Tools in This Collection
Australian Superannuation Calculator
Project your Australian super balance at retirement including compulsory employer contributions
Canada RRSP Calculator
Calculate RRSP contribution room, tax savings, and projected growth to retirement
Canada TFSA Calculator
Calculate TFSA contribution room, track lifetime limits, and project tax-free growth
India SIP Calculator
Calculate SIP mutual fund returns with step-up contributions and rupee-cost averaging
Currency Exchange Fee Calculator
Uncover hidden fees in currency exchange rates and compare to mid-market rate
Trump Account Calculator
Project the growth of a Trump Account (MAGA Account) with the government seed investment
Guides & Articles
International Investing Workflow
Investing looks different depending on which country you live in. Each jurisdiction has its own tax-advantaged account types, contribution limits, and rules that significantly affect long-term outcomes. Using the right account type in your country can add tens of thousands in tax savings over a career.
Canadian Investors: RRSP vs TFSA
Canada's two major tax-advantaged accounts serve different purposes. The RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) provides an immediate tax deduction on contributions but taxes withdrawals as income — best when you expect to be in a lower bracket in retirement than now. The TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) provides no upfront deduction but grows and withdraws completely tax-free — best when you expect to be in a higher bracket in retirement or for flexibility.
The Canada RRSP Calculator shows how much tax you save on contributions and projects growth to retirement. The Canada TFSA Calculator tracks cumulative contribution room (including unused room from prior years, which carries forward) and models tax-free growth. The RRSP vs TFSA article walks through the break-even analysis for your specific marginal rate situation.
Australian Investors: Superannuation
Australian superannuation is a compulsory workplace retirement savings system where employers must contribute 11.5% of wages (2025 rate, rising to 12% by 2025-26). Concessional (pre-tax) contributions are taxed at 15% inside super versus your marginal rate outside super — creating a tax advantage at essentially every income level above $18,201. The Australian Superannuation Calculator models projected balance including compulsory employer contributions, voluntary additions, and fund performance.
Indian Investors: SIP Strategy
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in Indian mutual funds allow regular monthly investments that benefit from rupee-cost averaging. The India SIP Calculator models step-up SIP strategies (increasing contribution by a fixed percentage annually) and shows the compounding effect of consistent long-term investing in Indian equity funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I maximize RRSP or TFSA first?
As a general rule: if your current marginal tax rate exceeds your expected retirement rate, prioritize RRSP (deduction today is worth more than tax you'll pay in retirement). If your current rate is low or equal to your expected retirement rate, prioritize TFSA (tax-free growth and withdrawals are more valuable). When in doubt, a split between both provides tax diversification.
What is the Australian superannuation employer contribution rate?
The Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate in Australia is 11.5% for 2024-25 and rises to 12% from 2025-26. Employers must contribute this percentage of ordinary time earnings into each employee's super fund. Employees can also make voluntary concessional (pre-tax, taxed at 15%) or non-concessional (after-tax) contributions up to annual caps.
Can Canadians hold US stocks inside a TFSA?
Yes. Canadian TFSAs can hold most US-listed ETFs and stocks. However, US dividends withheld at the 15% treaty rate are not recoverable inside a TFSA (unlike an RRSP, which is exempt from US withholding under the Canada-US tax treaty). For this reason, US dividend-paying stocks are often better held in an RRSP than a TFSA from a tax efficiency standpoint.
What are the hidden costs of currency exchange?
Banks and exchange bureaus typically charge 2-5% above the interbank (mid-market) rate without disclosing this explicitly. On a $10,000 transfer, a 3% markup costs $300. Online platforms like Wise or Revolut often offer rates closer to 0.3-0.5% above mid-market. The Currency Exchange Fee Calculator shows the exact spread you're paying compared to the mid-market rate.
What is a step-up SIP?
A step-up SIP automatically increases your monthly investment amount by a fixed percentage each year — typically 10-15%. Since salaries generally rise over time, step-up SIPs align investment growth with income growth. The India SIP Calculator models how step-up contributions affect your projected corpus compared to a flat monthly investment.