Your first moves

The practical first steps for a new Canadian investor: choosing a brokerage, opening and funding an account, and placing your first trade with confidence.

16 articles in this topic

Brokerage comparison: what to look for in Canada

Big-bank brokerages vs independents like Wealthsimple and Questrade, compared on what actually costs you: trading fees, FX markups, and inactivity charges.

8 min read

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.

9 min read

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.

7 min read

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.

6 min read

Are ETFs actually better than mutual funds?

The average Canadian mutual fund charges 1.33 percent; the average ETF charges 0.66 percent. Real differences, when each is better, and why the vehicle matters less than the cost.

8 min read

What financial advisors actually do (and cost)

Financial advisors in Canada charge 1 to 2.5 percent a year. DIY through an all-in-one ETF costs 0.20 percent. Robo-advisors sit in between. Which is worth it for your situation.

9 min read

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.

6 min read

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.

7 min read

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.

7 min read

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.

8 min read

The order of financial priorities for Canadians

A clear, ordered map for Canadians: which debt to pay off, when to start an emergency fund, when to take an employer match, and when each registered account fits.

9 min read

Should I invest if I have credit card debt?

Investing returns roughly 7% a year over the long term. Credit card debt costs around 20%. The math isn't close. Here's the full decision framework, including where mortgages and student loans fit.

6 min read

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.

9 min read

Wealthsimple vs Questrade: which Canadian brokerage is right for you?

Wealthsimple is cheaper and simpler for buy-and-hold ETF investing. Questrade wins for active traders, options, and USD accounts. The honest 2026 breakdown of fees, FX, and accounts.

12 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.

8 min read

Where to start as a new Canadian investor

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

3 min read

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