Are RRSPs worth it in Canada?

  • Asked By
  • Updated On:
    29-Nov-2022
  • Replies:
    1

Short Answer

Principally, a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is a tax effective tool to grow your retirement funds at a compounding rate. However, its worthiness for a specific person depends on various aspects. Continue reading to find what they are.

Detailed Answer

RRSP or Registered Retirement Savings Plan Canada

Retirement Planning and savings is key to financial security and peace of mind during old age. RRSP in Canada is a Registered investment plan that solely aims at accumulating money for one’s retirement. Let’s find out if contributing to RRSP is worth it.

Are RRSPs worth it in Canada?

Let's understand if RRSP is beneficial with the help of few scenarios:

Use case 1

If you are currently earning $120,000 and if you are looking to reduce your tax liability, the RRSP is worth it. In this case, you can contribute up to $21,600. This can in turn be claimed as a deduction from your earned income which will save taxes up to $5,616 (26% MTR).

Use Case 2

Similarly, imagine you have retired (same person as above) and your retirement income is $40,000 per annum of which you withdraw $10,000 per annum from RRSP. Then your marginal tax rate is 15% per annum. Your withdrawal tax will be $1,500 per annum.

For a like for like comparison, your contribution of $10,000 during accumulation phase saves you $2,600, where, for the same $10,000 withdrawal you pay tax of 1,500 during retirement. Overall, you save $1,100 for every $10,000.

Use case 3

Image, if you are earning $50,000 now and if you are estimating that you will receive $100,000 earnings during the retirement phase. Then, RRSP is not the right tool for you.

Use case 4

Imagine you are currently 25 years old and a new entrant to the employment workforce and you look to retire by age 70. Then your funds in RRSP will stay for 45 years which will reap both tax advantages and compounding effects in growth. In this case, RRSP will be effective for you.

Use case 5

If you are 60 years old and if retirement planning has suddenly struck you, you can still invest and grow money, but the tax advantages of RRSP depends on your current and estimated marginal tax rate.

Is RRSP Canada worth it?

Generally, RRSP is a tax-advantageous vehicle. However, to find out if it is worth it for a particular person, we have to take into account various factors such as the person’s age, current income, current marginal tax rate, retirement income required, expected marginal tax rate in retirement, goals and preferences.

Tagged With: registered retirement savings planrrsp canadaworthiness of rrsp canadais rrsp canada worth it
Categories: RRSP
Ask Your Query for FREE, Get quick answers from our FINTRAKK community!
Discussion (0)
Related FAQs
How do RRSP Canada work?

RRSP is a tax advantageous retirement savings vehicle that is registered with the federal government of Canada. Continue reading to find out how it the Registered Retirement Savings Plan works.

Is Virtual Brokers safe?

Yes, Virtual Brokers is a safe online trading platform. Let's analyze the safety and security features that make the Virtual Brokers a popular platform.

Who is eligible for RRSP in Canada?

Any Canadian resident who has an earned income and is below age 71 can open a RRSP. Let's grab some more useful details on who is eligible for RRSP in Canada.

Is it better to put money in RRSP or TFSA?

Choosing between TFSA and RRSP depends on various factors such as your goals, time frame of investment, your marginal tax rate, age etc. Discover the similarities and differences between TFSA vs. RRSP Canada.

Which is the best bank for RRSP?

Based on our analysis of interest rate, fees charges, ease of managing the account and safety of funds, EQ bank is the best option in Canada to open a RRSP account.

Do banks charge fees for RRSPs in Canada?

Yes, banks in Canada charge various types of fee within RRSP such as account opening or closing fees, administration fees, transaction costs etc. Let's dig deeper into the different fee that banks usually charge for RRSP Canada.

What are the best Wealthsimple alternatives in Canada?

There are various online brokerage platforms in Canada. We believe that Questrade, Scotia iTrade and CIBC investor's edge are the best alternatives to Wealthsimple.

Is TFSA Canada a good idea?

Yes, opening a Tax Free Savings Account or TFSA surely seems to be a good idea. In fact, TFSA is good for a person who is 18 years or above and is looking for long term investment.

Why is grocery so expensive in Canada?

Discover why grocery prices are on the rise in Canada due to factors like geography, climate, currency exchange rates, lack of competition, and taxes. Learn how to navigate the situation as a consumer and make smart choices to manage your grocery budget effectively.

Can you trade options on Wealthsimple?

Yes, now you can trade options through the Wealthsimple platform. Options trading is only available on the latest version of the Wealthsimple mobile app in your DIY accounts. You'll be able to buy or sell options in any of your self-directed trading accounts through the Wealthsimple mobile app. The best part is, there is no minimum account balance required.