TFSAs offer tax-free growth and flexible withdrawals (subject to rules). RRSPs can provide upfront deductions with taxable withdrawals later. Your SIP priority is a tax-and-goal puzzle—not a one-size slogan.
Common priority cues
| Situation | Often lean | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Employer RRSP match | RRSP first to match | Immediate contribution boost |
| Lower current tax bracket | TFSA | Keep deduction powder for later years |
| Near-term flexible goals | TFSA | Withdrawal flexibility |
| High income + room | RRSP | Deduction value may be higher now |
Conclusion
Automate into the account that best matches tax timing and flexibility, then keep the holdings simple. Room tracking is part of the SIP job in Canada.