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The savings ladder

Here’s a strategy to maximize your savings that requires minimal effort over a two- to three-year cycle.

Sophie Sylvain recommends using the savings ladder, a strategy to maximize your savings that requires minimal effort over a two- to three-year cycle.

Here’s an example based on an annual income of $55,000. You can do the same thing with a smaller amount.

  • 2013: You invest $3,000 in Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins (CRCD).
  • 2014: You put your $1,350 provincial tax credit in your RRSP (45% credit) right away.
  • 2015: Your RRSP contribution gets you a tax refund of about $518, which you put into your TFSA.

Result: The $3,000 investment is now worth $4,868, not counting the return on your investments.

CRCD shares too risky for you?

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Start building your ladder with a $3,000 contribution to your RRSP, then put the tax refund ($1,151) in your TFSA. In two years you will have $4,151.

Slight variation: Instead of contributing to your TFSA, put it all in an RESP to take advantage of government grants.

To find out more about savings, visit https://www.desjardins.com/ca/personal/savings-investment/.

Gilles Drouin | Journalist
Source:
www.desjardins.com/co-opme

Photos: iStock