MoneySense https://www.moneysense.ca/ Canada's personal finance website Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:51:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 The best high-interest savings accounts in Canada for 2025 https://www.moneysense.ca/save/best-high-interest-savings-accounts-canada/ https://www.moneysense.ca/save/best-high-interest-savings-accounts-canada/#respond Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:51:46 +0000 https://www.moneysense.ca/?p=226232 Whether you want the highest interest rate or no service fees, these savings accounts will meet your needs.

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Savings comparison tool

Find the best and most up-to-date savings rates in Canada using the comparison tool below. Plus, use the filters to assess your estimated return based on the size of your balance.

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Why trust us

MoneySense is an award-winning magazine, helping Canadians navigate money matters since 1999. Our editorial team of trained journalists works closely with leading personal finance experts in Canada. To help you find the best financial products, we compare the offerings of major institutions, including banks, credit unions and card issuers. Learn more about our advertising and trusted partners.

Best high-interest savings account rates in Canada

Generally, savings accounts offer very low interest rates. So, if you want to earn on your deposits (rather than simply using your account as a temporary “holding tank” or directing to longer-term saving and investing vehicles), a savings account with a high interest rate is a no-brainer. This type of account is referred to as a high-interest savings account (HISA). We break down what you should know about HISAs and give you our picks for the most competitive interest rates in Canada.

High-interest savings account (HISA)HISA rate
EQ Bank Personal Account*1.25% to 3.30%
EQ Bank Notice Savings Account*3.00% with 30 days’ notice (or 2.85% with 10 days’ notice)
LBC Digital High-Interest Savings Account2.20%
Maxa Financial High-Interest Savings1.95%
Neo High-Interest Savings Account2.50%
Saven Financial High Interest Savings Account2.80%
Scotiabank MomentumPlus Savings AccountUp to 4.90% for the first 3 months
(Regular rate of 0.55%)
Simplii Financial High Interest Savings Account4.25% for the first 4 months
(Regular rate of 0.30% to 1.50%)
Tangerine Savings Account4.50% for the first 5 months
(Regular rate of 0.30%)
Wealthsimple Cash1.75% to 2.75%
(Based on account balance)

MoneySense insight: How to save $100,000 in a HISA

Saving $100,000 is a popular financial goal. In a recent article, we looked at how long it would take you to save that amount using a 3.5% HISA (which is less that what you can earn with the accounts above!). Someone who makes $60,000 per year and saves 10% of their income per month ($500) would reach the $100,000 milestone in less than 15 years, thanks to compound interest. Read: How to save (and invest) your first $100,000.

—MoneySense editors

Compare the best HISAs in Canada

EQ Bank is owned by Equitable Bank, a Canadian institution in business since 1970. Another in the burgeoning online space, EQ Bank offers great returns on its Personal Account*. There is no fee for the account and no minimum balance. All services, including Interac e-Transfer, are free. EQ Bank also recently launched a prepaid reloadable card that earns you interest and pays cash back. Simply transfer funds from your Personal Account to the card. The card functions like a debit card, with no monthly fees or transaction fees, and you can make purchases with the card online, too. 

  1. Minimum balance: None
  2. Free transactions per month: Unlimited
  3. Interac e-Transfer fee: None
  4. Fees for extras: None
  5. CDIC insured: Eligible on deposits up to $100,000 in Canadian funds that are payable in Canada and have a term of no more than five years
  6. Other restrictions: There’s a maximum balance of $200,000 per customer; paper statements are not available

EQ Bank recently became the first in Canada to offer a notice savings account (NSA) to all Canadians with no fees and no minimum deposit. If you’ve never heard of an NSA, it’s because they’re uncommon in Canada. But that just might change with the introduction of this account.

With this notice savings account, you can choose between two accounts: the 10-day and the 30-day. If you agree to give the bank 10 days’ notice (hence, the name) before you can access your funds, you’ll earn 4.5% on your deposit. With 30 days’ notice, you’ll earn 5%. You can request to withdraw funds at any time and as many times as you want. The notice only refers to the time you’ll wait between your request and having access to your money. This account has no fees and there’s no paperwork—it’s just like opening any other savings account.

  • Minimum balance: None
  • Free transactions per month: Unlimited
  • Interac e-Transfer fee: None
  • Fees for extras: None
  • CDIC insured: Eligible on deposits up to $100,000 per insured carry, per depositor
  • Other restrictions: This account is not available in Quebec

Since 2003, Laurentian Bank has been available only in Quebec, but with the recent launch of a new digital offering at LBCDigital.ca, the institution is tempting clients from across the country. The headline news here is the high-interest rate and the fact it has no minimum balance and no monthly fees. With the LBC Digital High-Interest Savings Account, you can access your funds whenever you like and use services like electronic fund transfers and pre-authorized deposits. Plus, transfers between LBC Digital accounts are included. This last one is important as it means you can move your money to an LBCDigital.ca chequing account, from which you can make unlimited free Interac e-Transfer transactions.

  • Promotional Rate: None
  • Minimum balance: None
  • Free transactions per month: Unlimited
  • Interac e-Transfer fee: None
  • Fees for extras: None
  • CDIC insured: Eligible on deposits up to $100,000 in Canadian funds that are payable in Canada and have a term of no more than five years
  • Other restrictions: Non-sufficient funds (NSF), returned items and overdrawn accounts are subject to fees, and if you close the account within 90 days there’s a $25 penalty

Maxa is a division of Westoba Credit Union, located in Manitoba. But its accounts are open to all Canadians, and it offers an impressive interest rate on savings. There’s no fee, but account holders can expect to pay service charges for many transactions.

  • Promotional Rate: None
  • Minimum balance: None
  • Free transactions per month: First debit of each month free
  • Interac e-Transfer fee: $2 per transfer domestically; $5 per transfer internationally
  • Fees for extras: $1.50 per debit except on the first of each month
  • CDIC insured: No, but all deposits guaranteed by the Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba, with no dollar-amount limit
  • Other restrictions: The online interface is dated

The Neo High-Interest Savings Account is a no-fee hybrid account that lets you spend and save—and earn cash back rewards—all in one place. Clients earn interest on money held in the account and can access their funds from an app on their phone, making bill payments, purchases, Interac e-Transfer transactions and more simple and seamless. 

  • Minimum balance: None 
  • Free transactions per month: Unlimited
  • Interac e-Transfer fee: $0
  • Fees for extras: $5 for each printed document 
  • CDIC insured: Deposits held in Neo Money savings accounts are combined with eligible deposits held at Concentra Bank, for up to $100,000 of deposit protection, per category, per depositor
  • Other restrictions: Maximum balance per customer is $200,000; not available to residents of Quebec

This HISA may sneak under the radar, but once you see the rate you will be impressed. It’s not limited to a promotional period, either. This online-only financial institution offers no minimum balance requirements and free transfers for its HISA. Saven is a division of First Ontario Credit Union, a financial institution with roots back to 1939, and which currently has more than 126,000 member clients. Note: You need to invest at least $25 to become a member of First Ontario.

