10/24/2026
Day 18 of 90 — Financial Learning
🎓 RESP: Invest Today for Their Tomorrow
Your child may be young today, but university, college or skilled-trades education can arrive faster than you think. An RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan) can help Canadian families start preparing early while potentially benefiting from government education incentives.
💰 How the Basic CESG Works
For eligible children, the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) generally adds 20% on the first $2,500 contributed to an RESP each year.
That means:
You contribute $2,500 → CESG can add $500 → $3,000 goes toward education savings.
And if you can't contribute $2,500? Starting smaller can still make a difference.
$1,000 contribution → $200 basic CESG
$500 contribution → $100 basic CESG
Eligibility and grant amounts depend on applicable government rules, and unused CESG room may allow additional grants in later years.
📚 Why Consider an RESP?
An RESP can help you build money for your child's future education while investments inside the plan can grow tax-deferred. When qualifying educational withdrawals are made, certain amounts are generally taxable to the student, who may have relatively little taxable income.
The money can potentially support eligible university, college, CEGEP, trade school, apprenticeship and other qualifying post-secondary programs.
💡 Don't Make This Mistake
Many parents think:
“I'll start saving when my child is older.”
But waiting can mean losing valuable years of potential investment growth and making it harder to maximize available government grants.
You don't necessarily need a huge contribution to begin. Consistency matters.
✅ Today's Action Step
If you have children, check whether they already have an RESP. If they do, review how much you're contributing and whether you're taking advantage of the CESG available to them.
If they don't, learn about the available RESP options before choosing a provider and investment strategy.
🔑 Key Message:
Your child doesn't need you to fund their entire education today. They need you to start planning for it today.
Follow my 90 Days of Financial Learning for simple financial education designed for Canadian families.
Mona Dhawan
📞 343-254-1116
Call to discuss education savings and your family's financial goals.
For educational purposes only. RESP grants, contribution rules, investment options, taxation and eligibility are subject to Government of Canada rules and individual circumstances.