Investing: Simplify your path to building wealth

From traditional options like stocks, bonds, and ETFs to alternatives like gold, crypto, and REITs, each investment type offers unique opportunities and risks.

While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.

This is the hub of our investing content. From this page, you can browse to various products and guides that will simplify your investment journey. 

If you want to start investing, read our guide on how to invest money with the best investments in Canada that discusses the types of investments and the investment vehicles (e.g. RRSP, TFSA, etc.) available/

If you're brand new, I recommend reading our investing for beginners guide first that discusses setting goals, knowing your risk tolerance and more. 

Understanding the wide world of investments is the first step toward making confident financial decisions

Whether you're planning for retirement, exploring automated strategies with robo-advisors, or learning how to choose a financial advisor, a solid grasp of the basics empowers smarter investing. Explore some of our more popular guides to help you on your investing journey.

Investing basics | Investing guides and where to start investing

Investors who start early might be more likely to catch that proverbial "early bird worm", and grow their earnings enough to lead a comfortable lifestyle. If you’re ready to invest, the good news is that getting started is simpler and less expensive than ever. And with the right guidance, you could be well on your way to catching that worm.

Before you invest, it’s important to understand your willingness and ability to accept risk, your investment time horizon, and your objectives. Use this questionnaire to gain insights into your investor profile. Please note this is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional financial advice.

Investment knowledge

A) Limited (I am new to investing).
B) Moderate (I understand basic investment concepts).
C) Advanced (I have extensive knowledge of various investments and market dynamics).

Financial situation

A) Less than $50,000.
B) $50,000–$100,000.
C) More than $100,000.
A) Very stable (consistent income and savings).
B) Somewhat stable (occasional fluctuations in income or expenses).
C) Unstable (frequent financial challenges).

Investment time horizon

A) Less than 3 years.
B) 3–10 years.
C) More than 10 years.
A) Safety and capital preservation.
B) Moderate growth over time.
C) Long-term growth with high potential returns.

Risk tolerance

A) I would sell immediately to avoid further losses.
B) I would wait and see if the market recovers.
C) I would invest more to take advantage of lower prices.

Investment objectives

A) Generating regular income from investments.
B) Balancing income and growth over time.
C) Maximizing long-term capital appreciation.

Start with the big picture—what are you investing for? Retirement, a home, financial freedom? Define your timeline:

  • Start with the big picture — what are you investing for? Retirement, a home, financial freedom? Define your timeline: short-term (1–3 years), medium-term (3–10 years), or long-term (10+ years).
  • Match your strategy to your goal — stocks and ETFs for long-term growth, bonds or cash for stability.
  • Be specific: instead of just “saving for retirement,” aim for “$1 million by age 65.”

Then, check in regularly, adjust as needed, and stay consistent.

Robo advisors | guides and where to start investing

Robo advisors are specialized platforms that rely on technology and algorithms to help automate your investments. You put money in and the robot buys and sells stocks, ETFs, and more on your behalf as well as rebalancing your portfolio, managing currency conversions and all based on your risk tolerance. 

They’re generally a cheaper option than an actively-managed, full-service portfolio. With most robo advisors in Canada, you're paying 0.40% to 0.50% of your investments (much better than 2% to 3% with a financial advisor).

But with that low cost comes little to no human interaction. Those seeking personalized service and investing advice from a person might not find what they’re looking for with a robo-advisor.

Related: Best robo advisors in Canada

Some of our favourite robo advisors

Wealthsimple Moka Justwealth
Wealthsimple logo Moka logo Justwealth logo
◦ Low fees with no account minimums
◦ Hands-off investing with automatic rebalancing
◦ Socially responsible and Halal investment options
◦ Round-up spare change for effortless investing
◦ No minimum investment to start
◦ Automated savings with goal-based investing
◦ Personalized portfolios with expert management
◦ Great for RESPs and goal-based investing
◦ Low-cost, tax-efficient investment strategies
Wealthsimple review Moka review Justwealth review
Visit Wealthsimple Visit Moka Visit Justwealth

How to invest on your own

DIY investing puts you in control.

With an online brokerage, you can buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and other assets without paying for professional management. Start by choosing a brokerage with low fees and the right tools for your needs. Learn the basics—like how to place orders, research investments, and manage risk. Stay disciplined, think long term, and keep emotions in check.

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Investment Goal Calculator

What will it take to reach your investment goal? Use this investment goal calculator to determine how much your investment might grow before taxes, after taxes and after taxes and inflation. It will also provide suggestions on what to change if your plan doesn't look like it will meet your investment goal.

© Wise Publishing, Inc. | by: Money.ca

Information and interactive calculators are made available to you only as self-help tools for your independent use and are not intended to provide investment or tax advice. We cannot and do not guarantee their applicability or accuracy in regards to your individual circumstances. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding all personal finance issues.

Ask the eight ball

Want to learn more about the magical world of investing? Shake the sphere for eight financial facts.

For fun investing facts

FAQ

  • Is it better to invest a lump sum or space out your contributions?

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    It’s best to invest a lump sum immediately. Immediate lump-sum investing beat dollar-cost averaging about two-thirds of the time. Staying invested for a longer time improves the likelihood of capturing positive market returns. Investors will gain exposure to markets as soon as possible. If you don't want to invest it all at once, design a systematic approach to invest smaller portions at regular intervals, or adjust your asset allocation towards a more conservative portfolio.

  • Should you invest when markets are at an all-time high?

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    Time in the market is better than timing the market. Investors with a long-time horizon should confidently ignore market conditions and stick to their investment plan. The best approach is to invest for the long term in a risk-appropriate portfolio. Stay invested and contribute regularly, regardless of market conditions (such as new highs or lows).

  • Could borrowing to invest be a good idea?

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    Borrowing to invest can be beneficial but it's best to use this tactic as a young investor. Investors in their 20s and 30s should consider using 2:1 leverage (e.g. invest $20,000 total by using $10,000 of your own money and $10,000 from a loan) to increase their stock exposure until a target level of investment is achieved. This approach uses time diversification to enhance retirement savings outcomes with less risk.

  • Should you stick with Canadian stocks or go for global investments?

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    Diversifying your investments across the globe is important, but some home country bias is reasonable because it actually reduces volatility, fees, and taxes. Allocating 20-30% of your equity portfolio to Canadian stocks is ideal for lowering overall portfolio volatility, lowering fees and taxes, and feeling good about your portfolio when Canadian stocks are performing well.

  • Are business loans a form of allowable business investment loss (ABIL)?

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    Not all business loans qualify as an Allowable Business Investment Loss (ABIL). To be eligible, the loan must be made to a Canadian-Controlled Private Corporation (CCPC) engaged in an active business, become uncollectible, and be an investment in shares or funding, not a standard loan. If eligible, 50% of the loss is deductible against all income.

Chris has an MBA with a focus in advanced investments and has been writing about all things personal finance since 2015. He’s also built and run a digital marketing agency, focusing on content marketing, copywriting, and SEO, since 2016. You can connect with Chris on Twitter @moneymozartblog.

Robb Engen is a leading expert in the personal finance realm of Canada and is also the co-founder of Boomer & Echo, an award-winning personal finance blog.

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