  • Fees: None, except for a one-time $25 fee to become a member of FirstOntario
  • Other restrictions: Only available to residents of Ontario

With tiered interest rates on your savings, this product acts like a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC), giving account holders the opportunity to save more just by leaving their money alone—but with the freedom to make withdrawals if you need to. Provided no debit transactions have taken place during that time; deposits stashed for longer can earn extra interest based on the following calculations:

0.65% (regular interest) +

  • 0.25% after 90 days
  • 0.30% after 180 days
  • 0.35% after 270 days
  • 0.55% after 360 days

For the first 3 months after opening the account, you can earn a welcome bonus rate of 3.80% interest on eligible deposits. Plus, if you also have an Ultimate Package account with Scotiabank, your earn rate will be an additional 0.05% for a limited time (or 0.05% for a Preferred Package account). The account is no-fee and self-service transfers are unlimited.

  • Minimum balance: None
  • Fees for extras: $5 per debit transaction that’s not self-service
  • Free transactions per month: Unlimited for self-service transfers
  • Interac e-Transfer fee: None
  • CDIC insured: Eligible if in Canadian currency with a term of five years or less and payable in Canada
  • Other restrictions:  No paper statement available

You can earn a high promotional interest rate on eligible deposits for the first five months, then it goes back to its regular rate, based on your account balance. Plus, no matter how much money you hold in this account, you won’t pay any fees, so you can stretch your earnings further and counter inflation’s impact on your finances

  • Minimum balance: None 
  • Free transactions per month: Unlimited
  • Interac e-Transfer fee: None
  • CDIC insured: Yes
  • Other restrictions: None

Known for its flexibility, this account doesn’t require a minimum balance. And there are no fees or service charges. Plus, with the generous promotional interest rate offer, you can stretch your deposits further and stash away a little extra savings towards your goals. The entire Tangerine banking experience is simple and friendly, and its savings offerings are the same. Account holders can set up an Automated Savings Program online to help plan and meet savings goals.

  • Minimum balance: None
  • Free transactions per month: Unlimited; free unlimited deposits and withdrawals at Tangerine or Scotiabank ABM Network bank machines in Canada; no surcharge or access fees on withdrawals from Global ATM Alliance machines internationally
  • Interac e-Transfer fee: None
  • Fees for extras: None; no cost for paper statement, if desired (sent quarterly)
  • CDIC insured: Eligible on deposits up to $100,000 in Canadian funds that are payable in Canada and have a term of no more than five years
  • Other restrictions: None

Wealthsimple Cash was launched in January 2020 by the Canadian online financial services provider Wealthsimple. Joining the fintech’s original robo-advisor offering and its more recently added discount brokerage Wealthsimple Trade, Wealthsimple Cash is a hybrid chequing and savings account. Unlike many of the big banks, this institution offers a regular high interest rate. Plus, as with a good chequing account, this one gives you unlimited transactions with zero fees. From the account, you can make no-fee bill payments and Interac e-Transfer transactions with the account. You can also use your Wealthsimple card in-store and online, anywhere Mastercard is accepted, and earn 1% cash back. The card is similar to a credit card but without eligibility requirements, and you can automatically re-invest your cash back rewards or earn them in crypto. If you have a Wealthsimple investment account, such as a tax-free savings account (TFSA) or a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP), you can contribute to them easily using funds from your savings account, which is a fairly rare perk.

  • Promotional Rate: None
  • Minimum balance: $1
  • Free transactions per month: unlimited
  • Interac e-Transfer fee: None
  • Fees for extras: None
  • CDIC insured: Yes, since January 1, 2021
  • Other restrictions: None

Read our review of Wealthsimple Cash.


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How we determined the best high-interest savings accounts

The MoneySense editorial team selects the best banking products by assessing the value they provide to Canadians across various categories. Our best high-interest savings accounts ranking is based on an extensive list of features, including interest rates on deposits, welcome offers, transaction fees, monthly fees and CDIC insurance coverage. Our rankings are an unbiased source of information for Canadians. The addition of links from affiliate partners has no bearing on the results. Read more about how MoneySense makes money.

Watch: Why open a high-interest savings account?

What is a high-interest savings account (HISA)?

A HISA is a savings account that pays a better rate of interest than standard savings accounts. HISAs are offered widely by a variety of banks, credit unions and other financial institutions.

This type of account allows you to safely and securely set aside money and earn a modest return without losing the ability to access that money anytime.

It’s also great for short or medium-term savings that want to be able to withdraw from than later. People will often use a HISA to save for big expenses or financial goals, like a wedding, the down payment on a home, a vacation or for an emergency fund. HISAs are also smart places to stash some money during times of uncertainty or during economic downturns.

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How does a high-interest savings account work?

The greatest appeal of HISAs is that they are a safe and secure place for savings to grow money slowly, thanks to compound interest (earning interest on earned interest). Know that financial institutions that are members of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) insure savings of up to $100,000, while credit unions are insured provincially and usually cover the full deposit, with no limits. Money deposited in a HISA account generates interest by allowing the bank to access those funds for loans. Interest rates offered by HISA accounts typically vary between rates as low 0.5% and to the 3% range at the upper end. There are usually no monthly service fees associated with savings accounts since they are intended to serve as places for people to park their money for stretches of time. However, it’s not unusual to see the number of withdrawals and transfers limited or to have a fee associated with transactions.

How are high-interest savings accounts taxed?

Earnings from a HISA are taxable income. That means any interest earned from your savings must be declared and will be taxed at your normal rate. It is, however, possible to shelter your savings from taxes if you hold a HISA within either a TFSA or an RRSP.

The difference between a high-interest savings account and a regular savings account

The main difference between a standard savings account and a HISA is the interest rate. As suggested by its name, a HISA pays a slightly higher rate than a standard savings account, allowing savings to grow quicker. It may, however, be subject to withdrawal or transfer limits, transaction fees or minimum balance requirements. A standard savings account is a good place to keep surplus cash you don’t need for everyday transactions (use a chequing or hybrid account for those needs). A HISA, on the other hand, is a better choice for holding savings that are geared toward a particular goal, such as paying for home renovations or university tuition. 

The difference between a HISA and a GIC

GICs and HISAs are safe and secure ways to save money and can be used to earn interest and save money. And both have their place in a financial plan. The main difference between the two financial products is that when you make a deposit into a GIC, you have to leave it there for a certain amount of time or you will pay a penalty. The banks can count on having access to your money for a given period (usually GICs are available for terms of six months to 10 years), so they tend to pay more interest than HISAs. GICs are suitable for medium- to long-term savings. But HISAs are more flexible and are a great place to save money for a short term. You earn a higher interest rate than in a regular savings account, and you can still access the funds if you need them.

How to choose a high-interest savings account

With so many choices, it can be difficult to know which HISA is best for you. Compare these factors to decide.

  • Interest rate: The higher the interest rate, the better for you, but make sure the rate on offer outpaces the rate of inflation—otherwise, your money will gradually be worth less than before, even after factoring the interest gains. According to the Consumer Price Index. Cash signing bonuses or higher promotional rates are great, but also keep in mind that the long-term interest rate is more important than a short-term introductory rate.
  • Service fees: It pays to check whether your HISA charges fees for transactions like withdrawals. 
  • Conditions: With some HISAs, there are conditions on how much you can withdraw, when you withdraw, or minimum balances. 
  • Security: Ensure that your deposits are protected against bank failure. Most banks offer Canada Deposit Insurance Protection (CDIC) that typically covers up to $100,000 per account. Some smaller banks and credit unions use a provincial insurer.

