Dithering Centwise is back again, with a positive update to share. I'm not done yet, but I'm getting there. First, a quick welcome to MrMyMoney! Sounds like you are doing great. Are you still in China, or back in Canada?
Items 1 -- 5 below are an update (exciting to me, maybe boring for you) but down at the bottom, "Next Up" contains a question.
I think you might need the kid's SIN for the RESP, so if you have it, bring it.
1. Thanks to Ishmael and TrMama for reminding me about the SIN issue! I had forgotten about that. I turned the house upside down looking for her SIN. No success. So (after adding "go to Service Canada" to my to-do list) I went to my appointment at TD without the SIN. The TD representative was very helpful, set up my TFSA and did everything she could for the RESP without the SIN.
2. Next morning, off to Service Canada! I don't know why I'm always such a nervous procrastinator when it comes to "official" tasks. The lineup was short, the people were helpful, and I got my daughter a SIN on the spot. Turns out, she never had one before.
3. Phoned TD and left a message regarding the new SIN, then popped in on my lunch hour to sign the forms for the RESP. Ta da! The ball is really rolling now. But I have to wait for them to be converted to e-series mutual fund accounts.
4. Received an e-mail from TD. The e-series accounts (TFSA and RESP) exist! The e-mail says "phone this number to set up EasyWeb access". Phoned; waited forever listening to muzak; finally found out that I need to return to the branch to get an Access Card before they can set up web access. :( Called TD for another appointment.
5. This brings us to today. I got the card, logged in, and initiated my first mutual funds purchase inside the RESP!! I purchased $1000 of Canadian Index fund. Looks like I have to wait until Monday to make sure that it went through.
Next up: I'm allowed to put a maximum of $5000 into the RESP for 2013. My plan is to end up with the following TD e-series funds before Dec 31 (based on the couch potato web site):
$1k Canadian Index fund (already purchased online today)
$1k US Index fund
$1k International Index fund
$2k Canadian Bond Index
On Monday I will verify that everything -- the money transfer from my linked BMO account, and the first $1k mutual fund purchase -- is working. Then I will purchase the remaining $4k. Friends, please let me know if you have comments, suggestions or reminders. Thank you!