The average FHSA balance is $3,899—Let’s help clients aim higher
The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a powerful tool for Canadians working toward homeownership. With tax-deductible contributions and tax-free withdrawals for qualifying purchases, it’s designed to make saving easier and more rewarding.
Yet, with a lifetime contribution limit of $40,000 and an annual cap of $8,000, many clients may not be taking full advantage. The average FHSA balance currently sits at just $3,899*, leaving plenty of room for growth.
Equitable offers three straightforward strategies to help clients boost their FHSA contributions and get closer to their first home—faster:
Set it and forget it with automated contributions
Consistency is key. By setting up automatic monthly deposits of up to $667, clients can effortlessly reach the annual maximum of $8,000. Equitable makes it easy to schedule recurring transfers from a bank account, helping clients stay on track without the hassle of manual deposits.
Make the most of windfalls with lump sum deposits
Bonuses, tax refunds, or inheritances can be powerful savings tools. Equitable allows clients to make one-time contributions anytime, helping them catch up on unused FHSA room from previous years and accelerate their savings.
Transfer from RRSPs—tax-free
Clients who’ve already been saving in an RRSP can transfer those funds into their FHSA—up to their available contribution room—without triggering taxes. This strategy lets them benefit from the FHSA’s tax-free withdrawal feature while staying within their overall savings plan.
Bonus Opportunity: Win big with the Close to Home contest
From May 1 to September 30, 2025, clients who contribute to an Equitable FHSA will be entered to win one of two $8,000 prizes. Whether opening a new account or making a contribution, it’s a great chance for clients to get closer to homeownership.
Advisors, your efforts matter too!
You have a chance to win a $1,000 prize if the client you are assisting, in alignment with their unique homeownership needs, is selected as a winner. At Equitable, we believe that when we grow together, success is mutual.
Don’t forget about Equitable’s user-friendly online application platform, EZcomplete®, or process an online transaction with ease using Equitable’s EZtransact®. These tools are fast, simple, and could bring clients closer to achieving their goals.
Want to learn more? Speak to your Director, Investment Sales.
* Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/first-home-savings-account/fhsa-statistics.html
® and ™ denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
Equitable’s Close to Home Contest: No purchase necessary. Contest period May 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025. Clients enter by making a deposit to an Equitable FHSA during the contest period or by submitting a no-purchase entry. Two prizes of $8,000 CAD each to be drawn on October 15, 2025 will be awarded. The servicing advisor for the policy to which the selected entrants made the deposit is also an eligible winner and will receive a $1,000 CAD prize. For example, if an Equitable client is a winner of the $8,000 prize, the client’s servicing advisor wins a $1,000 prize. Open to legal residents of Canada of the age of majority. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received during the Contest Period. For full contest rules, including no-purchase method of entry, see here.
Date posted: September 4, 2025
Yet, with a lifetime contribution limit of $40,000 and an annual cap of $8,000, many clients may not be taking full advantage. The average FHSA balance currently sits at just $3,899*, leaving plenty of room for growth.
Equitable offers three straightforward strategies to help clients boost their FHSA contributions and get closer to their first home—faster:
Set it and forget it with automated contributions
Consistency is key. By setting up automatic monthly deposits of up to $667, clients can effortlessly reach the annual maximum of $8,000. Equitable makes it easy to schedule recurring transfers from a bank account, helping clients stay on track without the hassle of manual deposits.
Make the most of windfalls with lump sum deposits
Bonuses, tax refunds, or inheritances can be powerful savings tools. Equitable allows clients to make one-time contributions anytime, helping them catch up on unused FHSA room from previous years and accelerate their savings.
Transfer from RRSPs—tax-free
Clients who’ve already been saving in an RRSP can transfer those funds into their FHSA—up to their available contribution room—without triggering taxes. This strategy lets them benefit from the FHSA’s tax-free withdrawal feature while staying within their overall savings plan.
Bonus Opportunity: Win big with the Close to Home contest
From May 1 to September 30, 2025, clients who contribute to an Equitable FHSA will be entered to win one of two $8,000 prizes. Whether opening a new account or making a contribution, it’s a great chance for clients to get closer to homeownership.
Advisors, your efforts matter too!
You have a chance to win a $1,000 prize if the client you are assisting, in alignment with their unique homeownership needs, is selected as a winner. At Equitable, we believe that when we grow together, success is mutual.
Don’t forget about Equitable’s user-friendly online application platform, EZcomplete®, or process an online transaction with ease using Equitable’s EZtransact®. These tools are fast, simple, and could bring clients closer to achieving their goals.
Want to learn more? Speak to your Director, Investment Sales.
* Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/first-home-savings-account/fhsa-statistics.html
® and ™ denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
Equitable’s Close to Home Contest: No purchase necessary. Contest period May 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025. Clients enter by making a deposit to an Equitable FHSA during the contest period or by submitting a no-purchase entry. Two prizes of $8,000 CAD each to be drawn on October 15, 2025 will be awarded. The servicing advisor for the policy to which the selected entrants made the deposit is also an eligible winner and will receive a $1,000 CAD prize. For example, if an Equitable client is a winner of the $8,000 prize, the client’s servicing advisor wins a $1,000 prize. Open to legal residents of Canada of the age of majority. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received during the Contest Period. For full contest rules, including no-purchase method of entry, see here.
Date posted: September 4, 2025