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How the Bank of Canada’s overnight rate affects high-interest savings accounts

When the Bank of Canada’s overnight rate increases, you can earn higher interest on your deposits in HISAs, because financial institutions face competitive pressure to raise rates. Digital banks, fintech companies and neobanks may offer higher regular interest rates than traditional banks because they do not have to maintain the cost of in-person bank branches. When the overnight rate drops, however, the interest rates paid on savings accounts can drop, too. 

What is the current benchmark interest rate?

  • On June 4, 2025, the Bank of Canada (BoC) held its benchmark rate at 2.75%. The next interest rate announcement will take place on Wednesday, July 10, 2025.
Video: How the Bank of Canada’s interest rate affects you

Is having a savings account necessary?

Even when the economy is strong, the interest rates on savings accounts tend to be low. If you compare this to real estate or stock portfolio returns, you might wonder why you should hold a savings account at all. The thing to understand is that these aren’t comparable products. They’re apples and oranges, each are used for different reasons.

A savings account is an essential part of everyone’s personal finance portfolio. Why? They are a place to keep your money safe—and liquid!—while earning guaranteed returns. Although these returns tend to be modest, they can help your money grow steadily to combat against inflation. Having a savings account is important if you want a safe way to set aside money in case of emergencies or for an upcoming major purchase, like a car or a down payment on a house. Stocks typically do well in the long term, but short-terms fluctuations make them unsuitable places to store money for a purchase in the near future because you may well be forced to sell during a downturn. If you’re lucky enough to own real estate, you already know that it is anything but liquid (and can be tough to sell depending on the real estate market). Savings accounts hit the sweet spot by providing interest, while your money is protected by CDIC or similar deposit insurance coverage, up to specified limits.


Didn’t find the perfect savings account here?

If none of our best HISA picks sound like the right one for you, consider putting your money into one of these registered accounts instead.

High-interest TFSA

More than just a savings account, a TFSA allows you to invest up to certain limit each year and not pay any taxes on the earnings. You are free to withdraw the money, tax-free at any time. The savings plans available within a TSFA may have somewhat lower interest rates than some other HISAs, but could be a better choice after considering the tax savings. (You can also hold other kinds of investments inside a TFSA, such as stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).)

Rankings

Compare the best TFSA rates in Canada

High-interest RRSP

An RRSP is a tax-deferred retirement savings plan, registered with the federal government, that allows Canadians to defer paying taxes on their income until after retirement. If you plan things right, you will be in a lower tax bracket in retirement, meaning you will pay less tax on your withdrawals than you saved initially by stashing your money inside an RRSP. Like with TFSAs, you can hold a range of investments in your RRSP, including stocks and ETFs).

Rankings

Compare the best RRSP rates in Canada

Frequently asked questions

A savings account is a good place to hold your money for short-term savings or for an emergency fund. With a slightly higher interest rate than a typical account (some bank accounts, like chequing, won’t offer interest), you can earn a bit of cash to protect the value of your money against the impacts of inflation. Note, though, that there are typically fees on savings accounts on transactions like debit and withdrawal. So be weary of using a savings account (including a high-interest savings account) like a chequing account, and limit the number of transactions.


Generally speaking, the banking system in Canada is a safe place to hold your cash. But for extra reassurance, check to see if the financial institution where you have your savings account is covered by the CDIC. CDIC stands for Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, and it insures accounts of up to $100,000 against failure. Check the website or call customer service to find out.


Read more about saving:

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The best GIC rates in Canada for 2025 https://www.moneysense.ca/save/investing/best-gic-rates/ https://www.moneysense.ca/save/investing/best-gic-rates/#respond Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:47:16 +0000 https://www.moneysense.ca/?p=223488 Find the best GIC rates in Canada. Plus, everything you need to know about how they work.

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GIC comparison tool

Find the best and most up-to-date GIC rates in Canada using the comparison tool below. Plus, use the filters to assess your estimated rate of return based on the size of your balance.

Why trust us

MoneySense is an award-winning magazine, helping Canadians navigate money matters since 1999. Our editorial team of trained journalists works closely with leading personal finance experts in Canada. To help you find the best financial products, we compare the offerings of major institutions, including banks, credit unions and card issuers. Learn more about our advertising and trusted partners.

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Highest GIC rates in Canada

Banks, credit unions, trust companies and discount brokerages all offer GICs. Below, you’ll find the best rates available from a variety of financial institutions, including credit unions and Canada’s Big Six banks. The rates listed are for non-redeemable GICs held in non-registered accounts—the most popular type of GIC in Canada. A member of our editorial team reviews these rates daily, so you can rest assured the information is accurate.

GIC provider 1-year2-year3-year4-year5-year
Achieva Financial3.50%3.50%3.70%3.55%3.70%
Alterna Bank2.85%3.00%3.25%3.40%3.50%
EQ Bank3.40%3.50%3.70%3.75%3.85%
Hubert Financial3.75%3.65%3.70%3.75%3.85%
ICICI Bank Canada3.10%3.20%3.30%3.30%3.30%
LBC Digital3.20%3.25%3.35%3.30%3.50%
Lighthouse Credit Union3.95%3.85%3.65%3.46%3.70%
MCAN Wealth3.65%3.75%3.70%3.70%3.95%
Meridian Credit Union3.05%3.15%3.25%3.30%3.40%
Oaken Financial3.40%3.50%3.60%3.60%3.80%
People’s Trust3.50%3.45%3.50%3.55%3.70%
Saven Financial3.55%3.70%3.70%3.75%3.85%
Simplii Financial3.15%3.05%3.05%3.49%3.59%
Tangerine3.10%3.15%3.25%3.35%3.40%

GIC rates from Canada’s Big Six banks

The rates listed are for non-redeemable GICs held in non-registered accounts. The rates are verified and updated every weekday.

GIC provider 1-year2-year3-year4-year5-year
BMO2.75%2.75%2.80%2.80%3.00%
CIBC2.80%2.90%3.00%3.10%3.25%
National Bank2.80%3.05%3.10%3.20%3.55%
RBC2.55%2.65%2.65%2.70%2.75%
Scotiabank2.70%2.75%2.75%2.75%2.85%
TD2.80%2.85%2.65%2.70%3%

What is a GIC?

Guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) are termed loans you make to a bank or other financial institution. When you purchase a GIC, you agree to a specific term (period of time) during which your deposit will remain with the bank. In return, the bank offers you a guaranteed interest rate. You can usually invest in a GIC for as little as $500, and there’s typically no fee associated with buying one. Certain types of GICs allow you to withdraw some or all of your money early.

GICs must be purchased within an account. There are many types of accounts to choose from, including non-registered accounts (such as a cash or margin account) and registered accounts, like an RRSP, TFSA, first home savings account (FHSA), registered education savings plan (RESP) or registered retirement income fund (RRIF). Investments in these accounts carry different tax implications, so consider speaking to an advisor or your financial institution if you’re unsure which is right for you. Once you’ve opened the account, buying GICs is pretty simple.

Types of GICs available in Canada

There are many different kinds of GICs, but these are the most common.

