Getting started with investing

Before you start investing, ask yourself a few key questions first. Know how much you can invest, what you’re investing for, and how you’d like to do it.

Feeling ready to start investing? It’s a good idea to ask yourself a few key questions before diving in. Check in on your overall financial readiness, investing goals, time horizonTime horizon The length of time that you plan to hold an investment before you sell it. This may be a brief period of time or span as long as decades, depending on your financial goals.+ read full definition and risk tolerance level.

Check your financial picture before you invest

Investing can help you reach your financial goals. The sooner you start, the more time you will have to let compound interest work in your favour. And with more time you’ll be able to navigate the ups and downs of the market with greater flexibility.

However, make sure your finances are investing ready first. Before you get started, consider:

  1. Your monthly cash flow. Better yet have a budget. It helps to know how much money you have available each month to put towards saving and investing. Your budgetBudget A monthly or yearly estimated plan for spending and saving. You work it out based on your income and expenses.+ read full definition can help you figure out where your money is going, and whether there are places you can trim expenses to find more money to save.
  2. How much you owe. If you have high interest debtDebt Money that you have borrowed. You must repay the loan, with interest, by a set date.+ read full definition, for example credit card debt, it will likely accumulate more interest in the short termTerm The period of time that a contract covers. Also, the period of time that an investment pays a set rate of interest.+ read full definition than any investing gains. Make a strategy to pay down debt before investing.
  3. How much risk you can tolerate. The risk-return relationship is important for any investor. Generally, the higher the potential return of an investmentInvestment An item of value you buy to get income or to grow in value.+ read full definition, the higher the risk. But there is no guarantee that you will get a higher return by accepting more risk. Risk tolerance is personal, so it’s good to know yours before you commit to an investment.

Once you know you’re ready to start investing

Starting to investInvest To use money for the purpose of making more money by making an investment. Often involves risk.+ read full definition isn’t just about how much money you have available. There are a few other things you should think about including:

  1. What you’re investing for. Having a clear goal in mind can help you decide how much you’ll need to save, when you’ll need it, and what type of accountAccount An agreement you make with a financial institution to handle your money. You can set up an account for depositing and withdrawing, earning interest, borrowing, investing, etc.+ read full definition to put it in. There may be a registered savings plan account that can help you.
  2. Whether you’ll need access to your money. Cash and bank accounts are very liquid. That means it’s fairly easy to get your money out when you need it. Investments tend to be less liquid than bank accounts. Investments also tend to offer a higher potential return, but also may come with more risk. Consider different investments for different time horizons, and make sure your emergency fund can cover sudden expenses if needed.
  3. What kind of investing help you might need. Getting advice can take many forms. Consider the different types of advisors and whether one might meet your needs. If you decide to use an online adviser, understand how that differs from an in-person advisor relationship.

To understand how investments can rise or fall in value, learn more about how the stock market works.

How to hold your investments

There is more than one way to open an investing account. The type of account — or accounts — you hold will depend on your goals.

Registered savings plans

In Canada there are several types of registered accounts that can hold different types of investments as well as savings deposits. These accounts can also help you save for specific goals. These are:

One thing these accounts have in common is that they are taxTax A fee the government charges on income, property, and sales. The money goes to finance government programs and other costs.+ read full definition-sheltered. This means your savings will grow tax free while the money stays in these accounts — but it will be taxable when it is withdrawn.

A Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) is an account that can be used for both saving and investing, for any type of goal. Withdrawals from a TFSATFSA See Tax-Free Savings Account.+ read full definition are not taxed.

RESPs, RRSPs, RDSPs and TFSAs can hold different types of investments, such as Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), mutual funds, or Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). Not all types of investments can be held in registered accounts. Learn more about different investment types.

Investment account with a broker or advisor

If you want to invest in stocks, you will need to open an account with an investment firm. This can take the form of a cash account (where you pay with cash) or a margin accountMargin account An account you open to buy investments using money borrowed from a stockbroker. Limits apply to what you can borrow. Not available from companies registered only as mutual fund dealers.+ read full definition (where you borrow to invest). Investments bought on the marginMargin A way to buy investments by borrowing money from a stockbroker. You must also invest some of your own money first. The extra that you borrow is your margin. Some rules apply about the size of margin that you can have.+ read full definition cannot be held in a registered account. Learn more about buying and selling stocks.

You can open investing accounts and manage your portfolioPortfolio All the different investments that an individual or organization holds. May include stocks, bonds and mutual funds.+ read full definition with the help of an advisor. Working with an advisor in person can offer personalized support to manage your goals. You can also open an investing account online using an online advisor. Online advisors will ask you questions to understand your situation and goals.

There are differences in the kind of products and services available when working with advisors in person or online. Learn more about the differences between online advisors and traditional advisors.

Fees and tax implications for investing

Investment accounts and products may carry some fees, as part of the transactionTransaction The process where one person or party buys goods or services from another for money. Examples include taking money out of an account, buying something with a credit card or taking out a loan.+ read full definition. You may also pay fees to sell investments. Common fees include mutual fund fees, ETF fees, RRSP fees and RRIF fees.

Make sure to review your account information and track your investment costs on a regular basis. Assess the impact of fees when choosing an investment and be aware that fees can differ between products and companies.

Also be aware of tax implications for your investments. If your investments are held in one of the special savings plan accounts, you may not pay taxes on the investments until the funds are withdrawn.

If you hold your investments in a non-registered account, it’s likely you’ll pay tax on your investment income. This will depend on the type of investment, the tax laws where you live, and your overall income. Learn more about investors and tax.

Check before you invest

Checking registrationRegistration A requirement for any person or company trading investments or providing advice in Canada. Securities industry professionals are required to register with the securities regulator in each province or territory where they do business.+ read full definition helps protect you from unqualified or fraudulent individuals. Before you buy a new investment, check before you invest. Make sure the investment dealerInvestment dealer A securities firm that buys and sells a wide range of investments. They are likely a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC).+ read full definition is registered and qualified to sell you the investment you are considering.

Watch out for the key signs of investment fraud. For example, if an investment promises high returns with little or no risk, chances are it is too good to be true. Don’t feel pressured to buy if the investment is not right for you.

Keys steps to get started with investing:

  1. Check your financial picture before you invest. Know your cash flowCash flow The sums of cash a business gets in and spends out during a set period of time.+ read full definition, budget, and how much debt you have.
  2. Know what you’re investing for, and when you’ll need the money.
  3. Know how much risk you’re willing to take on.
  4. Know what kind of help you may need from an advisor.
  5. Consider whether to hold your investments in a registered account, or in a non-registered investment account.
  6. Check the fees associated with the investment before you buy, and keep up to date on your account information.
  7. Know the tax implications for the investments you choose.
  8. Check your advisor’s registration before you invest.
  9. Watch out for signs of investment fraud.

 

 

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