Contact

Investments in Québec –
TFSA, RRSP, RESP, FHSA, RDSP & Advanced Strategies

Independent planning that puts your goals first. I model, coordinate, and integrate investments into a tax-efficient plan.
I create strategies that protect your income, grow your assets, and prepare your family or business for the future. Every plan is tailored and fully integrated with retirement and tax planning
Execution is completed by licensed investment dealers/insurers. I stay your single point of contact.
Book a Free ConsultationGet in Touch Today

Government
Investment Programs

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account)

A flexible savings and investment account uitable for both short-term goals and long-term wealth building, a TFSA account can hold cash, ETFs, mutual funds, GICs, or a self-directed portfolio.
  • 2025 limit: $7,000. Unused room carries forward.
  • Tax-free growth and withdrawals.
  • Can hold cash, GICs, mutual funds, ETFs, self-directed portfolios (via licensed providers).

FHSA (First Home Savings Account)

Created for first-time home buyers:
  • $8,000/year, lifetime $40,000.
  • Contributions are deductible. Qualified home-purchase withdrawals are tax-free.
  • Can be combined with Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) for a stronger down payment strategy.

RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan)

Canada’s and Quebec’s most popular retirement program.

An RRSP often also referred to as a registered retirement plan allows contributions that are tax-deductible.

  • Contributions reduce taxable income; growth is tax-deferred. By December 31 of the year you turn 71, convert to RRIF (Registered Retirement Income Fund) or an annuity, ensuring structured retirement income. Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) limit currently $60,000; repay over up to 15 years.

RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan)

Designed to help families save for post-secondary education, this program allows families to benefit from the federal Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) and Québec Education Savings Incentive (QESI).
  • CESG: up to $7,200 per child (federal).
  • CLB (Canada Learning Bond): up to $2,000 for eligible families (federal).
  • QESI (Québec): refundable provincial incentive for Quebec residents; lifetime maximum $3,600 per eligible beneficiary paid into the RESP (subject to eligibility and annual limits).
  • RESP growth is tax-deferred ; taxed to the student upon withdrawal for education.

RDSP (Registered Disability Savings Plan)

A long-term savings program that helps individuals with disabilities build financial security.
  • Government provides matching grants up to $3,500/year (lifetime $70,000) and
  • Bonds up to $1,000/year (lifetime $20,000) based on income.
  • Long-term savings to support financial security.
  • Growth is tax-deferred, and withdrawals are structured to maximize support without reducing other benefits.

Private & Advanced
Investment Solutions

Investment Loans

Boost your portfolio by using borrowed funds to invest in non-registered accounts.

  • Can accelerate contributions and after-tax growth.
  • Magnifies gains and losses; cash-flow stress-testing is required.
  • Interest may be tax-deductible when the borrowing is used to earn income in a taxable (non-registered) account; case-by-case and subject to tax rules.

Insurance Lending Solutions (IFA / CSV Loans)

This approach, sometimes called an Immediate Financing Arrangement (IFA), provides tax-efficient financing for investments, business expansion, or real estate while preserving the policy’s long-term protection.

  • Borrow against the cash value of a permanent life policy.
  • Potential tax efficiencies and liquidity without selling assets.
  • Requires alignment with the insurer, lender, and your tax advisor.
  • Risks, costs, covenants apply; we model all scenarios first.

Flow-Through Shares (by referral)

Unique to Canada, flow-through shares let companies “flow” their exploration expenses to investors, creating deductions that reduce taxable income. Popular in the mining, energy, and clean-tech sectors, these opportunities can deliver significant tax benefits.

  • Exploration expenses “flow” to investors as deductions.
  • Higher risk and lower liquidity; suitable for advanced, tax-driven cases.
  • Accessed through specialized providers; I coordinate with the tax expert.

Manulife Access Credit Lines

Available for TFSA and existing personal non-registered accounts (per Manulife eligibility and limits). Note: interest tied to TFSA use is generally not tax-deductible; availability, collateral, and product rules apply.

  • Access Margin (Marge Accès) — up to 50%
  • Access Plus — up to 75%

Market Investments
(How I Help)

Securities and fund purchases are executed by licensed dealers.

I design the plan, set asset allocation, and coordinate execution and reviews.

ETFs & Dividend Equities

Diversified core, income, and factor tilts.

Bonds

Government, provincial, and high-quality corporate for stability.

Mutual/Segregated Funds

Professional oversight and broad diversification.

Retirement & Pension
Calculators

Plan your financial future with advanced online tools that help you estimate retirement savings. These calculators show how much you need to save, how long your money may last, and what income to expect in retirement.

  • Estimate contributions, withdrawals, and longevity scenarios.
  • Model TFSA/RRSP/RRIF timelines and cash-flows.
  • Results are estimates; final decisions follow full planning.

Portfolio Review
& Tax Alignment

A comprehensive investment review ensures your portfolio is properly diversified, tax-efficient, and aligned with both family and business objectives. By coordinating registered accounts such as TFSA, RRSP, RESP, RDSP, and non-registered accounts, we create a plan that reduces tax liabilities and maximizes after-tax returns. Integrating tax strategies means every dollar works harder for you and your long-term security.

