The big picture

Stepping back from the day to day: how markets actually work, the mindset that keeps you steady, and a healthier way to think about your money.

8 articles in this topic

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.

8 min read

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.

6 min read

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.

9 min read

Individual stocks vs ETFs: how to think about both

Most Canadians are told to pick one approach. Here's what it actually looks like to hold both, and how to decide what role each plays in your portfolio.

7 min read

What to do with an inheritance or financial windfall

You've come into a large sum of money you didn't expect. The worst thing you can do is rush. Here's how to think through it, step by step.

7 min read

The one-ETF portfolio: is it really enough?

People say 'just buy XEQT' like it's the answer to everything. But can one fund really be your whole portfolio? For most people, genuinely yes.

5 min read

When to consolidate brokerages (and when not to)

You have accounts at three different places. Should you move everything to one? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Here's how to think through it.

5 min read

When to take CPP: 60, 65, or 70?

Taking CPP at 60 cuts it about 36%. Waiting to 70 raises it about 42%. Here's how to think about CPP and OAS timing: breakeven, health, other income, and the OAS clawback.

8 min read

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