Short-term GICs take less than a year to mature. The principal is guaranteed along with an advertised rate of interest. These products are a good way to get a bit more out of your investment without sacrificing much liquidity.


Long-term GICs have terms of one year or more, and they typically have higher interest rates than short-term GICs. Investors can buy long-term GICs to generate monthly income, perhaps using a GIC laddering strategy with staggered maturity dates.


These GICs are typically available for short one-year terms, and you’re free to cash out early after a 30- or 90-day closing period. Cashable GICs are perfect for people who think they may need access to their money but want to invest to get a higher guaranteed interest rate than what a regular bank account offers. While the trade-off for greater flexibility is usually a lower interest rate, cashable GICs can be a smart way to protect yourself against interest rate fluctuations. If interest rates rise, your money won’t be locked in at a lower fixed rate for long. On the other hand, if interest rates fall, a GIC might prove to be better than a savings account, allowing you to lock in at a higher percentage.


Redeemable and cashable GICs are very similar. Some banks use the terms interchangeably, so it’s prudent to check each product before purchasing it. That said, in many cases the difference is that a redeemable GIC allows you to access your money before the end of the term—without a waiting period—but the GIC may be subject to an early-redemption rate that can drastically cut the interest you receive.


As the name suggests, a non-redeemable GIC cannot be cashed out prior to the end of its term without incurring a penalty. However, non-redeemable GICs tend to offer higher interest rates, so they may be ideal for those wanting a secure investment over a fixed amount of time.


Registered GICs can be held inside registered investment accounts like RRSPs, RRIFs and TFSAs, which are tax-sheltered. In the case of an RRSP or RRIF, you’ll be taxed in the year that you withdraw the funds, and with a TFSA, you’ll never pay tax. However, there are limits on how much you can put into these accounts each year, depending on the type of account. (For example, check your TFSA limit here.)


These are GICs not held inside a registered account. So, it’s essentially the opposite of the registered GICs described above—the GIC interest you earn will be added to your income and taxed according to your tax bracket. There is no limit on what you can invest in non-registered GICs.


This type of GIC performs according to a specified equity index, and it only guarantees your principal deposit. With one foot in a GIC and the other in the stock market, these products may be right for those looking for a slightly higher amount of risk with the possibility of greater rewards.


These are GICs in currencies other than Canadian dollars, usually U.S. dollars. Foreign-currency GICs might work well for someone who travels frequently or receives income in another currency.


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GIC pros and cons

Pros

  • GICs are very low-risk, since your principal investment is guaranteed to be paid back.
  • You’ll receive a guaranteed rate of interest when the GIC matures—no need to worry about market volatility.
  • GICs are eligible for Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) coverage, if purchased at a CDIC member institution. This means your principal is safe even if the financial institution fails.
  • You can hold GICs in both registered and non-registered investments accounts.

Cons

  • Your money will be tied up in the GIC until its maturity date, unless you cash it in early (perhaps paying a penalty) or you choose a redeemable GIC (likely with a lower interest rate than a non-redeemable GIC).
  • The interest rate you earn on a GIC may not be high enough to keep up with inflation. According to the Consumer Price Index, the current inflation rate in Canada is 1.7%.

Compare GIC providers in Canada

At a glance: Established in 1998 as a division of Manitoba’s Cambrian Credit Union, Achieva Financial is one of the country’s oldest online financial institutions. It offers registered and non-registered GICs, and all deposits are guaranteed without limit by the Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba.

Minimum deposit: $1,000
Account types available: Non-registered; RRSP, RRIF; TFSA
Types of GICs available: Non-redeemable
Terms available: 1 year to 5 years
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: All deposits are guaranteed, without limit, by the Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba


At a glance: Alterna Bank is a digital subsidiary of Ontario credit union Alterna Savings and a partner with QTrade, making it a seamless option for those who want to access QTrade’s Guided Portfolios or to self-manage their investments through QTrade Direct Investing. At Alterna Bank, GICs are called eTerm deposits.

Minimum deposit: $500
Account types available: Non-registered; TFSA
Types of GICs available: Non-redeemable only
Terms available: 1 year to 5 years
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: Up to $100,000 is covered with CDIC


At a glance: With a history going back to 1817, this Big Six bank is the oldest in Canada. In addition to traditional GICs, BMO offers several unique products including an Air Miles GIC that lets you collect points and a market-linked GIC that you can focus on sustainable companies.

Minimum deposit: $1,000
Account types available: Non-registered; TFSA; RRSP; RRIF; RESP; RDSP
Types of GICs available: Cashable; non-cashable; redeemable; partially redeemable; not redeemable; market-linked; foreign currency
Terms available: 30 days to 10 years
Interest paid: Monthly, semi-annually and annually
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: Up to $100,000 with CDIC


At a glance: CIBC’s history goes back to 1961 when the Canadian Bank of Commerce (founded in 1867) merged with Imperial Bank of Canada (founded in 873). It currently serves more than 13 million customers. CIBC offers some GICs at a “bonus rate,” which generates more interest than the posted rate. Additionally, CIBC has a registered GIC designed for a life income fund (LIF) or locked-in retirement income fund (LRIF).

Minimum deposit: $500
Account types available: Non-registered; TFSA; RRSP; RRIF; LIF
Types of GICs available: Cashable; redeemable; non-redeemable; market-linked
Terms available: 30 days to 5 years
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: Up to $100,000 with CDIC


At a glance: A trade name of Equitable Bank, which was founded more than 50 years ago, EQ Bank is a digital platform launched in 2016. With the 2022 acquisition of Wyth Financial, Equitable deepened its ties to Canadian credit unions. EQ Bank has a very wide variety of terms and types of GICs available, including a first-home savings account (FHSA) GIC.

Minimum deposit: $100
Account types available: Non-registered; TFSA; RRSP; FHSA
Types of GICs available: Non-redeemable
Terms available: 3 months to 10 years
Interest paid: Annually or at maturity for registered accounts
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: Up to $100,000 with CDIC


At a glance: Manitoba’s Hubert Financial is an online-only financial institution offering a range of GICs that are fully guaranteed with no limit by the Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba. It is a division of Access Credit Union, which merged with Sunova Credit Union and Noventis Credit Union on July 1, 2022.

Minimum deposit: $1,000
Account types available: Non-registered; TFSA; RRSP; RRIF
Types of GICs available: Non-redeemable; 1 year quarterly term is cashable
Terms available: 1 year to 5 years
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: All deposits are guaranteed, without limit, by the Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba


At a glance: Part of a global banking brand, ICICI Bank Canada offers redeemable and non-redeemable GICs available in both CAD and USD. The latter is a great way to invest in a currency other than Canadian dollars, in preparation for a trip or simply to diversify your portfolio.

Minimum deposit: $1,000
Account types available: Non-registered; TFSA; RRSP
Types of GICs available: Redeemable (CAD and USD) and non-redeemable (CAD and USD)
Terms available: 30 days to 5 years (non-redeemable); 1 year to 5 years (redeemable)
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: Up to $100,000 with CDIC


At a glance: LBC Digital is the online banking division of the Laurentian Bank of Canada, a CDIC-insured financial institution founded in Montreal in 1846. It only offers non-registered and non-redeemable GICs.

