What nobody taught us

TFSA vs RRSP: Which should you max out first?

The classic Canadian investing question. A clear, no-jargon breakdown of when to prioritize your TFSA, when to lean into your RRSP, and why it depends.

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If you're waiting for a crash to buy in, you probably won't

A lot of people say they'll invest when the market drops. But crashes don't feel like sales. They feel like the world is falling apart. That's why the plan never works.

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The Long Game9 min read

Just buy XEQT? The one-ETF strategy explained

'Just buy XEQT' has become the go-to answer in Canadian investing. Here's what XEQT actually holds, why it works for most people, and when you want more.

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TFSA vs RRSP: Which should you max out first?

The classic Canadian investing question. A clear, no-jargon breakdown of when to prioritize your TFSA, when to lean into your RRSP, and why it depends.

Read this guide

Start here

Accounts, brokerages, and how the system works.

What to do after maxing your registered accounts

You've filled your TFSA, RRSP, and FHSA. Now what? Non-registered accounts, capital gains, tax-loss harvesting, and where to put the overflow.

Brokerage comparison: what to look for in Canada

Not all brokerages are the same. Here's what actually matters when choosing where to invest in Canada, from fees to account types.

The most common mistakes new Canadian investors make

Every investor makes mistakes early on. Here are the ones I see most often, the ones I made myself, and how to avoid letting them cost you real money.

Compound interest: the only chart that matters

Einstein probably never called it the eighth wonder of the world. But the math is still remarkable. Here's why starting early matters more than starting big.

Why are Canada's account names so confusing?

TFSA has 'savings' in the name, so people think it's a savings account. RRSP sounds like a form. A rant about naming that costs Canadians money.

What happens to your investments when you separate or divorce

Separation means splitting more than a household. Here's what happens to your TFSA, RRSP, and other investment accounts in a Canadian divorce.

Emergency fund: how much you need before you start investing

Before you open a brokerage account, you need money you can access without selling investments at the worst possible time. Here's how to think about it.

Are ETFs actually better than mutual funds?

The internet says ETFs are always the better choice. The reality is more nuanced than that, and the answer depends on what you're actually comparing.

The FHSA explained: Canada's newest account

The First Home Savings Account launched in 2023 and many Canadians still don't understand it. Here's how it works and whether it makes sense for you.

FHSA vs RRSP Home Buyers' Plan: which is better for your down payment?

A clear comparison of Canada's FHSA and RRSP Home Buyers' Plan for first-time buyers. Contribution limits, withdrawal rules, and when each one makes sense.

What financial advisors actually do (and cost)

Financial advisors in Canada range from commission-paid bank reps to fee-only planners. What each type does, what they cost, and how to pick the right one.

GICs vs high-interest savings: where to park your cash

You have money sitting in chequing and you know it should be somewhere else. Here's the difference between GICs and HISAs, and when each makes sense.

How much do you need to start investing?

The '$1,000 minimum' is a myth that keeps people on the sidelines. Here's what Canadian brokerages actually require to open an account and start.

How to read your brokerage statement

It's more common than you'd think to get a brokerage statement and just ignore it. Here's what all those numbers mean, and why it's worth five minutes.

What happens when you inherit an RRSP in Canada

Inheriting an RRSP or RRIF can come with a big tax bill. Here's how it works, what your options are, and how to avoid surprises.

Investing in your 20s in Canada: what I wish I'd known

I started investing at 22 and still regret the four years I missed. Here's everything I'd tell my younger self about getting started.

The non-registered account, explained

Everyone talks about TFSAs and RRSPs. Almost nobody explains the account you'll eventually need most: the non-registered account.

How much can you withdraw to buy a house?

Between the RRSP HBP, FHSA, and TFSA, first-time buyers can pull over $100K tax-free. Here's how the math works and what to watch for.

The RDSP explained: Canada's most underused account

The government will match up to 300% of what you contribute. The RDSP is the best deal in Canadian finance, and most people have never heard of it.

RESPs: the account with free government money

The RESP gives you a guaranteed 20% return on the first $2,500 you contribute each year, courtesy of the government. Here's how it works.

The Account Maze5 min read

The RRIF explained: what happens to your RRSP at 71

Your RRSP has an expiry date. By the end of the year you turn 71, it has to convert to a RRIF. Here's what that means and how minimum withdrawals work.

RRSP contribution limit and deadline for 2026

The 2026 RRSP contribution limit is $33,810 and the deadline is March 1, 2027. How the 18% rule works, full annual limit history, and common mistakes Canadians make.

