What is an RESP?

A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is an investment account that you contribute to and the government deposits grant money into as well. Generally speaking, an RESP is the best and most efficient way to save for your child’s education. The government will match 20% of the first $2,500 contributed each year.

For example:

If you put $1,000 in an RESP throughout the year, the government will put in an additional $200. Therefore you’ll have a total of $1,200 invested in an RESP.

Some parts of RESPs can be confusing. A PenFinancial Advisor can help you make sense of everything, but here are a few key terms:

Beneficiary: The future post-secondary school student for whom money is being saved.

Planholder/Subscriber: The person who opened and owns the RESP.

Provider: The financial institution with which you set up the RESP.

Where can I invest my RESP?

An RESP can be invested in a variety of products, like savings accounts, GICs, Mutual Funds*, ETFs*, and Index-Linked GICs*. The choice is very personalized, an advisor can help you.

Is there a limit to how much I can invest?

You can contribute up to $50,000 in total per beneficiary. If you’re looking to maximize your growth, remember the government will only contribute 20% of the first $2,500 contributed each year.

What else should I know?

You can choose to set up an Individual Plan or Family Plan. The Family Plan is more flexible because it allows for money to be transferred between multiple beneficiaries. But if you’re confident you’ll only save for one beneficiary, then the Individual Plan is the plan you need.

If the beneficiary doesn't attend post-secondary you can withdraw the money at any time. There’s a catch though – you’ll have to repay all the government grant money, as well as interest earned on that grant money.

Your Guide to Understanding the RESP

Get your hands on this useful brochure packed with valuable information about the Registered Education Savings Plan, in accordance with the latest legislation effective from April 2023. And don’t hesitate to reach out to a knowledgeable PenFinancial Advisor today to get answers to any questions you may have about an RESP.