Minimum deposit: $1,000
Account types available: Non-registered
Types of GICs available: Non-redeemable
Terms available: 1 year to 5 year
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: Up to $100,000 with CDIC


At a glance: Lighthouse Credit Union started operating in 2022. Its range of GICs (available to Ontario residents) is more limited than what you can find elsewhere—and the minimum deposit is higher—but its rates are very competitive. Before you can purchase a Lighthouse GIC, you’ll have to become a member of the credit union. That process takes about 5 minutes and can easily be done online. You’ll owe a one-time payment of $18 (refundable when you close your membership).

Minimum deposit: $3,000
Account types available: Non-registered only
Types of GICs available: Non-redeemable only
Terms available: 1 year, 2 year, 3 year and 5 year
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Ontario only
Deposit insurance: Eligible deposits in non-registered accounts are insured up to $250,000 per depositor through the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)


At a glance: MCAN Wealth is a division of MCAN Mortgage Corporation, which operates under the trade name MCAN Financial Group. MCAN Wealth offers CDIC-insured GICs with terms ranging from one to five years.

Minimum deposit: $1,000
Types of GICs available: Non-redeemable
Terms available: 1 to 5 years
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: CDIC-insured


At a glance: Meridian is the largest credit union in Ontario and the second largest in the country. In 2019, it launched its digital arm, motusbank. Among its many unique offerings is the three- or five-year Raise the Rate GIC that allows you to increase your interest rate before your term is up.

Minimum deposit: $100
Account types available: Non-registered; TFSA; RRSP; RRIF
Types of GICs available: Cashable; redeemable; non-redeemable; market-linked
Terms available: 30 days to 5 years
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: Eligible deposits in registered accounts have unlimited coverage through the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). Eligible deposits in non-registered accounts are insured up to $250,000 through the FSRA.


At a glance: With more than 425 billion in assets, National Bank of Canada rounds out the country’s Big Six list of largest banks. Despite focusing primarily on servicing eastern Canada, National Bank of Canada’s products, including GICs, are available to clients across Canada.

Minimum deposit: $500
Account types available: Non-registered; TFSA; RRSP; RESP; FHSA
Types of GICs available: Redeemable; non-redeemable; market-linked; foreign currency
Terms available: 30 days to 5 years
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: Up to $100,000 with CDIC


At a glance: Oaken Financial is the direct banking arm of Home Trust and was launched in 2013. It operates almost completely online (there are a few bricks-and-mortar offices in the country). Oaken is a member of the CDIC.

Minimum deposit: $1,000
Account types available: Non-registered; TFSA; RRSP; RRIF
Types of GICs available: Non-redeemable; cashable
Terms available: 30 days to 5 years
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: Up to $100,000 with CDIC


At a glance: People’s Trust, a division of Vancouver-based People’s Group, has been in operation since 1985. It is a member of CDIC.

Minimum deposit: $1,000
Account types available: Non-registered; TFSA; RRSP
Types of GICs available: Non-redeemable
Terms available: 30 days to 5 years
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: Up to $100,000 with CDIC


At a glance: Founded in 1864 as Royal Bank of Canada, RBC is one of the largest banks in the world and a Big Six bank in Canada. It offers a wide range of products including market-, equity-, and interest-linked GICs, as well as USD GICs.

Minimum deposit: $500
Account types available: Non-registered; TFSA; RRSP; RRIF; RESP; RDSP
Types of GICs available: Cashable; redeemable; non-redeemable; market-linked; foreign currency; interest-linked; equity-linked
Terms available: 1 day to 10 years
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: Up to $100,000 with CDIC


At a glance: Saven Financial is an online-only bank and division of First Ontario Credit Union. Created in 2019, it  offers a wide range of account types. Deposits in non-registered accounts are insured for up to $250,000. 

Minimum deposit: $1,000
Account types available: TFSA, FHSA, RRSP
Types of GICs available: Non-redeemable
Terms available: 6 months to 5 years
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Canada-wide (except Quebec)
Deposit insurance: $250,000 (on non-registered GICs only, through the Financial Services Regulatory Authority)


At a glance: A Big Six bank in Canada, Scotiabank serves more than 25 million customers globally. It has a range of GIC products, including market-linked, and customers who bank with its Preferred Package or Ultimate Package also receive higher interest rates on some GICs.

Minimum deposit: $500
Account types available: Non-registered; TFSA; RRSP; RRIF; RDSP
Types of GICs available: Cashable; redeemable; non-redeemable; market-linked
Terms available: 30 days to 5 years
Interest paid: Semi-annually and annually
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: Up to $100,000 with CDIC


At a glance: Simplii Financial, created in 2017, is an online-only bank backed by CIBC, one of Canada’s six major banks. It offers one to five-year GICs across Canada, except in the province of Quebec. Simplii Financial GICs are available with multiple account types, and it offers a healthy amount of insurance coverage.

Minimum deposit: $100
Account types available: Non-registered; RRSP
Types of GICs available: Non-redeemable
Terms available: 1 to 5 years
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Canada-wide (except Quebec)
Deposit insurance: $100,000


At a glance: Tangerine, a subsidiary of Scotiabank, is one of the largest online-only banks in Canada. Tangerine offers several types of GICs, including a USD GIC with no monthly fee.

Minimum deposit: Not specified
Account types available: Non-registered GICs; TFSA; RRSP; RRIF
Types of GICs available: Non-redeemable; foreign currency
Terms available: 90 days to 5 years
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: Up to $100,000 with CDIC


At a glance: A Big Six bank in Canada and one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., TD serves more than 27.5 million customers worldwide. In addition to the regular GIC products, TD also has several time-limited special offer GICs that may have higher interest rates than traditional GICs, available for both registered and non-registered investments.

Minimum deposit: $500
Account types available: Non-registered; TFSA; RRSP; RRIF; RESP; FHSA
Types of GICs available: Cashable; non-cashable; market-linked; foreign currency; special offer
Terms available: 30 days to 5 years
Interest paid: Annually
Availability: Canada-wide
Deposit insurance: Up to $100,000 with CDIC


Are GICs safe?

GICs are popular investments because they offer guaranteed returns. The financial institution selling the GIC is legally obligated to return the initial investment along with the agreed-upon interest. If the institution fails, additional protection comes into play. Many GICs in Canada, including foreign-currency GICs, are covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) for up to $100,000. Provincial insurers also provide coverage, with varying limits.

ProvinceCoverage
AlbertaThe Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation (CUDGC) covers 100% of all deposits, plus accrued interest, made with credit unions in Alberta.
British ColumbiaThe Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation (CUDIC) covers 100% of all deposits made with credit unions in British Columbia.
ManitobaThe Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba (DGCM) covers 100% of all deposits made with credit unions and caisse populaires in Manitoba.
New BrunswickThe New Brunswick Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation (NBCUDIC) covers up to $250,000 per deposit type, including term deposits and GICs.
Newfoundland and LabradorThe Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation (CUDGC) covers up to $250,000 per deposit type, including term deposits and GICs.
Nova ScotiaThe Nova Scotia Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation (NSCUDIC) covers up to $250,000 per account type, including term deposits and GICs.
OntarioThe Deposit Insurance Corporation of Ontario (DICO) covers up to $100,000 (including interest and dividends) in term deposits and GICs, plus offers unlimited protection for deposits held in registered plans.
Prince Edward IslandThe Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation (CUDIC) covers up to $125,000 in GICs and term deposits, plus offers unlimited protection for deposits held in registered plans.
QuebecL’Autorité des marchés financiers covers up to $100,000 in GICs, plus up to $100,000 in savings in registered plans.
SaskatchewanThe Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation (CUDGC) covers 100% of all deposits made with credit unions in Saskatchewan.

