A child’s education is one of the most meaningful investments a family can make. With tuition, books, and living expenses rising every year, planning early is essential.
A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) helps parents, grandparents, and guardians build a tax-efficient education fund—supported by generous government grants that boost your savings.
At Hilltop Financials, we help Canadian families create smart RESP strategies that maximize grants, grow investments tax-free, and ensure your child has the financial support they need for college, university, or trade programs.
An RESP is a government-approved savings and investment account designed specifically to fund a child’s post-secondary education. Contributions grow tax-free, and the government adds bonus money through special grants.
Funds can be used for
RESPs offer one of the strongest financial returns available to Canadian families due to government incentives.
The biggest advantage of an RESP is the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)
Basic CESG:
The government adds 20% on your contributions, up to $500/year per child.
Up to $7,200 per child.
Some families qualify for extra CESG contributions of 10–20% on top of the basic grant.
Eligible families can receive up to $2,000 for opening an RESP—no contributions required.
Hilltop Financials ensures your family receives every dollar available.
RESPs can be used for:
Tuition, Books, Housing, Transportation, Laptop & supplies, Meal plans, and Trade certification programs.
As long as the school or program is eligible, RESP funds can be applied.
RESP earnings grow tax-free until your child uses the funds for education.
Investments may include:
ETFs, Mutual funds, GICs, Bonds, and Stocks.
Because withdrawals for the student are often taxed at a much lower income level, RESP strategies are extremely tax-efficient.
Parents, grandparents, relatives, or family friends can contribute to a child’s RESP.
There is no annual contribution limit, only a lifetime cap of $50,000 per child.
A range of RESP plans structured to maximize grants while supporting your child’s future education needs.
Ideal for one child or when a single contributor (e.g., parent or grandparent) is managing the plan.
Ideal for families with multiple children.
Benefits include:
Children must be related by blood or adoption.
Group plans are restrictive and include high fees. Hilltop Financials recommends individual or family RESPs for flexibility and better performance.
Your RESP should grow steadily over time. We tailor investment strategies based on your child’s age.
Focused on long-term growth:
Shifts to a combination of:
Protects gains as university approaches:
Hilltop Financials manages portfolio transitions to ensure stability and growth.
Simple, trusted financial guidance.
A range of RESP plans structured to maximize grants while supporting your child’s future education needs.
These consist of:
EAPs are taxed in your child’s name, usually resulting in little or no tax.
Your original contributions can be withdrawn tax-free by you at any time.
RESPs remain flexible. Options include
Maximize all available government grants
Personalized contribution strategies
Flexible investment portfolios
Guidance on RESP vs. TFSA vs. RRSP savings
Full support for withdrawals, transfers, and beneficiary changes
Canada-wide advisory support
Every year you wait means losing potential grants and tax-free growth. Let Hilltop Financials create a personalized RESP strategy that ensures your child’s future education is fully supported.
