You're 19!
Have goals? Make a plan.
When it comes to managing your money, the world is full of advice: don’t overspend; live within your means, save for retirement! Sure, retirement is a long way off, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be strategic when it comes to your money right now — even as you enjoy your teens and 20s!
Your life is busy with school, work, friends and possibly even travel adventures. That can make it challenging to balance your money. But some basic good habits can help you reap the rewards over time: Earn before you spend, start saving early and continue saving over the long haul.
Consider these two key options to help you save, manage and grow your money:
"Travel far enough, you meet yourself." - David Mitchell
In addition to helping you meet your many goals, the best reason to save your money, period, is to take advantage of what Einstein called the eighth wonder of the world: Compound interest. It’s the ability to continually grow your savings pool as the interest earns money. Here’s an example of 3 savers.
Chris started investing $400 each month later in life from the age of 35 and kept saving until he turned 65. Ugh.
Total investment = $144,000
Sam started investing about $400 monthly at the age of 25 but stopped saving at 35. At 65, without any further savings, Sam would have saved the least.
Total investment= $48,000
Ashley started investing $400 each month at the age of 25 and kept saving until she turned 65.
Total investment = $192,000
*Based on 6% compound interest (Numbers are rounded)
Now that you’re 19, you can open a TFSA, which is a way for you to set aside money that is off-limits to the Canada Revenue Agency – in other words, it’s tax-free throughout your lifetime.
You can put money in at any time, up to set limits. This is referred to as the ‘contribution room’. You can also take money out at any time, without paying any tax – unless you exceed your TFSA contribution room. Even though you cannot open a TFSA until age 19 in your province, your contribution room starts accumulating at age 18.
Key TFSA facts:
How to open a TFSA:
Choosing the best TFSA option for your needs
Consider the following criteria:
TFSA savings accounts: These contain just cash – as opposed to investments like mutual funds or ETFs – and can help kick-start an account. Consider this option for your part-time job earnings or money gifts from family. This may be a good option if you don’t want to take on too much risk and you’re trying to reach medium- to long-term goals.
TFSAs in the stock market: These involve more risk and may require trading knowledge. As well as doing some background research, you should seek professional advice.
This savings vehicle is designed to help you build up savings specifically for retirement. While you likely aren’t thinking of the end of your working life before you actually start, remember that the sooner you start contributing to an RRSP, the more money you’ll have when it’s time to retire. This tax-free compounding allows your savings to grow faster. And, if you’re a first-time home buyer, you can borrow up to $35,000 from your RRSP for a tax-free down payment. If you’re purchasing with someone else who is also a first-time home buyer, you can both access $35,000 for a combined total of $70,000. This amount has a predetermined repayment schedule over 15 years.
Key RRSP facts
You have a lifetime ahead of you filled with plans, dreams and potential. Let’s make sure you earn, save and live your life to the fullest. Contact our team for more information.