Understanding RRSPs and TFSAs: Comparing After-Tax Outcomes

In our very first 15ish-minute episode, we cover a big question: TFSAs or RRSPs? To help answer it, we’ve got Mark McGrath—Associate Portfolio Manager at PWL Capital and co-host of the “Rational Reminder” podcast—who’s spent plenty of time looking at all of the pros and cons.

In this podcast, Mark and Dave break down key points including why RRSPs get a bad rap (but shouldn’t), how RRSP withdrawals can actually be tax-efficient and why a TFSA’s flexibility isn’t always an advantage. All that, and more, in a fast-paced, insight-packed episode.

Don’t miss this one—20 minutes could save you thousands in retirement savings! 

Show Notes

(00:00) Intro & Disclaimer

(00:55) Intro to Mark McGrath

(02:27) TFSAs vs. RRSPs

(05:19) Comparing Tax on TFSAs vs. RRSPs

(09:09)  Why RRSP Withdrawals Can Often Be At a Lower Tax Rate

(14:53)  What if The Government Raises Taxes in the Future?

(17:31)  How the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Changes the Math

(18:40)  TFSAs Are More Flexible—A Double-Edged Sword

(20:47) Conclusion