Educational Disclaimer: Maple Wealth Guide provides general financial education only. We do not offer financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Nothing on this website should be considered a recommendation. Always consult a licensed professional for personalized guidance.
What Is Investing?
At its core, investing is putting your money to work with the goal of growing it over time. Rather than letting your savings sit idle in a bank account earning minimal interest, investing allows your money to potentially earn returns through various financial instruments.
In 2026, Canadians have more investment options than ever before. From traditional stocks and bonds to modern ETFs and robo-advisors, the investment landscape has evolved to make wealth-building accessible to everyone—regardless of their starting point.
The Basic Mechanics of Investing
Buying Assets
When you invest, you're purchasing assets—things that have value and can potentially increase in value over time. Common investment assets include:
- Stocks (shares of company ownership)
- Bonds (loans to governments or corporations)
- ETFs (baskets of multiple investments)
- Mutual funds (professionally managed portfolios)
- GICs (Guaranteed Investment Certificates)
How Returns Work
Investment returns come in two main forms: capital appreciation (when your investment grows in value) and income (dividends from stocks or interest from bonds). Understanding both is crucial for building a balanced portfolio.
Investment Accounts in Canada
Canada offers several tax-advantaged accounts that can help you keep more of your investment returns:
- TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) — All growth is tax-free
- RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) — Tax-deferred growth
- FHSA (First Home Savings Account) — For first-time homebuyers
- Non-registered accounts — Flexible but taxable
💡 Note: For Canadians over 50, maximizing TFSA contributions is often the smartest move since withdrawals won't affect government benefits like OAS.
Getting Started in 2026
Starting your investment journey in 2026 is easier than ever. Online brokerages like Wealthsimple and Questrade offer user-friendly platforms with low fees. You can learn more about these platforms in our Wealthsimple overview and Questrade guide. Here's a simple approach:
- Determine your investment goals and timeline
- Open a TFSA or RRSP with a reputable brokerage
- Start with diversified ETFs for broad market exposure
- Contribute regularly, even small amounts add up
- Stay invested for the long term
Key Takeaways
Investing doesn't need to be complicated. By understanding the basics, choosing the right accounts, and staying disciplined with your contributions, you can build wealth steadily over time. For more on managing investment emotions, see our guide on emotional investing. The most important step is simply getting started.
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About Maple Wealth Guide
Maple Wealth Guide is an educational publication that explains investment concepts, retirement-related topics, and personal finance information for Canadians aged 50 and over. We are not licensed financial advisors and do not provide personalized recommendations. All content is for educational purposes only.
Non-Affiliation Statement: Maple Wealth Guide is not affiliated with any banks, brokerages, investment platforms, or government agencies.