How to start self-directed investing in Canada

You don't need a financial advisor to invest in Canada. Here's how to open a self-directed account, pick your first investments, and actually get started.

RRSP withdrawal rules: what happens when you take money out

Contributing to your RRSP gets all the attention. Nobody talks about what happens when you need to withdraw, and the tax hit can be a surprise.

Spousal RRSPs: when sharing an account helps

If one spouse earns significantly more than the other, a spousal RRSP can save your household thousands in taxes during retirement. Here's how it works.

The Account Maze6 min read

TFSA contribution room: how it works

TFSA contribution room sounds simple until you accidentally over-contribute and get a penalty. Here's how the system works and mistakes to avoid.

TFSA over-contribution: how it happens and how to fix it

The CRA charges 1% per month on excess TFSA contributions. Here's how people accidentally over-contribute, and what to do if it happens to you.

TFSA vs FHSA: where to put your money if you're saving for a home

Both accounts grow tax-free, but the FHSA adds a tax deduction. Here's how to decide which one to prioritize when saving for a home in Canada.

Wealthsimple vs Questrade: which one is right for you?

Two of Canada's most popular online brokerages, compared honestly. No winner, just what matters depending on how you invest.

Your First Moves3 min read

What happens to your money when you hit 'buy'

You tap 'buy' on your brokerage app and the money disappears. Here's what actually happens behind the scenes, in plain terms.

Where to start as a new Canadian investor

Not sure where to begin? This is my recommended reading order for anyone starting from scratch.

What to do after maxing your registered accounts

You've filled your TFSA, RRSP, and FHSA. Now what? Non-registered accounts, capital gains, tax-loss harvesting, and where to put the overflow.

Brokerage comparison: what to look for in Canada

Not all brokerages are the same. Here's what actually matters when choosing where to invest in Canada, from fees to account types.

The most common mistakes new Canadian investors make

Every investor makes mistakes early on. Here are the ones I see most often, the ones I made myself, and how to avoid letting them cost you real money.

Compound interest: the only chart that matters

Einstein probably never called it the eighth wonder of the world. But the math is still remarkable. Here's why starting early matters more than starting big.

Why are Canada's account names so confusing?

TFSA has 'savings' in the name, so people think it's a savings account. RRSP sounds like a form. A rant about naming that costs Canadians money.

What happens to your investments when you separate or divorce

Separation means splitting more than a household. Here's what happens to your TFSA, RRSP, and other investment accounts in a Canadian divorce.

Emergency fund: how much you need before you start investing

Before you open a brokerage account, you need money you can access without selling investments at the worst possible time. Here's how to think about it.

Are ETFs actually better than mutual funds?

The internet says ETFs are always the better choice. The reality is more nuanced than that, and the answer depends on what you're actually comparing.

The FHSA explained: Canada's newest account

The First Home Savings Account launched in 2023 and many Canadians still don't understand it. Here's how it works and whether it makes sense for you.

FHSA vs RRSP Home Buyers' Plan: which is better for your down payment?

A clear comparison of Canada's FHSA and RRSP Home Buyers' Plan for first-time buyers. Contribution limits, withdrawal rules, and when each one makes sense.

What financial advisors actually do (and cost)

Financial advisors in Canada range from commission-paid bank reps to fee-only planners. What each type does, what they cost, and how to pick the right one.

GICs vs high-interest savings: where to park your cash

You have money sitting in chequing and you know it should be somewhere else. Here's the difference between GICs and HISAs, and when each makes sense.

How much do you need to start investing?

The '$1,000 minimum' is a myth that keeps people on the sidelines. Here's what Canadian brokerages actually require to open an account and start.

How to read your brokerage statement

It's more common than you'd think to get a brokerage statement and just ignore it. Here's what all those numbers mean, and why it's worth five minutes.

What happens when you inherit an RRSP in Canada

Inheriting an RRSP or RRIF can come with a big tax bill. Here's how it works, what your options are, and how to avoid surprises.

Investing in your 20s in Canada: what I wish I'd known

I started investing at 22 and still regret the four years I missed. Here's everything I'd tell my younger self about getting started.

The non-registered account, explained

Everyone talks about TFSAs and RRSPs. Almost nobody explains the account you'll eventually need most: the non-registered account.

How much can you withdraw to buy a house?

Between the RRSP HBP, FHSA, and TFSA, first-time buyers can pull over $100K tax-free. Here's how the math works and what to watch for.

