Start early to leverage the power of compounding
The sooner you make it a priority to invest for your retirement goals, the better.
When time is on your side, it’s a huge ally. The earlier you start, the more you benefit from the power of compounding. Compounding occurs when the returns that your investments earn begin to generate a return.
In an RSP, compounding is unhindered. You can reinvest your gains, including your dividend and interest income, without paying any tax, as long as the funds remain within the plan.
The chart below shows the incredible impact that compounding has on your RSP savings, and why it’s better to start investing as early as you can.
Starting at different ages, monthly investments required to reach $500,000 by age 65
| Start at age 25 | Start at age 35 | Start at age 45 | |
| Monthly investments | $288 | $548 | $1,150 |
| Value at age 65 | $501,419 | $500,659 | $500,971 |
| Portion from compound growth | $363,179 | $303,379 | $224,971 |
Source: Credential Qtrade Securities Inc. Scenarios assume an average 5.5% annual rate of return. For illustrative purposes only.
Invest regularly
To leverage the power of compounding, it’s a good idea to hardwire the habit of saving and investing. Set up a regular contribution plan to move a set amount of money automatically every month from your banking account to your self-directed RSP, and invest that money to get it working on your behalf. You’ll quickly adjust your budget and your lifestyle around that monthly commitment, and you’ll avoid the stress of coming up with a single lump-sum contribution at the RSP deadline.
Re-invest dividends automatically
Keep your money invested, re-invested and compounding, by setting up a dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) for dividend-paying stocks that you own. With a DRIP, stock dividend payments are automatically used to buy more shares in the company. In a Qtrade Direct Investing™ online brokerage account, no trade commissions are charged for DRIP share purchases.
To find out more about regular contribution plans or DRIPs for your RRSP or other Qtrade accounts, speak to us today. Learn more.
Online brokerage services are offered through Qtrade Direct Investing, a division of Credential Qtrade Securities Inc. Qtrade, Qtrade Direct Investing and Write your own future are trade names and/or trademarks of Aviso Wealth.