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How to buy a GIC

GICs are available from banks and other providers. But before you contact a GIC issuer, it’s important to decide how much you’d like to invest. Minimum investments can range from $100 to $5,000, depending on the institution. So the amount you’d like to invest will narrow down your options. Then, shop around for a variable or fixed rate and decide on the accessibility and flexibility you wish for the funds. Finally, once you know your requirements, contact the financial institution of your choosing to start the process of purchasing. Here’s what you need to know about the different methods of purchasing GICs.

  • Online/by phone: You will either have an existing account set up with the financial institution or will have to submit an application and pieces of identification to verify your identity, including your Social Insurance Number (SIN). Once the account is created and linked to your primary funding source (like a chequing account), the principal investment is withdrawn and the GIC is issued. The rate table above can connect you to some of the top options in Canada right now.
  • In person: You can go into a branch to purchase a GIC. Once again, the process is easier if you already have a profile set up with the financial institution, but if not, you’ll need to make an appointment with pieces of ID, including your SIN, complete an application and follow the institution’s process to fund and issue your GIC.
  • Deposit brokerage: Deposit brokerages help you do the research and are tuned into the best options on the market today. They also know which GIC issuers are eligible for CDIC coverage, to ensure your investment is protected in case of a bankruptcy. They work with multiple banks, so you can dig through an assortment of rates and terms to find the option that works best for your needs. The broker is paid by the financial institution. Consumers should always pay the financial institution directly—not the broker. As brokers often bring multiple consumers’ investments to banks, those consumers are sometimes able to benefit from better rates—similar to the benefits of shopping in bulk. 

GIC laddering

GIC laddering is when you buy GICs that mature at different times, allowing you to collect a steady stream of income. For example, if you buy a one-year, a two-year and a three-year GIC on the same day, you’ll receive the payouts at regular intervals (one, two and three years after the purchase date). 

Laddering GICs comes with several benefits:

  • Laddering gives you greater access to your funds without any penalties, as you have the option to reconsider investing the funds every time a GIC matures.
  • When you are invested in GICs with a range of maturity dates, your interest-rate risk is reduced because you aren’t locking all of your funds in for the same period.
  • Buying several laddered GICs during a time of strong interest rates effectively “locks in” the competitive rates for longer.  
  • Done effectively, laddering can provide regular income.

GIC withdrawal penalties

Like most fixed-income securities, there is a usually costly penalty for withdrawing your money early (i.e., before the maturity date). 

Investors who may need access to their funds before their maturity dates should purchase cashable or redeemable GICs, which allow you to cash your investment at any time at no extra cost. Keep in mind that cashable GICs usually pay significantly less interest.

Registered and non-registered GICs

GICs can be held in non-registered and registered accounts. 

  • Non-registered accounts are savings or investment accounts that allow you to hold assets (without the tax advantages of registered accounts), including cash accounts, margin accounts and high-interest savings accounts.
  • Registered accounts include TFSAs, RRSPs, FHSAs, RESPs and RRIFs, which allow your investments to grow tax-free. The government encourages Canadians to save more of their income through the incentives included with these accounts. 

The best time to buy GICs

The best time to buy a GIC is when you’re saving up for a goal, like school tuition, a down payment or a trip. But it can also be good to invest in GICs when you’re feeling risk-averse. You might be considering a GIC as a way to balance your portfolio or to generate some passive income in retirement or if you’re taking time off work to raise your family, for example. While GICs don’t tend to have the highest interest rates of all the investment vehicles available to Canadians, they do offer a low-risk way to store money while earning some interest.

If you’re considering adding a GIC to your portfolio, you’ll want to pay attention to a few key numbers. The interest rate of the GIC itself is a good starting point. Generally, the higher the interest rate, the more attractive the product. It also pays to look at the likely rate of inflation or deflation you can expect during the term, to determine whether that factor is likely to eat into your profits or enhance them. If you find that the numbers work out, a GIC can be an excellent no-risk investment for a set period of time.

More GIC questions, answered

GICs and term deposits are different names used for secured investments, meaning you are guaranteed to receive your initial investment at the end of the term. According to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, the primary difference is the length of time your money is locked in: term deposits typically carry shorter terms than GICs.


Notice savings accounts (NSA)—like the one EQ Bank launched in June 2024—are similar to GICs, with a few key differences. Both NSAs and GICs are intended for longer-term savings, and they allow you to earn a healthy interest rate on your deposits. One difference is that when you invest in a GIC, you agree to hold your deposit for the duration of your term, like 1 year or 5 years. With an NSA, you can make a withdrawal at any time, but there’s a holding period (the “notice” you must give to your bank) before the money becomes available. Notice times vary—for example, with EQ, you can choose between a 30-day and 10-day notice period. In general, the more notice you give, the higher your interest rate.


Yes. Most people don’t even think of negotiating when it comes to dealing with their bank, but having an in-person conversation can really pay off, particularly for those who have established relationships. If you’re unhappy with the GIC rate your bank is offering, ask for a better one. There’s no guarantee you’ll get it, but you can also shop around for a better GIC rate.


GICs may pay interest monthly, semi-annually, annually, at maturity or on a predetermined date. In addition to the payout schedule, you’ll want to understand how interest is compounded for the GIC you’re considering. 

  • With simple interest, the bank pays interest on the initial principal only. This means that if you invested $100,000 into a two-year GIC with a 1.25% return, you’d receive $1,250 in interest every year. So at the end of year two, the interest payout will total $2,500.
  • With compound interest, the bank pays interest on the initial principal and the interest earned at every interval. For the same investment as above, with compound interest, you’d earn $1,279.19 in interest after one year, and $2,515.52 at the end of the two-year period. That’s an extra $15.52. 

Remember that you are agreeing to the terms (the principal and how interest will be paid) when you sign the GIC contract. Once that’s done, you cannot change the terms and conditions. The payout terms will affect the amount of interest you will ultimately earn, so it’s important that you review them carefully. 


Whether or not the interest earned on a GIC is taxed depends on the type of account in which it is held. If you hold a GIC in a registered account, such as a TFSA or RRSP, the interest accumulates tax-free—although with an RRSP, the taxes are deferred until you withdraw the money from the account. If you hold a GIC in a non-registered account, such as a HISA, the interest income is treated as other forms of personal income and taxed at your marginal tax rate.


Read more about GICs:

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Buying ETFs in Canada Tool: The MoneySense ETF Screener https://www.moneysense.ca/save/investing/etfs/the-moneysense-etf-finder-tool/ https://www.moneysense.ca/save/investing/etfs/the-moneysense-etf-finder-tool/#comments Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:27:28 +0000 https://www.moneysense.ca/?p=250664 Which ETFs should you invest in? Which ones best suit your risk tolerance? What about personal ethics? Check out the MoneySense ETF screener. Bookmark it as it’s updated weekly.

