Episode 54: RRSP Deadline 2026: 3 Smart Moves Before March 2

Published February 9, 2026

In this episode of Money Monday, Darren Devine, Financial Planner with Sun Life and President of Devine & Associates, outlines three practical RRSP considerations to review before the March 2, 2026 contribution deadline.

Rather than focusing only on how much to contribute, this episode encourages Canadians to look at:
→ Whether an RRSP contribution makes sense for their current tax bracket
→ How RRSP decisions fit alongside TFSAs and other savings
→ How contributions today may affect retirement income and future taxes

By taking a thoughtful approach before the deadline, Canadians can help avoid rushed decisions and make RRSP contributions that better support their long-term plan.

Not sure if contributing to your RRSP before the deadline is the right move for you?

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Related Money Monday Episodes

If you’re reviewing your RRSP decisions before the deadline, these Money Monday episodes may also be helpful.

Episode 27: Does Your Investment Strategy Match Your Life Stage?

Helpful when deciding whether RRSP contributions still align with your current stage of life and long-term goals.

Episode 50: Do You Have a Written Plan — or Just “Good Intentions”?

Pairs naturally with RRSP decision-making, reinforcing why contributions work best when part of a written plan — not a last-minute tax reaction.

Episode 29: Keys to a Successful and Secure Retirement

Provides broader context on how RRSPs fit into a long-term retirement strategy alongside other income sources.

Episode 26: RRIF Rules You Should Know

Relevant for those nearing or in retirement, helping connect today’s RRSP decisions with future RRIF income and tax considerations.

Episode 53: 3 Tax Moves Retirees Should Consider Before Filing

A timely companion episode that reinforces the connection between RRSP decisions and overall tax planning before filing season.

Darren Devine, CFP®, CLU®

Financial Planner, Sun Life
President of Devine and Associates Financial Services Inc.


RRSP season isn’t about rushing to buy something off a shelf. It’s about using a tax deadline to move your retirement plan forward.

Hello, and welcome to Money Monday, where we help simplify your financial journey.
I'm Darren Devine, Financial Planner with Sun Life and President of Devine & Associates.

The RRSP deadline for the 2025 tax year is March 2, 2026.

That “first 60 days” rule simply means: any RRSP contributions you make between January 1st and March 2nd, 2026 can be applied to your 2025 tax return.

Instead of scrambling, here are 3 smart moves to consider before the deadline:

  1. Top up strategically — not randomly.
    Don’t just ask, “How much cash do I have?”
    Look at your marginal tax bracket. A contribution that nudges you down into a lower bracket can create more tax savings than a random round number. This is where we match your contribution to your income, instead of guessing.
  2. Use RRSPs to soften the tax hit in retirement.
    If you’re already retired but still have RRSP room, a targeted contribution can sometimes help offset taxable income from RRIF withdrawals, part-time work, or other sources. It’s not right for everyone, but in the right situation, it can smooth out your overall tax bill.
  3. Automate next year’s contributions.
    Set up a monthly RRSP contribution so next time you’re not racing the deadline. You get the same tax benefit, but with less stress—and you benefit from investing throughout the year instead of in one lump.

And a quick note:

If you’re in a very low-income year, or already drawing low-tax retirement income, it might make more sense to prioritize your TFSA instead of RRSPs. The key is knowing which tool fits your situation.

If you’re unsure whether you should contribute before March 2nd—or how much—this is exactly the kind of planning conversation we have with Clients every RRSP season.

Thanks for tuning into Money Monday. Don’t forget to like and comment for more episodes filled with tips to help make your financial journey a breeze. Until next time, I'm Darren Devine, and you can always talk to us today at DevineAndAssociates.ca!

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