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A GIC ladder is a strategy that solves the core dilemma of GIC investing: you want the higher rate of a long-term GIC, but you don't want to lock all your money away for 5 years. By spreading your investment across multiple GICs maturing in consecutive years, you get the best of both worlds.
Instead of investing $50,000 in a single 5-year GIC at 4.5%, you split the money into five $100 GICs:
Each year, one GIC matures. You reinvest the proceeds in a new 5-year GIC. After 5 years, every GIC is a 5-year term — giving you 5-year rates while having one GIC mature each year for liquidity.
A GIC ladder inside a TFSA combines guaranteed returns with tax-free interest — a particularly effective combination for conservative investors. RRSP GIC ladders are popular for Canadians building a secure retirement income stream.
You don't have to use a strict 1–5 year structure. Shorter ladders (1–3 years) work well in uncertain rate environments. You can also vary rung sizes based on anticipated cash needs. The core principle — staggered maturities — remains the same.
Oaken Financial, EQ Bank, and online brokerages allow you to purchase GICs from multiple institutions, maximizing both rate and CDIC coverage across your ladder.
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