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RRSP vs TFSA vs FHSA — Which Should You Prioritize in 2026?

  Published: April 2026 | Reading time: 11 min | Category: Investing, Personal Finance, Tax Savings Three registered accounts. Three sets of rules. And most Canadians are using at least one of them wrong. The RRSP, TFSA, and FHSA each offer powerful tax advantages — but they work in completely different ways, and the right priority order depends entirely on your income, your goals, and your timeline. Picking the wrong one first can cost you thousands in taxes over your lifetime. This guide breaks down exactly how each account works, who it's best for, and the optimal contribution strategy for 2026 based on your situation. A Quick Overview of All Three Accounts Before diving into strategy, here's how each account actually works: RRSP TFSA FHSA Contribution deductible? Yes No Yes Growth taxed? No No No Withdrawals taxed? Yes (as income) No No (if for a first home) 2026 annual limit 18% of income, max $32,490 $7,000 $8,000 Lifetime li...

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GST Holiday Fails to Deliver Economic Lift, Data Shows Minimal Impact

                                               

New figures reveal that Canada's GST/HST holiday yielded little boost in consumer spending, falling short of expectations. Payment processor Moneris reported a 4% decline in overall spending during the tax break period compared to the previous year, with both the number and size of transactions dropping slightly. Similarly, a survey conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) found that only about 5% of small businesses experienced a noticeable sales increase, while the majority reported no significant change in business activity.

Despite the intended relief, many retailers found the initiative more burdensome than beneficial, citing last-minute adjustments to point-of-sale systems and increased administrative challenges. Although certain sectors, like children's apparel, saw minor gains, these were not enough to offset the overall downturn in consumer spending. The data suggests that the tax holiday may have merely shifted the timing of purchases rather than stimulating additional economic activity.


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