Where to start as a new Canadian investor

If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the same spot a lot of people are: you know you should be doing something with your money, but you’re not sure what, and nobody’s explained it in a way that actually makes sense.

That’s what this series is for.

We put together a set of reading paths that walk you through investing in Canada, in the order that makes the most sense. No jargon, no assumptions about what you already know. Start with the first series below if you’re brand new.

New to investing

1. How much do you actually need to start investing? The answer is probably lower than you think.

2. Self-directed investing in Canada What it means, how it works, and whether it’s right for you.

3. Why are Canada’s account names so confusing? TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, RESP. What they actually are and why the names don’t help.

4. TFSA vs. RRSP: which one first? The most common question new investors ask, with a straightforward answer.

5. Brokerage comparison: what to look for in Canada Where to actually open an account, and what matters when choosing.

6. Are ETFs actually better than mutual funds? What to buy once your account is open.

You don’t have to read them all in one sitting. Bookmark this page and come back when you’re ready for the next one.

The account maze

Canada has a lot of registered accounts, each with its own rules, limits, and quirks. This series walks through them one at a time so you actually understand what you’re working with.

1. RRSP contribution limit for 2026 What this year’s limit is and how to figure out yours.

2. FHSA explained Canada’s newest registered account, built for first-time home buyers.

3. RESP explained How to save for a child’s education and get free government money along the way.

4. Spousal RRSP explained When it makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how the attribution rules work.

5. RDSP explained A powerful account most people don’t know about, designed for Canadians with disabilities.

6. RRSP withdrawal rules What happens when you take money out, and the programs that let you do it without tax.

7. TFSA over-contribution: how to fix it What to do if you’ve gone over your limit, and how to avoid the penalty.

8. RRIF explained What your RRSP turns into when it’s time to start withdrawing.

9. CPP and OAS explained How Canada’s government retirement benefits actually work.

Taxes and your portfolio

Nobody’s favourite topic, but understanding how taxes interact with your investments can save you real money. This series covers the pieces that matter most.

1. Capital gains tax in Canada How investment gains are taxed and what the inclusion rate means for you.

2. Adjusted cost base explained What ACB is, why it matters, and how to track it properly.

3. Tax-loss harvesting in Canada How to use your investment losses to reduce your tax bill.

4. US dividend withholding tax Why your US dividends are smaller than expected, and which accounts are affected.

5. T1135: foreign income reporting When you need to file this form and what counts as foreign property.

6. Phantom distributions and taxes The tax bill that shows up even when you didn’t receive any cash.

Getting started right

Before you open a brokerage account, there are a few things worth sorting out first. This series covers the groundwork.

1. Emergency fund before investing Why this comes first, and how much is enough.

2. Compound interest explained The single most important concept in long-term investing.

3. GICs vs. high-interest savings accounts Where to park money you might need soon.

4. Robo-advisors vs. self-directed investing Two valid approaches, and how to decide which one fits.

5. Investing in your 20s in Canada What to prioritize when you’re just getting started.

6. Investing an inheritance How to handle a lump sum without rushing into decisions.

Beyond the basics

Once you’re comfortable with the fundamentals, these guides go a level deeper into portfolio construction and strategy.

1. How to pick ETFs in Canada What to look at beyond the ticker symbol.

2. Bonds explained What bonds actually do in a portfolio and whether you need them.

3. Asset location in Canada Which investments belong in which accounts, and why it matters for taxes.

4. Transferring investments between brokerages How to move your portfolio without selling everything.

5. The Smith Manoeuvre An advanced strategy that turns your mortgage interest into a tax deduction.

One thing before you start

If money is tight right now, that’s real. Not everyone is in a position to invest yet, and no article is going to change that. But if you do have some room and the main thing stopping you is not knowing where to begin, that’s exactly what this is for.

Start with article one: How much do you actually need to start investing?