Can I hold ETFs in either account?

In most jurisdictions, yes—you can hold diversified ETFs in both accounts. Details depend on your provider and local rules.

Which should I prioritize?

It depends on current vs future tax rates and cash-flow needs. Many investors use both and revisit annually.

TFSA vs RRSP

A high-level look at contribution rules, tax treatment, and withdrawal implications to guide better decisions.

Purpose and Fit

Both accounts encourage saving and investing. One offers tax-free growth and withdrawals; the other defers tax until withdrawal. The better fit depends on your current and future tax rates.

Quick Comparison (High Level)

Feature	TFSA	RRSP
Contributions	After-tax dollars	Pre-tax/deductible
Growth	Tax-free	Tax-deferred
Withdrawals	Not taxable	Taxable as income
Best When	Expect higher future tax rate	Expect lower future tax rate

Contribution & Withdrawal Strategy

Many investors use both: contribute to the account that best matches today’s income situation, then revisit annually. Integrate contributions with your overall asset allocation.

FAQs

Can I hold ETFs in either account?: Yes, you can typically hold ETFs in both accounts; details vary by jurisdiction and provider.
Which should I prioritize?: It depends on your current vs expected future tax rate. Many investors prioritize the account that offers the better after-tax outcome.