts and investments may provide it?
04
FOR HOW LONG?
How should assets be positioned for a potentially long retirement?
Already have RRSPs, pensions or investments?
You don't necessarily need another account. A retirement review can begin by organizing what
you already have, understanding your expected income sources and identifying questions or gaps that deserve a closer look.
Bring to your review, if available: your RRSP/TFSA statements, workplace pension information, recent government pension estimates and a general idea of your retirement timeline.
RETIREMENT PLANNING SUPPORT
Turn your retirement savings into a clearer strategy.
We can start with your retirement goals, timeline, existing accounts, workplace benefits and
expected government pensions before discussing possible next steps.
HOW WE WORK
A strategy built around you.
The account or investment is only one part of the decision.
We begin by understanding what you're trying to accomplish, when you may need
the money and how much investment risk feels appropriate for your situation.
01
Define Your Goal
What are you working toward,
and when would you like to get there?
02
Understand Your Situation
We review your timeline, existing savings, priorities, financial situation and comfort with investment risk.
03
Explore Suitable Options
We discuss accounts and investment approaches that may fit your goals and explain important features, risks and considerations.
04
Review as Life Changes
Your goals and circumstances can change. Your strategy can be reviewed and adjusted over time when appropriate.
READY TO START A CONVERSATION?
Your financial goals deserve more than a one-size-fits-all strategy.
Whether you're starting to save, preparing for a home, planning for education or thinking about retirement, we can begin by understanding where you are today and what you're working toward.
Luisa Quita
Financial Security Advisor
Helping individuals and families better understand their protection, savings and financial options through clear, personalized conversations.
GET IN TOUCH
This website is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized financial, insurance, investment, legal or tax advice. Recommendations, product availability and eligibility depend on individual circumstances, applicable licensing requirements, provider guidelines and suitability considerations. Please consult the appropriate licensed professional before making financial decisions.
© 2026 Luisa Quita. All rights reserved.