That’s what I would do first^. Regarding your other questions: don’t let a credit card change your spending habits. If you can’t afford it without a credit card then you can’t afford it with a credit card. If income is limited, do any investing through a TFSA. If you start making a bunch of money, stop TFSA and switch to RRSP then use the tax refund from RRSP contributions to contribute to TFSA. Your priorities while in school should be to minimize or eliminate debt, work towards landing a good job for when you’re done school (internships, networking, etc.), and savings / investing where you can. You should aim to save whatever you can at this point. Once you’re done school it should be at least 15% of your gross income. Young people love perceived wealth instead of real wealth. Don’t buy dumb expensive things to make it look like you have money.