At Hilltop Financials, we believe that financial clarity begins with answers. Below you’ll find the most common questions we receive about insurance, investments, retirement planning, tax strategies, RESP/RRSP/TFSA accounts, and more.
We offer insurance planning, investment portfolio management, retirement planning (RRSP, TFSA, RRIF), RESP education planning, travel & Super Visa insurance, estate planning, and comprehensive wealth strategies.
Yes. We provide online and in-person consultations for clients in all provinces and territories.
Our initial consultations are 100% free with no obligation. Many of our services are also provided at no cost to the client through our partnerships with insurers.
We conduct a full needs assessment, understand your goals, and provide personalized recommendations—not generic templates.
Most Canadians benefit from a combination of:
We identify the right type and coverage amount based on your income, family, and financial goals.
A general guideline is 10–12 times your annual income, but needs depend on mortgage, children, debt, and long-term goals.
It’s mandatory medical coverage for parents and grandparents visiting Canada under the Super Visa. Minimum $100,000 coverage is required.
Yes—some plans cover stable pre-existing conditions. Stability periods (90–180 days) vary by insurer.
Yes. Provincial plans cover only a small portion of out-of-country medical costs. Travel insurance protects you from extremely expensive medical emergencies abroad.
RRSP lowers your taxable income and grows tax-deferred. TFSA grows tax-free and offers flexible withdrawals. Most Canadians benefit from using both.
If you were 18+ in 2009, you may have over $95,000 in cumulative room (2025). Contribution room increases yearly.
CRA charges a 1% monthly penalty on excess funds. We help clients calculate exact contribution room.
RESPs grow tax-free and earn government grants like CESG (20% match up to $7,200 per child) and CLB for eligible families.
You can:
The earlier, the better—but it's never too late. Even a 5-year structured plan can make a major difference.
By December 31 of the year you turn 71.
The government sets a minimum withdrawal percentage each year (5.28% at age 71).
RESPs grow tax-free and earn government grants like CESG (20% match up to $7,200 per child) and CLB for eligible families.
ETFs, mutual funds, dividend portfolios, bonds, GICs, index funds, global equities, and more.
There is no one-size-fits-all strategy. We design portfolios based on risk tolerance, time horizon, tax efficiency, and goals.
Yes. We review and rebalance portfolios regularly to keep them aligned with market conditions and client goals.
Through asset location, capital gains planning, TFSAs, RRSP strategies, income splitting, and optimal withdrawal sequencing.
Yes. A will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and avoids legal complications.
RRSPs, TFSAs, RRIFs, and life insurance policies can transfer directly to named beneficiaries—avoiding probate.
After major life events: marriage, divorce, birth of a child, home purchase, death of a relative, or significant financial changes.