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If you’re researching ETFs to buy, you’ve come to the right place. Below you will see the tables for different ETF categories, offering ETF options from some of the best ETF providers in Canada. We’ve included some helpful ETF asset class, geography, provider, tickers, as well as one-year return, inception date, management fees, expense ratio, as well as if it’s actively managed, ESG, its strategy, if it contains crypto, as well as returns (ranging from one day to three years), and flows (again, one day to three years). Below that is more information to help you make your choice of which ETF to buy.

The data was provided by ETF Market Canada CBOE on September 12, 2025. CBOE tracks more than 1,600 ETFs. And here the MoneySense ETF screener tool is 100 of the top performing ETFs based on a one-year return.

ETF Screener Tool Data as of September 12, 2025

wdt_ID wdt_created_by wdt_created_at wdt_last_edited_by wdt_last_edited_at ETF Ticker Expense Ratio Management Fees Benchmark 1-Year Return
1 Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM 3iQ Bitcoin ETF - USD BTCQ,BTCQ.U 1.75% 1.25% MarketVector Bitcoin Benchmark Rate - USD 95.69%
2 Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM 3iQ Ether Staking ETF - USD ETHQ,ETHQ.U 1.25% 1.25% MVIS CryptoCompare Ethereum Benchmark Rate Index - USD 88.29%
3 Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM 3iQ Solana Staking ETF - CAD SOLQ 0.15% 0.15% CME CF Solana-Dollar reference rate - New York variant - USD 72.36%
4 Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM 3iQ XRP ETF - CAD XRPQ 0.59% 0.59% CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate - New York Variant - USD 37.89%
5 Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM Accelerate Absolute Return Hedge Fund - CAD HDGE 3.95% 0.00% 5.62%
6 Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM Accelerate Arbitrage Fund ETF - CAD ARB 1.50% 0.95% 8.94%
7 Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM Accelerate Diversified Credit Income Fund - CAD INCM 1.37% 0.75% -7.78%
8 Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM Accelerate Diversified Credit Income Fund (Hedged) - CAD Hedged INCM.B 0.75% 0.75% 2.19%
9 Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM Accelerate Enhanced Canadian Benchmark Alternative Fund - CAD ATSX 1.36% 0.00% 39.94%
10 Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM Luca Tatulli 12/09/2025 11:25 AM Accelerate OneChoice Alternative Portfolio ETF - CAD ONEC 1.25% 0.20% 13.07%
ETF Ticker Expense Ratio Management Fees Benchmark 1-Year Return

We encourage investors to look under the hood of ETFs before purchasing. For even more data on these and other ETFs available for Canadian investors, visit ETF Market Canada CBOE.

Also read

The best online brokers, ranked and compared

What are ETFs?

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are investments that allow investors to build a well-balanced and globally diversified portfolio for a fraction of the cost of mutual funds. The most common approach by investors is to build a low-cost, low-maintenance core Couch Potato portfolio. (After the jump, scroll down to read Option 4: Build your own ETF portfolio. In the same post, you’ll also find one-ticket asset-allocation ETFs. The one-ticket options are all-in-one managed ETF portfolio options available at various risk levels.) You’ll find asset allocation ETF options on this ETF Finder tool. You can also choose to add additional assets and go the advanced couch potato route. (The MoneySense ETF expert panel offers this list of the Best ETFs in Canada, too.)

Watch: The Best ETFs in Canada

How to build an ETF portfolio

If you want to build your own ETF portfolio or find a one-ticket option, the MoneySense ETF Finder tool makes it easy to curate the right ETFs for your needs. 

Investors can build a core portfolio and also explore other investing options for greater growth. You can invest in ETFs with themes, such as electric vehicles (EV), artificial intelligence (AI) and others. You can also choose to shade in higher income or to focus on dividends. This is what’s called “core and explore investing.” (Here’s how to master core and explore investing.) These explore options are available in the MoneySense ETF Finder tool.

The environmental, social and governance (ESG) section allows you to find ETFs that focus on sustainable investing. 

Did you know that Canada was first in the world to offer cryptocurrency ETFs? It’s true. And here, you’ll find ETF options with bitcoin and ethereum

To take advantage of the benefits of a lower-fee ETF portfolio in concert with investment advice, check out our list of the best robo-advisors in Canada

We hope you enjoy using the MoneySense ETF Finder tool, and we’re glad that you’ve found a new way to consider your investments. We’ll continue to work on this tool to enhance your experience and grow our ETF database. Feel free to leave feedback in the comment section below. 

As with any personal finance decision, it’s important to understand and evaluate the risks associated with every financial and investment product before investing. 

Disclaimer: Ensure you understand the risks and tax consequences when investing. For more information, contact a qualified and certified financial advisor.

Even more ETF data

Get more information from ETF Market Canada from CBOE.

Core portfolio ETFs  

Investors can build a well-balanced ETF portfolio with a mix of equities (stocks), real estate investment trusts (REITs), commodities and bonds. The equities are the growth drivers for the portfolio. Diversification can be achieved by holding Canadian, U.S. and international equities. 

REITs can also be growth drivers, and they add greater diversification beyond stocks and bonds. REITs are also known to be a useful inflation hedge. 

Commodities can be the most dependable inflation hedge for periods of unexpected inflation or stagflation. 

Bonds can be used to lessen the volatility in a portfolio, though that will come at the expense of higher returns over longer periods.

Rankings

Compare the best TFSA rates in Canada

Bond sector ETFs

Bonds are held to generate income and mitigate the volatility of a portfolio. You can select from government bonds and corporate bonds. Within the corporate bond category, you can also find higher-yield bonds, but they typically come with higher risk.

ESG ETFs

Focusing on environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria is a growing and very popular trend in ETFs. Investors are able to invest with their personal values and the environment in mind. Companies and fixed-income assets are selected based on their environmental impact and company social and governance factors. You can build your own ESG portfolio by putting together individual equity and fixed-income ETFs. All-in-one ESG asset allocation ETFs are also available. 

Asset allocation ETFs

Asset allocation ETFs provide all-in-one portfolio solutions. By way of one low-cost comprehensive ETF, you can hold a globally diversified investment that is managed and rebalanced for you. These ETFs are available at various levels of risk.

Thematic ETFs

With thematic ETFs, you can invest in transformational new technologies and other very specific themes or niches. There can be incredible opportunities, but thematic ETFs can also carry additional risks. And, while the ETFs reduce single-stock risk, they still leave investors exposed to the risks of a sector.

Sector ETFs

You can purchase ETFs that only hold stocks from a certain sector. For example, you can own financial-, energy- or technology-focused ETFs, to name a few. These ETFs allow you to shape your portfolio’s sector allocation to be more aggressive, more conservative or more prepared for certain economic conditions, such as using consumer staples for a more defensive tilt. 

Dividend and income ETFs

This type of ETF allows investors to focus on income generated by way of generous dividends and higher bond yields. Enhanced yield can also be created by way of covered call or put writing ETFs. 

Active and factor ETFs

Most ETFs track an index and are passively managed. For active ETFs, portfolio managers take a different approach: Instead of following the market, they attempt to beat the market, and they may also seek better risk-adjusted returns. 

