2026 April Newsletter - Using Extra Cash Wisely

 

Using Extra Cash Wisely

 

Periods of increased cash flow - whether from a bonus, tax refund, or changes in income and expenses - can provide an opportunity to pause and review your financial strategy. When aligned with a well-thought-out plan, extra cash can be put to work in meaningful ways. A balanced approach today can help support both near-term priorities and longer-term financial goals.  

 

Consider the following areas when deciding how best to allocate additional funds:

1. Tax minimization opportunities

Strategically directing extra cash to registered accounts such as contributing to RRSPs, TFSAs, or spousal RRSPs may help improve tax efficiency over time.

2. Balancing saving, investing, and debt repayment

Spreading extra funds across emergency savings, long-term investments, and higher-interest debt can help support overall financial stability.

3. Reviewing healthcare coverage and emergency planning

Reviewing insurance coverage and maintaining an emergency fund can help protect against unexpected changes.

 

Important Reminders

• April 30, 2026: Deadline to file your 2025 tax return for most taxpayers (for self-employed, see below). If there is a balance owing for 2025, any balance owing must be paid by April 30, 2026, to avoid late penalties and interest charges.
• June 15, 2026: The tax filing due date if you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed is June 15, your return will be considered filed on time if received on or before June 15, 2026. Note that if there is a balance owing for 2025, any balance owing must be paid by April 30, 2026 to avoid late penalties and interest charges, although the tax return filing deadline is in June.

 

Wealth Perspectives

Below are a few articles and insights that stood out this month:

A global view on investing as new tariffs come into effect
New U.S. tariffs have come into effect, but Michael Brown, VP, Director and Portfolio Manager with TD Asset Management, says there is still potential opportunity for investors in places like Japan and Germany.

How big market swings may be hiding broader gains
Despite periods of volatility in certain sectors, there has been good breadth in the markets overall. That's according to Damian Fernandes, Managing Director and Co-Head of Global Equity Portfolio Management at TD Asset Management. He gives his outlook for markets and explains why he believes the so-called Mag Seven may have turned into the Lag Seven.

AI and Interest rates: Potential catalysts for the life insurers
While other sectors have remained volatile, Canada's life insurers have seen a period of outperformance. Brandon Merkosky, VP for Portfolio Research with TD Asset Management joins MoneyTalk to discuss how new AI-driven efficiencies and supportive interest rates could be potential catalysts for the run to continue.

 

Useful Tips

1. Use Extra Caution - Phishing Scams

Bank impersonation scams are on the rise, particularly during tax season. Phishing scams attempt to access personal information through emails or text messages that appear to come from TD. TD would never ask clients to complete tax forms via email or text links. If you suspect a message is a phishing scam, do not open the link. Report it to TD by forwarding the email or sending a screenshot of the text message (SMS) to phishing@td.com. Watch for these red flags:

• Urgent messages that pressure you to act quickly
• Requests for personal or confidential information
• Links prompting you to enter login details (username and password)
• Sender addresses not ending in @td.com or email@e.email‑td.com
• Long or unusual links that do not lead to a td.com property

 

2. TD Digital Vault - A secure, reliable, and easy-to-use platform

Digital Vault provides a secure, reliable, and easy-to-use platform for two-way document exchange between TD and clients. It serves as an effective alternative to TD Secure Email and supports a wide range of commonly shared documents. Using Digital Vault helps:

• Protect sensitive client information through a secure, authenticated environment.
• Enhance the client experience with a convenient, organized digital space that supports efficient back-and-forth exchanges.

 

To book a quick financial check-in this April, simply contact me and I will be in touch shortly.