To build your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) savings, how much you contribute is key. But it's not the only thing that counts. When you contribute is also a big factor. Many Canadians wait until just before the RRSP deadline each year. Then they struggle to put in a big lump sum.

Consider a Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD). This way, you set aside a bit of money each month, which gets put into your RRSP account. This way, you could find it easier to reach your goals. Learn more now:

Planning your RRSP contributions: Gary, Kevin and Judith's story

What's better: Contribute a little often, or save a lump sum?

To answer that question, let's look at three different investors. Gary, Kevin, and Judith are all 40 years old. They each put the same amount of money into their RRSPs each year. Yet, they contribute the money at different times, so each ends up saving a different total. To learn more, read .

Remember: Investing early counts with RRSP savings

There is no big difference between the costs of making lump-sum contributions, and having a PAD. It's more important to think about the timing of getting money into your RRSP account. By contributing a lump sum at the beginning of every year, you give your money more time to grow. Or, if like many Canadians, you can?t contribute one lump sum early, regular payroll deductions are another easy way to save.

Learn more: To find out how much money you might end up with in your RRSP, try our .

Content in this section is provided in partnership with the Investor Education Fund, a non-profit organization promoting financial literacy to Canadians. To find out more go to GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca.