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Two-Thirds of RDSP Money Goes Unclaimed: How Ottawa's $70,000 Disability Benefit Actually Works

  Published August 19, 2026 Of the 311,000 active Registered Disability Savings Plans opened since the program launched in 2008, Canadians have contributed $3.3 billion — and Ottawa has matched that with $5.1 billion in grants and $2.1 billion in bonds, according to figures reported by BNN Bloomberg on Wednesday. That sounds like a program working as intended. It isn't. The same report cites the latest Statistics Canada tally showing that two-thirds of the government money set aside for the RDSP goes unclaimed every year, largely because eligible Canadians don't know the plan exists. If you or someone in your family is approved for the Disability Tax Credit, this is one of the highest-value accounts the federal government offers — richer, dollar for dollar, than the RRSP, the TFSA, or the RESP. Here's how the math actually works, and what it takes to claim your share. Who qualifies Anyone approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) — via CRA Form T2201, certified by a medi...

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The 30-30 Rule: A Simple Strategy to Boost Your Savings


Saving money can be challenging, especially when faced with tempting impulse purchases. The 30-30 Rule is a straightforward approach that helps you manage your finances more effectively. Let’s dive into the details.

What Is the 30-30 Rule?

The 30-30 Rule involves allocating your income into specific categories:

  1. Essential Expenses (30%): Allocate 30% of your after-tax income to cover necessities like groceries, transportation, utilities, and healthcare.
  2. Homeownership Expenses (30%): Set aside another 30% for homeownership costs, such as rent or mortgage payments.
  3. Financial Goals (30%): Use 30% of your income to build an emergency fund, contribute to long-term savings, pay off debts, or invest.
  4. Remaining 10%: The last 10% is flexible—use it for discretionary spending, entertainment, or other personal preferences.

How to Implement the Rule

  1. Calculate Your After-Tax Income: Start by determining your monthly income after taxes.
  2. Divide by 10: Allocate 30% to each of the three main categories (essential expenses, homeownership expenses, and financial goals). The remaining 10% is for discretionary spending.
  3. Automate Your Savings: Set up automatic transfers to separate accounts for each category. This ensures consistency and discipline.
  4. Review and Adjust: Regularly assess your spending and adjust as needed. If you consistently overspend in one area, consider reallocating funds.

Benefits of the 30-30 Rule

  • Simplicity: The rule is easy to understand and implement.
  • Balanced Approach: It ensures you cover essentials, invest in your future, and enjoy some flexibility.
  • Financial Discipline: By automating savings, you build good habits.

Remember, the 30-30 Rule isn’t rigid; adapt it to your unique situation. Whether you’re saving for a rainy day, a dream vacation, or retirement, this rule can help you stay on track. 

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