  • Asset location: registered vs. non-registered placement.
  • Minimize tax on interest/dividends/capital gains.
  • Coordinate with your accountant for efficient reporting.

Why Work With Me

Professional experience

I have been working in financial planning, investments, insurance and mortgages for more than 20 years. My MBA and professional accreditations give me the knowledge to handle both simple and complex cases with confidence.

Personalized approach

I believe every client’s situation is unique. I take the time to understand your goals, needs and priorities, and then build a plan that works specifically for you.

Clear communication

I speak English, French, Russian and Hebrew, so I can explain financial matters in the language you are most comfortable with.

Fast and reliable service

I usually respond within 24–48 hours, ensuring that you always feel supported and never left waiting.

Trusted relationships

I value long-term partnerships with my clients. Many of them stay with me for years because they know I provide ongoing support, not just one-time solutions.

Strong network

When needed, I involve colleagues and experts from across Canada to give you access to the right knowledge and the right opportunities.

Who I Help

Families & Parents

RESP strategies + TFSA for balanced growth.

Home Buyers

FHSA + HBP ($60k) coordinated with mortgage planning.

Professionals & Business Owners

Liquidity (investment/insurance lending), spousal RRSP, asset allocation.

Retirees

RRSP→RRIF transition, withdrawal pacing, fixed-income alignment.

How It Works
(Step by Step)

1. Initial
Consultation

We start with a free, no-obligation conversation to clarify your goals, budget, and timeline. At this stage, we identify whether programs like TFSA, RRSP, RESP, FHSA, or RDSP, or advanced solutions like lending and flow-through shares, are the right fit for your situation.

2. Investment
Strategy

I prepare a tailored plan that integrates government programs, private investments, and market options. The strategy highlights how each account supports your objectives from education and retirement to liquidity and tax efficiency.

3. Tax
Integration

Your plan is aligned with deductions, retirement income, and estate goals. For example, RRSP contributions can generate deductions now, but you also need to understand the impact of withdrawing from RRSP later in life. That’s why we review rules around RRSP withholding tax and RRSP redemption withholding tax, ensuring no surprises and smoother long-term planning.

4. Implementation

I manage all setup, documentation, and coordination with financial institutions, so your investment strategy is executed seamlessly and without unnecessary stress.

5. Annual Review

Every year we revisit your plan to adjust for income changes, market conditions, and family needs. Regular reviews keep your strategy aligned, whether you’re still contributing, planning withdrawals, or transitioning from RRSP to RRIF.

Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ)

What is the difference between TFSA and RRSP?

A TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) allows tax-free growth and withdrawals, while an RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) provides a tax deduction on contributions but taxes withdrawals later. Many Quebecers use both for balance.

How much can I contribute to TFSA in 2025?

The annual TFSA limit (tfsalimit) for 2025 is $7,000. Unused contribution room carries forward.

What are TFSA benefits?

Benefits include tax-free growth, no tax on withdrawals, flexibility, and no impact on government benefits.

What are RRSP deadlines and withholding tax rules?

Contributions must be made before the annual RRSP deadlines (usually end of February). Withdrawals trigger RRSP withholding tax: 10% up to $5,000, 20% from $5,001–$15,000, and 30% above $15,000 (different in Quebec).

What does withdrawing from RRSP mean?

Withdrawing from RRSP before retirement increases taxable income and is subject to withholding tax.

How does RRSP withholding work?

Financial institutions withhold 10% / 20% / 30% federally based on withdrawal size.

In Québec, additional provincial withholding applies. Your final tax is set in your return.

Can I combine FHSA with the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan?

Yes. FHSA deductions + HBP up to $60,000 can strengthen your down payment.

When does an RRSP become a RRIF?

By Dec 31 of the year you turn 71; RRIF withdrawals are taxable as income.

Can I deduct RRSP contributions?

Yes. RRSP deductions lower taxable income. Options also include spousal RRSP contributions and the RRSP allowance for lower-income spouses.

Are investment loans safe?

They add leverage. We stress-test cash flow and suitability. Interest may be deductible for taxable investments—case-by-case under CRA/Revenu Québec rules.

What about insurance-lending (IFA/CSV loans)?

Potentially tax-efficient liquidity using a policy’s cash value. Requires insurer/lender approval and tax advice. Interest costs and policy covenants apply.

Who executes ETF/stock/mutual fund transactions?

Licensed investment dealers. I design the plan and coordinate execution.

Compliance & Scope

Services are designed for Quebec residents.

I provide independent planning and coordination.

Securities/investment transactions are executed by licensed dealers; insurance by licensed insurers.

Tax outcomes depend on your situation; consider independent legal/tax advice.

Let’s Turn Your Financial Goals
Into a Real Plan

I create strategies that grow your wealth and protect your future and I will guide you step by step. Start today with independent advice you can trust.
Start My Investment PlanGet in Touch Today