If you’re new to investing or don’t know where to begin, here’s the good news: the easiest way to start investing in Canada is by choosing a path that fits how involved you want to be with your investments.
That way, you can stop worrying about doing everything all at once and just start by keeping things simple.
What feels easy looks different for everyone. For some, it means answering a few questions, getting matched to a portfolio and letting their investments run in the background. For others, it means choosing a single diversified fund and setting up automatic contributions so investing can just become part of their life routine.
Both approaches can work. The key is finding the one that matches your comfort level and goals.
If you’re just starting out, the most helpful first step is asking yourself the right question first.
Choosing how much you want to manage yourself
Answering this question unlocks almost everything else, from the type of account you open to the kind of support you’ll have once your money is invested. Plus, it’ll affect how much time and attention you need to give your investments when markets shift.
Once you’re clear on that, the rest of the decisions tend to fall into place more easily.
The easiest way to start investing depends on you
In Canada, most investors begin on one of two main investing paths:
Self‑directed investing
This is where you open an account, choose your own investments, place trades and make decisions over time.
Managed investing
Using this option, you open an account, answer questions about your goals and risk comfort, and get matched to a portfolio that’s managed for you.
There’s no one right way to invest. The best option depends on your experience, your timeline, your goals and how hands‑on you want to be.
For many beginners, easy means fewer decisions upfront and less pressure to get everything right immediately. Not something that turns investing into a second job.
That’s why managed investing can be a natural starting point. It removes the guesswork and helps you get invested without feeling overwhelmed. For a new investor, that extra peace-of-mind is usually a good thing.
Choose the right account type first
Before deciding how to invest, it’s important to understand where you’re investing. In Canada, registered accounts offer tax advantages that can make a meaningful difference over time.
Here are three of the most common accounts new investors start with:
TFSA (Tax‑Free Savings Account)
Your investments can grow tax‑free, and withdrawals aren’t taxed. With no restrictions on when you can take money out, TFSAs are one of the most flexible accounts available.
RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan)
Contributions can reduce your taxable income today, and your investments grow tax‑deferred until retirement. This is often useful if you’re in a higher tax bracket and want to lower your tax bill now.
FHSA (First Home Savings Account)
Designed for first‑time homebuyers, the FHSA combines tax‑deductible contributions with tax‑free withdrawals.
Choosing the right account early helps build a strong foundation and makes the rest of your investing decisions easier.
The main ways Canadians start investing today
Once you’ve chosen an account, the next step is deciding how you want to invest. Most Canadians start in one of the following ways:
Self‑directed investing through a brokerage
This is the most hands‑on option. You choose your investments and manage them over time. Some people enjoy control, while others find the decision‑making more involved than expected.
Buying one ETF in a self‑directed account
Using this simpler form of self‑directed investing means that, instead of selecting multiple investments, you choose one diversified fund that’s aligned with your risk level. It reduces complexity but still requires you to manage the account yourself.
Working with a traditional advisor
This can offer personalized guidance and broader financial planning. It may be a good fit if you want ongoing advice, though it’s not always the quickest way to open an account and get started.
Using a managed investing app
For many first‑time investors, this is the simplest route. Online investment advisors build and manage a portfolio based on your goals and risk comfort, so you don’t have to make ongoing investment decisions yourself.
Why automating your contributions makes investing easier
When it comes to investing, consistency is key. It’s easy to put off investing if you have to remember to do it every month. Automatic contributions remove that hurdle. You choose an amount, set a schedule and let the habit run in the background.
This approach helps you avoid trying to time the market and keeps you investing regularly, even when the perfect moment doesn’t feel so obvious. Over time, small, consistent amounts can really add up.
Here’s more good news: Most investing platforms make setting up automation quick and simple, whether you’re investing on your own or using a managed service.
Why does managed investing feel easier for first‑time investors
For many new investors, the hard part isn’t opening an account. It’s knowing what questions to ask and what to do after.
It’s questions like what should you invest in? How much risk is appropriate? How do you move forward if you’re not feeling confident yet?
Managed investing provides a clear starting point. Instead of researching products or building a portfolio on your own, you answer a few questions about your goals, timeline and comfort with risk. From there, you’re matched to a portfolio designed around those answers.
That’s exactly how Investly works. You answer a few quick questions, get matched to a portfolio aligned with your goals and we take care of managing the investments for you.
And because Investly is part of Fidelity Investments Canada, your investing experience is backed by one of Canada’s most trusted investing teams. You get guidance, structure and expertise from the start.
Managed investing isn’t for everyone. But it can make getting started feel much easier.
A simple framework for choosing your investing path
If you’re not sure which option fits best, here’s a quick way to think about it.
Managed investing may feel easier if you:
- Want to start investing without choosing investments yourself
- Prefer answering questions over building a portfolio
- Want a clear, structured setup
- Are comfortable having decisions handled for you
- Value simplicity, guidance and convenience
Self‑directed investing may be a better fit if you:
- Want full control over what you invest in
- Enjoy researching and making detailed decisions
- Want to decide exactly when and what to buy
- Are comfortable with a steeper learning curve
Here’s a way to remember it all clearly: if control is your top priority, self‑directed investing may suit you best. If your main challenge is getting started, managed investing helps remove that first barrier.
What to check before you choose an investing app
Once you know which path feels right, the final step is choosing a provider you trust.
You don’t need to over‑research. Before opening an account, make sure you can easily find:
- Who is behind the service
- How portfolios are built and managed
- Which account types are available
- How fees are explained
- Where to find support and legal information
Quick tip: A provider that explains things clearly is often a good sign you’ll feel supported as you take your next step. It helps make that new-investor feeling less overwhelming.