Budget and Investing Advice

Hi everyone,

I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed and could use advice on how to prioritize my finances this year. Here’s a snapshot of my situation:

Income & Accounts:

• Age: 25, Income: $146,000 (pre-tax) take home monthly  ~$7900
• Chequing: CA$10,000
• Savings : CA$40,000 low interest savings
• USD savings: US$20,000 low interest savings
• RRSP: CA$12,000 (withdrew $15k previously for HBP)
• TFSA: CA$14,000 (managed by RBC, along with my RRSP)
• TFSA contribution room for 2026: $64,000
• RRSP deduction limit for 2025: $43,000
• HBP repayment: starts 2029, $2,333/year

Mortgage:

• Balance: CA$441,000
• Term: 3-year fixed, 30-year amortization (1 year in)
• Interest rate: 4.14%
• Housing costs: ~$3,500/month including condo fees and property taxes

Feeling like I’m drowning budgeting every month and managing monthly savings is affecting me. I thought my income was high enough to enjoy my life but not anymore. Is this how everyone feels after taking out a mortgage solo to live in?

My questions / concerns:

1. Should I prioritize TFSA contributions, RRSP contributions, or extra mortgage prepayments this year?
2. How much should I keep liquid vs invest?
3. Are there better ways to manage my RRSP/TFSA than my current managed accounts?
4. Any strategies for reducing stress while juggling housing costs and savings goals?

Basically I want to maximize growth while keeping cash flow manageable  but I feel stuck between paying down my mortgage saving in TFSA  and contributing to RRSP for tax benefits and enjoying my life.

Thanks in advance for any advice! Any critique on my decisions so far also welcome.