That's correct. The money can't go in until Tuesday, January 3, 2012. But your broker may let you buy before that date because cash settlement doesn't occur until 4 days after you buy. You would have to have your $5,000. sitting in another account with your broker, if he is OK with that. Just like the last day for claiming a 2011 tax loss was Dec. 23, because settlement doesn't occur until 4 days later. However, please check with your broker because I don't want anyone offside with CRA because of my advice.