INVESTING

You’ve established your stock market portfolio, but how can you safeguard your investments? Historically, the stock market has faced numerous crashes, leading many investors to panic and liquidate their holdings at a loss. This happened to me during my early investing days when I lacked the knowledge to navigate the market. The positive side is that these outcomes can be prevented, and you can avoid similar pitfalls. Here are frequent errors that novice investors make, along with strategies to keep your investment journey on track and achieve your financial aspirations. Common Mistakes Made by DIY Investors Throughout the years, I’ve observed many DIY investors seeking shortcuts to quick wealth. While they may find success initially, the consequences inevitably catch up. It's fascinati...

Lately, many of my colleagues have been asking about the Registered Education Savings Plan, or RESP, which doesn’t surprise me given that several of them are new parents. In fact, setting up my daughter's RESP was one of my top priorities as soon as she arrived. Essentially, an RESP serves as a savings account specifically designed to assist in funding your child's education. The government further incentivizes this by providing a grant of 20% on your contributions. Coupled with notable tax advantages, it’s evident that an RESP is the premier method for funding your child's post-secondary education. Table of Contents [show] Registered Education Savings Plan RulesTypes of RESP in CanadaNon-Family PlanFamily PlanGroup PlanRESP Investment OptionsCa...

Throughout the years, many individuals have inquired whether opening a U.S. dollar investment account is a wise decision. Initially, I hesitated to provide a concrete viewpoint as I lacked a compelling argument detailing the advantages and disadvantages. Typically, I informed people that I preferred to keep my investment strategy straightforward, without the complexities of additional accounts. However, I understand the potential benefits of U.S. dollar investment accounts, which is why I invited James Gauthier, Chief Investment Officer at Justwealth, to share his insights in this guest piece. ** Many Canadians know they can set up a U.S. dollar bank account at most financial institutions across Canada. However, they might not be aware that an array of investment companies also provide U...

Today’s article is penned by my friend Kyle Prevost from MillionDollarJourney.ca. He has recently developed an affordable online course aimed at helping individuals strategize for their retirement. Many wonder about the value of such investment courses, so here is Kyle to explain the benefits of his program. *** “Am I going to be okay in retirement?” “Is it true that I need $1.7 million to retire?” “When should I start to focus on this – will I truly be financially ready for retirement?” In response to these pressing inquiries, most mutual fund representatives from major Canadian institutions typically reply with something like: “The key is investing. The more you save, the better off you’ll be. Look at this chart – and here’s another one illustrating how wonderful your life could be...

Are you searching for stock recommendations? Wondering how to begin navigating the markets? Seeking reliable research? As Canadians, we face limited choices when it comes to investment services. With that in mind, I decided to review one of Canada's top investment platforms, in addition to one of the fastest-growing services recently: Motley Fool and Stock Trades Premium. Both The Motley Fool and Stock Trades offer a Premium subscription model, allowing investors to sign up for an annual fee. Are these investment services worth the investment? Let’s examine these two prominent Canadian investment platforms, as their distinct features make them unique. We'll begin with the fundamentals—specifically, website usability—before diving deeper into each platform. Stock Advisor Canada vs. St...

**This article is brought to you by BMO ETFs. Have you ever found yourself wondering, “I want to start investing, but how do I start?” It’s normal to feel daunted by the vast array of terms, abbreviations, and the elusive “ticker symbols” (yes, the ones representing ETFs). Deciding what to invest in, determining the appropriate asset allocation, and knowing when to adjust your holdings can leave even the most detail-oriented individuals feeling hesitant. Here’s some reassuring news: investing doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. BMO’s Asset Allocation ETFs are crafted to streamline the investing process, presenting a complete solution that helps balance your investment portfolio without unnecessary stress and uncertainty. What Are Asset Allocation ETFs? Asset allocation ETFs compris...

Whether you are considering buying a new home or looking to refinance, securing a mortgage is typically a straightforward endeavor. Nonetheless, the vast array of mortgage products and varying rates often leads individuals to seek the assistance of mortgage brokers to navigate their options. Many individuals are unaware that bank-affiliated mortgage brokers may not provide the most competitive rates, as they are restricted to their employer's offerings. Collaborating with an independent mortgage broker is usually advantageous, as they have the freedom to explore various options on your behalf. However, it's important to note that just because they can tap into the wholesale mortgage market, it doesn't guarantee the best rates available. Table of contents [show] ...

As the 2024 RRSP deadline approaches, understanding Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) is crucial, as they are considered one of the most effective ways to prepare for retirement. RRSPs are government-approved savings accounts that offer tax incentives for contributions, potentially lowering your taxable income when you make withdrawals. With numerous regulations governing RRSPs, including deadlines, contribution limits, and penalties for early withdrawal, many individuals find the system confusing. This guide aims to clarify the essential aspects of RRSPs so that you can maximize the benefits of your account. Table of Contents [show] RRSP deadline 2024 ...

Are you aware of what mortgage insurance entails in Canada? Whether you are a newcomer to the housing market or considering an upgrade, opinions vary. Some individuals assert that mortgage insurance is essential, while others consider it unnecessary. The suitability of mortgage insurance for you hinges on your unique circumstances. By grasping how it functions, you can decide whether it's a necessity for your situation. Defining Mortgage Insurance in Canada It's crucial to recognize that mortgage insurance in Canada encompasses two distinct types. The first is mortgage default insurance, designed for first-time buyers with high-ratio mortgages, and the second is mortgage protection insurance, which is available to all homeowners on a voluntary basis. Mortgage default insurance becomes c...

Recent fluctuations in interest rates have significantly influenced the fixed income investment landscape for Canadians. Following an extended period of low rates, the swift adjustments made by the Bank of Canada have revived the appeal of financial products such as high-interest savings accounts and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). As competition intensifies among financial institutions, many individuals find themselves pursuing the highest available interest rates, often requiring frequent bank changes. In response to this challenge, Horizons launched CASH.to, an ETF focused on high-interest savings. Given the compelling yields offered by CASH.to, it's an excellent option for those eyeing fixed income investments. But what exactly is CASH.to, how secure is it, and what’s the process for pu...