January has a certain energy.

It’s a fresh start. New routines. New goals. New intentions.

But when it comes to money, the goal isn’t to do everything perfectly in January — it’s to set up a few simple systems that make the rest of 2026 easier.

So here’s your early-year money checklist (Canadian version) with the most important resets, deadlines, and practical actions to help you feel more organized and in control.

1. TFSA contribution room reset: you get $7,000 for 2026

Every January, Canadians receive new TFSA contribution room — and it’s one of the simplest ways to build wealth tax-free over time.

For 2026, the new TFSA contribution limit is $7,000.

If investing is on your radar this year, the TFSA is often a great first place to start (depending on your income and overall plan).

A few quick reminders:

• TFSA withdrawals create new contribution room the following year (not immediately)

• Overcontributions are penalized, so confirm your available room if you’re unsure

• A TFSA is not just a savings account — it can also be a powerful investing account

Simple action step:
Set up an automatic contribution to your TFSA, even if it’s small. Consistency beats intensity.

2. RESP contributions: $2,500 per child = $500 from the government

If you have kids and an RESP, January is the perfect time to get organized.

The basic Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) is:
20% on the first $2,500 contributed per child, per year
That’s $500 per year, per child.

Simple action step:
Automate $208/month per child ($2,500 per year) so you stay consistent and don’t have to think about it.

3. RRSP deadline 2026 (for your 2025 taxes)

This one matters every year and it sneaks up fast.

The RRSP deadline for contributions that count toward your 2025 income tax return is March 2, 2026.

This doesn’t mean everyone should contribute. But it’s worth knowing the date so you can make an intentional decision instead of scrambling at the last minute.

Simple action step:
Decide now:
– Are you making an RRSP contribution this year?
– If yes, how much?
– And what is it for: a tax refund, long-term investing, or both?

4. CPP and EI reset: why your paycheque might be smaller in January

If you’re employed and your income is above certain thresholds, you may notice something every year:

Your paycheque feels smaller in January… and then later in the year, it suddenly gets bigger.

That’s not in your head — it’s how CPP and EI contributions work.

CPP and EI are deducted from your paycheque only up to annual maximum limits.

For 2026:

• EI premiums apply to earnings up to $68,900

• CPP contributions apply to earnings up to $74,600 (plus an additional CPP layer up to $85,000)

If you earn more than those amounts, you’ll often “max out” CPP and EI partway through the year. Once you do, those deductions stop (or drop significantly) and your take-home pay increases for the rest of the year.

Then January comes around, everything resets, and those deductions start again.

Simple action step:
When your paycheque “lift” happens later this year, decide ahead of time where that extra money will go (TFSA top-up, investing, debt payoff, or a sinking fund) so it doesn’t quietly disappear.

5. Automate one money move (so willpower isn’t required)

If you want 2026 to feel calmer financially, don’t rely on motivation.

Build one system.

That might look like:
– an automatic transfer into savings
– automated investing contributions
– a sinking fund for travel, car repairs, or property tax
– paying your credit card weekly instead of monthly

Simple action step:
Pick one money move and automate it this week. Start small, but start.

6. Do a 10-minute spending review (without shame)

You don’t need a perfect budget to be intentional — but you do need awareness.

Simple action step:
Look back at the last 30 days and ask:
– What am I glad I spent money on?
– What do I want to do differently this year?
– Where did money leak without meaning to?

A great year isn’t built in January

It’s built through small actions repeated consistently.

If you do nothing else this month, do this:
Get clear. Choose one smart step. Automate what you can. And keep going.

If you want help applying this checklist to your own situation — and building a plan that fits your real life — you can book a call with me here.