After the RRSP deadline: What's next? (with radio ad)

Long version

The RRSP contribution deadline has passed, and you've either maximized your contributions or made the decision to wait until next year. Either way, March is an excellent time to shift your focus to other important financial priorities that deserve your attention.

First, consider your Tax-Free Savings Account. While RRSPs get most of the attention in the first quarter, TFSAs are equally powerful savings vehicles. For 2026, you have $7,000 in new contribution room, and if you haven't maximized your TFSA in previous years, you may have significantly more room available. Unlike RRSP contributions, TFSA contributions don't provide an immediate tax deduction, but the trade-off is compelling: all growth within the account is completely tax-free, and you can withdraw funds at any time without triggering a tax bill.

The First Home Savings Account is another option worth exploring, especially if you're a first-time homebuyer. This relatively new account type combines the best features of both RRSPs and TFSAs: you get a tax deduction on contributions (like an RRSP) and tax-free withdrawals for a qualifying first home purchase (like a TFSA). You can contribute up to $8,000 annually with a lifetime limit of $40,000, making it a powerful tool for building your down payment.

If you have children or grandchildren, now is also an excellent time to review your Registered Education Savings Plan contributions. RESPs offer unique advantages through the Canada Education Savings Grant, which provides a 20% match on the first $2,500 contributed annually per child. That's free money of up to $500 per year per child. The lifetime CESG limit is $7,200 per child, and unused grant room can be carried forward, so even if you're starting late, you can catch up on previous years.

Beyond registered accounts, March is an ideal time to review your overall investment portfolio. Take a close look at your asset allocation: does it still align with your risk tolerance and time horizon? Market movements over the past year may have shifted your portfolio away from your target allocation. If your stocks have performed well, you might find yourself overweighted in equities and underweighted in fixed income. Rebalancing back to your target allocation helps manage risk and can improve long-term returns.

Finally, consider reviewing your beneficiary designations on all registered accounts. Life changes such as marriages, divorces, births, or deaths in the family should prompt a beneficiary review. Ensuring your beneficiaries are up to date can help your loved ones avoid unnecessary complications and delays when accessing these funds.

The RRSP deadline may have passed, but your financial planning opportunities haven't. Use this time to address these other important areas and keep your overall financial plan on track.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by (FA's NAME), your Edward Jones financial advisor at (branch address or phone #).

Edward Jones, Member - Canadian Investor Protection Fund 

Number of words: 443

Short version (radio/print/online)

PSA: What's next after the RRSP deadline?

The RRSP deadline has passed, but your financial planning opportunities haven't. Here are smart money moves to consider now.

Your Tax-Free Savings Account deserves attention. You have $7,000 in new contribution room for 2026, plus any unused room from previous years. TFSAs offer tax-free growth and flexible withdrawals without tax consequences.

If you're a first-time homebuyer, explore the First Home Savings Account. You can contribute up to $8,000 annually and get both a tax deduction on contributions and tax-free withdrawals for your home purchase.

For parents and grandparents, review your RESP contributions. The Canada Education Savings Grant matches 20% of the first $2,500 contributed annually—that's up to $500 in free money per child each year.

Finally, review your investment portfolio allocation and update beneficiary designations to ensure they reflect your current situation.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by (FA's NAME), your Edward Jones financial advisor at (branch address or phone #).

Edward Jones, Member - Canadian Investor Protection Fund

Number of words: 133 (excluding FA's name, address/phone number)