Starting to invest

Ready to invest but need help knowing where to start? We’ve got you covered. We’ll walk you through the basics with videos and infographics designed to answer our most frequently asked questions. 

Financial planning

What does a financial advisor do? A financial advisor is more than someone who manages your investments; they are a partner in building a plan to help you achieve your financial...
What is compound interest? “Compound interest is the 8th wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn't, pays it.” – Albert Einstein. Time can...
What is diversification? Diversification is ensuring that your investments are not concentrated in a single area but are spread out over a broad variety of different asset classes....
Do I need a financial plan? A financial plan is a key part of your financial journey. It can make the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful financial journey. This...
How do I take control of my finances? Understanding basic budgeting techniques will help you stay on top of where your money is going as well as give you the tools necessary to...
Why is my credit score important? Your credit score is based on your history of meeting financial commitments. A poor credit score can have significant consequences down the road. It can...
How does the income tax system work? The following video gives an overview of personal income tax. Understanding when this is collected and how the progressive tax system works in Canada is...
Is debt good or bad? As you save money, opportunities to utilize both “good debt” and “bad debt” will arise. Good debt gains you exposure to attractive assets and allows...
What is inflation? What causes inflation? Check out this video to learn about two of the most commonly discussed factors. © 2023 HeyAdvisor. All rights reserved.Video transcript Understanding...
What are the basics of budgeting? Budgeting is a key part of building financial success. A budget can bring awareness to your spending habits and allow you to change them if...
What is the 50/30/20 rule? When creating a budget, it can be helpful to follow a guideline. By using the 50 | 30 | 20 rule as your guideline, you...

Intro to investing

What is compound interest? “Compound interest is the 8th wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn't, pays it.” – Albert Einstein. Time can...
What is diversification? Diversification is ensuring that your investments are not concentrated in a single area but are spread out over a broad variety of different asset classes....
What is dollar-cost averaging? Dollar-cost averaging is when you systematically invest a set amount at equal time intervals instead of a one-time lump-sum investment. This strategy allows us to...
Is it normal to get emotional over investing? It is important to understand some basic facts about the stock market in order to understand why emotions become such an important part of investing....
How can I make an impact with my investments? As humans, we have a responsibility to help others that are less fortunate than ourselves. There are infinite ways that we can make a difference...
What is ESG investing? The ESG approach considers not only the profit of a company but also the direct and indirect effect the company has on the well-being of...
Four things to keep in mind during a volatile market When the markets are going through a volatile period, it can be nerve-wracking and it's natural to feel the urge to sell your investments. However,...
What are nominal returns? When investing, it’s important to look at the whole picture. You need to consider inflation in your overall returns and factor it into your investment...
How important is it to stay invested? One of the easiest things we can do as investors is to simply stay invested. Over a 30 year period, as an investor, if you...
What is the relationship between risk & return? When investing, it is critical to understand the relationship between risk and return for different investments. It is also important to have an idea of...
What is the cycle of investor emotions? During times of market volatility, it can be difficult to ignore the noise and stick to your investment plan. Investing has an emotional component, and,...
What is asset allocation? Asset allocation plays an important role in your overall investment experience. The decision of how to invest your money is a personal one. This infographic...
What factors can help me spot an investment scam? With the increasing prevalence of investment scams, it's more important than ever to stay informed and vigilant when it comes to your investments. This infographic...
How is my investment income taxed? When you have non-registered investment accounts, there is typically income associated. Understanding the types of investment income and how the CRA taxes these income types...

Types of investments

What is compound interest? “Compound interest is the 8th wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn't, pays it.” – Albert Einstein. Time can...
What is diversification? Diversification is ensuring that your investments are not concentrated in a single area but are spread out over a broad variety of different asset classes....
What is the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA)? The Canadian government created a new registered account to make saving for your first home easier. The First Home Savings Account (FHSA), which was announced...
What is the difference between registered and non-registered accounts? When you invest your money, it’s important to understand the different types of accounts you can open and contribute to. Deciding between registered and non-registered...
What's the difference between stocks and bonds? The investment world can often seem complex and overwhelming. Business analysts and news networks tend to use convoluted jargon such as “headwinds,” “dovetail” and “bullish.”...
What is an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)? ETFs are a low-cost investment vehicle that is growing in popularity among investors. Many people compare ETFs to mutual funds as it’s another way to...
What is a mutual fund? Mutual funds are a very popular investment vehicle that people use to diversify their portfolios and benefit from professional investment management. It’s important to understand...
What are the key features of an RDSP? There are various ways to invest in your long-term savings, and for Canadians with disabilities and their families, there is the option of a Registered...
Should I opt in to my employer's RRSP matching program? Clients often ask whether they should utilize their employer's RRSP matching program. This perk has the potential to significantly impact your financial future. The following...
What are RRSPs and TFSAs? RRSPs and TFSAs both have tax advantages that can help you achieve your financial goals. Both RRSPs and TFSAs allow your money to grow tax...
What are alternative investments? Alternative investments are continuing to grow in popularity. You may be curious if you should add them to your portfolio as part of your overall...
What is an RESP? A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) allows you to save tax-free towards post-secondary education. There are three different types of RESPs that you can open....
What is the difference between an FHSA, RRSP and a TFSA? When considering the First Home Savings Account, there are many questions about how it compares to an RRSP or a TFSA. Since these are all...
What is a GIC? This infographic defines what they are and outlines some reasons why you may consider adding GICs to your portfolio.What is a GIC? A GIC (Guaranteed...
What are the pros and cons of buying an income property? Buying an income property can be a great way to invest in real estate for the long term and generate a monthly income. Like any...