What’s the winning strategy for savings season?

Saving is not a last-minute sprint, it’s an endurance race. With the right strategy in place, reaching your goals can get easier.

The best strategy: save regularly

Many people—and you may be one of them—wait until the end of the tax year to contribute to their RRSPs. But this isn’t the best way to build a solid portfolio. As with Olympic athletes, results come when you train often—not just right before a competition.

With RRSPs, TFSAs and FHSAs, regular contributions make all the difference. Contributing a fixed amount every month or every two weeks helps you avoid the ups and downs of a volatile and changing market. Even if the amounts you deposit seem small, this is the best strategy for making your investments grow.

The same applies to your financial goals. Whether it’s for retirement savings with an RRSP, flexible savings for an emergency fund or other savings with a TFSA, or for buying your first home with an FHSA, systematic investing can help you reach your goals faster and go further!

If you want to see what your savings could look like in five, ten, or thirty years, there are several simple calculators available for free online. Whether it’s a TFSA, RRSP, FHSA or just retirement savings in general, it’s easy to determine targets for your investments.

The ideal coach: your financial advisor

Even the best athletes don’t train alone. Their coach is always there to keep them on track, motivate them and guide them to victory. That’s exactly what a financial advisor does—but for your money.

These experts can help you develop a plan based on your financial situation and your short-, medium-, and long-term goals, while ensuring that you fully understand all the ins and outs (and technical jargon!) of your investments.

In a world where the economy moves quickly and financial advice is everywhere, having an expert who knows your situation and goals is a huge advantage. In fact, people who work with an advisor for 15 years accumulate, on average, 2.3 times more savings than those who do not.

A diversified and balanced portfolio

Just like a well-rounded training plan, when it comes to saving, we have to invest in many different ways: for retirement, for the next trip, for buying a house, and much more.

Your portfolio should be diversified based on your age, income, goals and risk tolerance. A combination of stocks, bonds, balanced funds, and various savings accounts will keep you on solid financial ground, no matter what the economy throws at you. Here again, an advisor can help you find the best formula.

To learn more about the world of savings and the different strategies you can use to maximize your returns, check out the Le Planif podcast (French only).

Motivating incentives

Sometimes, savings season comes with extra motivation. For 2026, iA Financial Group’s Save to Win contest is offering 5 prizes of $5,000 each.

You can enter by:

1. Contributing to your iA Financial Group RRSP, TFSA or FHSA
2. Contributing to your Investia plan
3. Opening a new RRSP, TFSA or FHSA account with either iA Financial Group or Investia
4. Using the RRSP, TFSA or FHSA calculators

Ultimately, the winning strategy for savings season depends on your own individual goals. The most important thing is to know yourself and develop the right game plan for each of the goals you want to achieve.

This is where the help of a financial security advisor can be a major asset; guiding you through the markets, protecting you from impulsive decisions and helping you develop diligence and discipline, just like a great coach. With this approach, you’ll become a savings athlete, relying on your consistent training to help you reach the podium!

Why is savings season important? It’s a good time to review your goals, establish a clear strategy and take concrete steps to improve your financial health in the short, medium, and long term.

What’s the best strategy for saving? Save regularly, rather than waiting until the end of the tax year. Like an endurance race, saving will give you the best results when you progress at a steady pace.

Why is regular saving more effective than a one-time contribution? Contributing on a monthly or bi-weekly basis helps to offset fluctuations in the financial markets. This approach reduces the risks associated with volatility and supports the gradual growth of your portfolio.

How much do I need to save to see a real impact? Even small amounts invested regularly can have a significant impact over time. Thanks to this cumulative effect, consistent savings help your investments grow over several years.

Which savings vehicles are best? The choice depends on your financial situation and your objectives. RRSPs to prepare for retirement; TFSAs for flexible, tax-free savings; FHSAs for the purchase of a first home.

Should I wait until the end of the tax year to contribute to an RRSP? No. Waiting until the last minute is not the most effective strategy. Regular contributions throughout the year allow you to take better advantage of the markets and reduce financial stress at the end of the year.

Does working with a financial advisor pay off? Yes. On average, people who receive long-term support from an advisor accumulate more savings than those who manage their finances alone. The advisor provides structure, discipline and expertise.

How do I set up automatic savings? Depending on your objectives, a financial advisor can work with you to determine the frequency that’s right for you and guide you through the process.

Why is the support of an advisor important in a changing economic context? The economy is evolving rapidly, and there are a lot of financial opinions out there. Having an expert who knows your personal situation allows you to make informed decisions and stay on track with your financial goals.

When is the best time to start saving? The best time to start is now. The sooner you start, the more time your savings have to grow. The savings season can be a jumping-off point to start a savings habit that will stick with you for the rest of your life, helping you achieve your dreams, one step at a time!