(NC) -- It may seem like time is on your side right now, but the deadline for contributions to Registered Retirement Savings Plans will be here before we know it. To avoid the last-minute crunch, personal finance experts are pointing out the benefits of making contributions earlier than the March 3, 2014 deadline.

“By getting organized now, you can set yourself up for future financial success,” says Wade Stayzer, the vice president of retail and investment services at Meridian, Ontario's largest credit union. “A personalized financial plan with regular contributions being made to an RRSP over a long term is much more advantageous than making last-minute contributions. To get started, you need to be more proactive about your personal finances. Determine what your retirement goals are and work with a trusted financial advisor to build a plan that will help you achieve them.”

Meridian offers some suggestions on how you can start easily saving towards your RRSPs now and avoid rushed contributions next March:

Get a personalized financial plan: Choosing the right investment really depends on your personal financial goals. Working with a trusted financial advisor to create a personalized plan is like driving with a GPS system – you'll reach your end goal faster and with less stress. Make sure to meet with your financial advisor at least once a year to re-evaluate your plan and make any adjustments necessary to keep you on track to reaching your goals.

Invest automatically: Saving for the future today isn't difficult if you put your savings on auto pilot. Many financial institutions provide pre-authorized contribution (PAC) plans, which automatically transfer funds from your chequing account into your savings investments on regular intervals. PACs are a great tool for contributing to RRSPs, and if you coordinate the withdrawals to align with your payday, the money won't even be missed.

Don't over-contribute: Due to contribution limits, be sure to only invest your allowable amount, as over-contributions are subject to tax penalties. You can find your current limit on your most recent Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency. If you max out your RRSP contributions for the year, a TFSA (Tax Free Savings Account) can complement your retirement savings tax-free.

More information is available online at meridiancu.ca.