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Why Fees Matter
Investment fees might seem small—just 1% or 2%—but they compound over time and can consume a shocking portion of your returns. A 2% annual fee over 30 years can reduce your final portfolio by nearly 40%.
For Canadian investors, especially those nearing or in retirement, minimizing fees is one of the few factors within your control that reliably improves outcomes.
Low-Cost ETFs
All-in-One ETFs
These single-fund solutions provide instant diversification at rock-bottom costs:
- VBAL (Vanguard Balanced) — MER: 0.24%
- XBAL (iShares Core Balanced) — MER: 0.20%
- VGRO (Vanguard Growth) — MER: 0.24%
- VCNS (Vanguard Conservative) — MER: 0.24%
Index ETFs
For more control, individual index ETFs offer even lower costs:
- VCN (Vanguard Canada All Cap) — MER: 0.05%
- XIC (iShares Core S&P/TSX) — MER: 0.06%
- VUN (Vanguard US Total Market) — MER: 0.16%
- XAW (iShares Core All Country ex Canada) — MER: 0.22%
💡 Note: All-in-one ETFs automatically rebalance, saving you time and eliminating the need to make ongoing decisions.
Robo-Advisors
If you want professional management without high fees, robo-advisors offer a middle ground:
- Wealthsimple Invest — 0.4-0.5% management + ETF fees
- Questwealth — 0.25% management + ETF fees
- CI Direct Investing — 0.35-0.6% management + ETF fees
While more expensive than DIY ETF investing, robo-advisors provide automated rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, and peace of mind.
Discount Brokerages
Where you invest matters too. Many Canadian brokerages now offer commission-free ETF trading:
- Wealthsimple Trade — No commissions
- Questrade — Free ETF purchases
- National Bank Direct — No commissions
- Desjardins Disnat — No commissions on select ETFs
What to Avoid
- Actively managed mutual funds with 2%+ MERs
- Segregated funds (insurance products with high fees)
- Front-end or back-end load funds
- Frequent trading that generates commissions
The Bottom Line
Low-cost index ETFs through a discount brokerage represent the gold standard for cost-conscious Canadian investors. Even small fee savings compound into significant wealth over time.
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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.