The RDSP explained: Canada's most underused account

The government will match up to 300% of what you contribute. The RDSP is the best deal in Canadian finance, and most people have never heard of it.

RESPs: the account with free government money

The RESP gives you a guaranteed 20% return on the first $2,500 you contribute each year, courtesy of the government. Here's how it works.

The Account Maze5 min read

The RRIF explained: what happens to your RRSP at 71

Your RRSP has an expiry date. By the end of the year you turn 71, it has to convert to a RRIF. Here's what that means and how minimum withdrawals work.

RRSP contribution limit and deadline for 2026

The 2026 RRSP contribution limit is $33,810 and the deadline is March 1, 2027. How the 18% rule works, full annual limit history, and common mistakes Canadians make.

How to start self-directed investing in Canada

You don't need a financial advisor to invest in Canada. Here's how to open a self-directed account, pick your first investments, and actually get started.

RRSP withdrawal rules: what happens when you take money out

Contributing to your RRSP gets all the attention. Nobody talks about what happens when you need to withdraw, and the tax hit can be a surprise.

Spousal RRSPs: when sharing an account helps

If one spouse earns significantly more than the other, a spousal RRSP can save your household thousands in taxes during retirement. Here's how it works.

The Account Maze6 min read

TFSA contribution room: how it works

TFSA contribution room sounds simple until you accidentally over-contribute and get a penalty. Here's how the system works and mistakes to avoid.

TFSA over-contribution: how it happens and how to fix it

The CRA charges 1% per month on excess TFSA contributions. Here's how people accidentally over-contribute, and what to do if it happens to you.

TFSA vs FHSA: where to put your money if you're saving for a home

Both accounts grow tax-free, but the FHSA adds a tax deduction. Here's how to decide which one to prioritize when saving for a home in Canada.

Wealthsimple vs Questrade: which one is right for you?

Two of Canada's most popular online brokerages, compared honestly. No winner, just what matters depending on how you invest.

Your First Moves3 min read

What happens to your money when you hit 'buy'

You tap 'buy' on your brokerage app and the money disappears. Here's what actually happens behind the scenes, in plain terms.

Where to start as a new Canadian investor

Not sure where to begin? This is my recommended reading order for anyone starting from scratch.

Go deeper

Fees, taxes, strategy, and the stuff that starts to matter once you're invested.

The Fine Print8 min read

How to calculate your adjusted cost base (ACB)

Every time you buy, sell, or reinvest, your cost base changes. Here's how ACB works in Canada, why it matters, and how to track it.

The Big Picture8 min read

Active vs passive investing: what the data says and what it misses

Most active funds underperform over time. But 'most' isn't 'all.' Here's an honest look at both approaches for Canadian investors.

DIY Investing7 min read

Asset location: which investments go in which account

You might be holding the right investments in the wrong accounts. The difference between asset allocation and asset location can cost you thousands in taxes.

The Big Picture6 min read

Miss the worst days, miss the best ones too

The biggest single-day gains in market history all happened during periods that felt like the world was ending. Here's why that matters.

DIY Investing7 min read

Bonds explained: do you need them in your portfolio?

Bonds are the part of investing nobody gets excited about. But they serve a real purpose, and ignoring them entirely has consequences.

The Long Game8 min read

Best way to track your portfolio in Canada

We built a portfolio tracker, so we're biased. But here's an honest look at every approach: spreadsheets, brokerage tools, bank-linked apps, and more.

Building a portfolio that doesn't need babysitting

You want to invest but you don't want a second job. Here's what a low-maintenance portfolio actually looks like, and how little it takes to keep it running.

The Big Picture8 min read

Can't keep up with personal finance? It's not you

New accounts, new rules, new tax treaties that only apply to some accounts. Personal finance keeps changing, and nobody's sending you a memo.

The Fine Print7 min read

Capital gains tax in Canada: what you actually owe

You sold an investment for a profit. Now the CRA wants a cut. Here's how capital gains tax works, what the inclusion rate means, and how to minimize it.

CPP and OAS explained: Canada's retirement benefits

Every paycheque, you contribute to CPP. But most Canadians don't know how much they'll actually get, or when to start collecting. Here's the full picture.

The Fine Print8 min read

How dividends work (and get taxed) in Canada

The first time I received a dividend, I didn't know what it was. Here's what dividends are, how Canadian dividend tax works, and what to watch for.

The Fine Print8 min read

Currency-hedged ETFs: do you actually need them?

Are you losing money to currency swings without realizing it? Some ETFs hedge that out, others don't. Here's how to tell and why the answer for most Canadians is simple.