DIY investing

Building and running a portfolio on your own: how to pick ETFs, where to hold what, setting up a DRIP, and moving investments between brokerages.

10 articles in this topic

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.

7 min read

Avantis CIBC ETFs: factor investing arrives in Canada

CIBC and Avantis launched a lineup of factor-tilted ETFs in early 2026. Here's what's in it, who Avantis is, and how to think about whether any of them fit.

9 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.

7 min read

Are covered call ETFs worth it for Canadian investors?

Covered call ETFs advertise 8% to 12% yields. Here's how the strategy actually works, what the yield really is, and when these funds make sense.

8 min read

Holding Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in a Canadian TFSA or RRSP

Yes, Canadian-listed Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs are qualified investments for TFSAs and RRSPs. Here's how it works, the tickers that count, and what to think about first.

6 min read

How to pick ETFs in Canada

Everyone has a list of 'best ETFs.' Nobody teaches you how to evaluate them yourself. Here's what to actually look at before you buy.

8 min read

How to set up a DRIP at your Canadian brokerage

Dividend reinvestment plans let you automatically turn dividends into more shares. Here's how to set one up and what to watch for.

6 min read

20 newer Canadian ETFs that have earned a real track record

Twenty Canadian ETFs launched in 2020 and 2021 have now built five-year records. Here's what each one actually is, who runs it, the fee, and where it fits.

12 min read

Robo-advisor vs self-directed investing in Canada: which is right for you?

Robo-advisor vs self-directed investing compared. The fee gap, the DIY effort, and when each one wins for Canadian investors. Wealthsimple, Questwealth, RBC InvestEase, and the self-directed alternative.

8 min read

How to transfer investments between brokerages

Switching from a big bank to a discount brokerage? Here's how transfers actually work, what they cost, and the one mistake that could cost you contribution room.

7 min read

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