Being confused about how investing works isn't something to be embarrassed about. Needing to ask questions is a sign of being a worker and not a follower! If you want to be proactive and get things done, asking questions is the only way to make it happen. If you're suddenly wondering whether or not you actually know about investing, here's a few questions to ask.
What is a Mutual Fund?
A mutual fund is a fairly simple concept. It's a collection of different investments - such as stocks and bonds - that are owned by an investment group and managed by a professional. Here's how they work.
What Is An Advisor?
An advisor is exactly that; a professional who can provide advice on various aspects of investment. These can include anything from personal insurance to estate planning. However, advice about securities investments requires the advisor to be registered. If you'd like to learn more, you can check registration and ask for more information.
How Do I Open An Investing Account?
Opening an investing account is easy; your bank can help you. However, take some time to consider what you might need in terms of help. You might need a full-service investment firm, or you may need a portfolio manager. If you're not sure what you need, this article can give you some tips in figuring out the difference between cash and margin accounts. There are also online investment advisors who can perform the duties of a full-service investment firm as well as a discount broker. If you're not sure what you need to know before you invest, here are 7 questions to ask.
What Is A Common Share?
A common share is, unsurprisingly, the most commonly available stock offered for purchase. Buying a common stock means you have a share of the company. This sometimes gives you rights such as the ability to vote on things such as directors and other corporate matters. The cost of a common share changed with the various factors that cause markets to change.
What Is A Dividend?
A dividend is the part of the profits that a company pays to the shareholders, usually in an amount proportional to the number of shares owned. The exact amount is set by the Board of Directors. The amount can vary quite a bit for common shares. And of course, if the company doesn't have any profits, either due to poor business or necessary investments, then they may not pay out any dividends. Check here if you'd like to find out more information about how stocks work.
What Is An ETF?
ETF (exchange-traded fund)is a fund that holds multiple investments. This is often stocks and bonds, but may be other types of investments. They're usually owned by an investment group and left under the management of a professional. ETFs are traded as one stock rather than individual investments. This also allows you to trade in futures, as well as options on ETFs. Learn more about trading and setting up ETFs here.
What Is An RRSP?
An RRSP (registered retirement savings plan) is a federally registered account allowing you to save for retirement. These plans have unique tax benefits. Here's how RRSPs work.
What Is A TFSA?
A TFSA (tax-free savings account) allows you to save money free of taxes, much as the name suggests. It's possible to earn contributions each year, even if you don't have a TFSA set up. These can hold a wide variety of investments, anything from cash to mutual funds. Visit our hub for more TFSA basics.
What Is An Initial Public Offering?
An IPO (initial public offering) is the term used to refer to the first public sale of a stock from a private company. People will sometimes refer to this action as "going public". Check out these 5 reasons companies choose to go public.
What Is A Prospectus?
Public security offerings in Ontario are required to be offered with a prospectus. This is a document that provides detailed, explicit information about both the company and the security itself. Here's some information on getting a prospectus from a company.
How Do Stock Market Trades Work?
Before you jump into the world of stock market trading, you need to learn about where to buy stocks and the basics of the market. Take some time to figure out how you personally approach investing as well as some time to create a plan.
If you have a question you thing should be added to this page, go ahead and contact us with your question.