Factor ETFs are rules-based. They use a set of guidelines and rules for equity or bond selection. 

Cryptocurrency ETFs

Canada was the first country to offer true bitcoin ETFs—other bitcoin-sharing investments have been available elsewhere, including a trust from Greyscale. You’ll now find bitcoin and ethereum ETFs available from several providers. It’s an exciting asset class that’s gaining more widespread acceptance. But the risks are still great. Be prepared for incredible volatility. Given that, you might consider a very modest allocation, like 1% to 5%. 

Cash ETFs

Many investors carry cash balances as they add new money to their accounts. Dividend and bond income can accumulate as well. Through cash ETFs, you can earn at least a little something as you wait to put that money to work. 

Rankings

Compare the best RRSP rates in Canada

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42% of Canadians don’t have life insurance—are you one of them? https://www.moneysense.ca/spend/insurance/42-of-canadians-dont-have-life-insurance-are-you-one-of-them/ https://www.moneysense.ca/spend/insurance/42-of-canadians-dont-have-life-insurance-are-you-one-of-them/#respond Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:28:17 +0000 https://www.moneysense.ca/?p=367699 A new study uncovers a major life insurance gap among Canadians. Learn what’s behind the gap and why it’s putting families at risk.

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September is life insurance awareness month, and a new report from digital insurance provider PolicyMe in partnership with Angus Reid is spotlighting a concerning gap in coverage among Canadians. The culprits? Affordability concerns, medical requirements, and mistrust of the insurance industry, according to Unprepared: The 2025 Life Insurance Gap Report.

The report sheds light on just how many Canadians are leaving their families financially at risk—and why so many are putting off getting coverage.

How wide is the coverage gap?

PolicyMe’s study found that a staggering 42% of Canadians either don’t have life insurance or aren’t sure if they have it, with almost two-thirds of those who are uninsured saying they aren’t likely to get coverage in the next five years. Families with kids are the hardest hit with almost half (49%) of parents saying they don’t plan to purchase life insurance in the next five years. 

Yet one in four Canadians without coverage aren’t confident that their families would be financially secure if they passed away unexpectedly.

Life insurance changes that. Among those with coverage, 80% say they’re confident that their loved ones would be financially protected.

It’s clear that life insurance provides peace of mind—so why are so many Canadians still putting it off?

Read more: Do I really need life insurance?

Why Canadians are skipping life insurance

Among those surveyed, more than a third say they don’t have life insurance coverage because it’s simply too expensive—and 42% of those people have kids at home. About 10% say that the high cost of living has delayed their plans, with non-essential expenses typically the first to go when budgets tighten.

Medical requirements are another barrier. Just over a quarter (26%) hesitate to buy life insurance due to the medical questions that many policies require.

Perhaps most striking, though, is that 27% of Canadians—more than one in four—believe they don’t need life insurance.

Consider a family of four living on a single income. If the primary earner were to pass away unexpectedly, the loss of income could put a major strain on day-to-day living—expenses like rent or a mortgage, groceries, and childcare add up quickly. A life insurance payout could replace lost income, cover debts, and give the surviving parent breathing room to focus on family instead of finances during a difficult time.

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The benefits of getting covered sooner

When it comes to life insurance, starting early is key. Life insurance costs more the older you get, which means premiums rise an average of about 8% each year you delay. Securing a term policy when you’re younger means you’ll enjoy the lowest rates for longer.

But getting coverage late is better than never—and it’s probably more affordable than you think. According to PolicyMe, the average cost of a 20-year term life insurance policy is around $20–30 per month for $500,000 in coverage if you start in your 30s.

And gone are the days of having to visit an agent and endure seemingly endless sales pitches. Many providers offer online quotes, while some let you complete the entire process online—from getting quotes to completing the medical questionnaire to finalizing your coverage. 

Life insurance doesn’t have to be complicated or costly; it’s about making sure your loved ones are protected and giving yourself peace of mind, no matter when you start.

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Stock news for investors: Groupe Dynamite Q2 profit jumps to $63.9M on strong sales growth https://www.moneysense.ca/news/stock-news-for-investors-sep-11/ https://www.moneysense.ca/news/stock-news-for-investors-sep-11/#respond Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:02:45 +0000 https://www.moneysense.ca/?p=367658 Profits soar at Groupe Dynamite and Transat, Empire edges higher, but Roots struggles with a quarterly loss.

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Groupe Dynamite reports $63.9M Q2 profit, up from $40.4M a year earlier

Groupe Dynamite (TSX:GRGD)

Numbers for the second quarter (all figures in USD):

  • Profit: $63.9 million (up from $40.4 million a year earlier)
  • Revenue: $326.4 million (up from $239.1 million a year earlier)
Source Google

Groupe Dynamite Inc. reported a second-quarter profit of $63.9 million, up from $40.4 million a year earlier, as its revenue rose 36.5%.

The fashion retailer, which operates under the Garage and Dynamite banners, says its profit amounted to 56 cents per diluted share for the quarter ended Aug. 2, up from 38 cents per diluted share in the same quarter last year. On an adjusted basis, Groupe Dynamite says it earned 57 cents per diluted share, up from an adjusted profit of 40 cents per diluted share a year earlier.

Revenue for the 13-week period totalled $326.4 million, up from $239.1 million a year ago, while its comparable store sales rose 28.6%.

In its outlook, Groupe Dynamite says it now expects comparable store sales growth between 17.0% and 19.0% for its full year, up from earlier expectations for between 7.5 and 9.0%. It also raised its expectations for its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization margin to between 32.0% and 33.5%, up from earlier guidance for between 30.3% and 32.3%.

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Roots reports $4.4 million net loss in Q2 despite summer marketing campaigns

Roots (TSX:ROOT)

Numbers for the second quarter (all figures in USD):

  • Loss: $4.4 million (down from $5.2 million loss a year earlier)
  • Revenue: $50.8 million (up from $47.7 million a year earlier)
Source Google

Roots Corp. offered some buzzy marketing campaigns and brand collaborations over the summer in hopes of driving traffic to the retailer but still wound up reporting a loss during the period.

The Toronto-based apparel maker said Wednesday its second-quarter net loss narrowed to $4.4 million compared with a $5.2-million loss a year earlier. The result for the period ended Aug. 2 amounted to a loss of 11 cents per share for the quarter compared with a loss of 13 cents per share a year prior. Meanwhile, second-quarter sales reached $50.8 million, up from $47.7 million.

Roots CEO Meghan Roach told financial analysts on a conference call Wednesday that it is typical for the company to generate about 30% of its sales in the first half of the year, often leaving it with a loss as it heads into the fall and winter. 

However, the second-quarter results this year came in spite of tense trade relations between Canada and the U.S., which have made shoppers more cautious. “Despite the dynamic global operating environment, Roots continues to build positive momentum as we head into the second half of the year,” Roots chief financial officer Leon Wu said on the same call as Roach.

Much of that momentum has come from direct-to-consumer sales, which include corporate retail store and e-commerce sales. In the second quarter, direct-to-consumer sales totalled $41 million, up 12.7% from the year before. Direct-to-consumer comparable sales growth was 17.8%.

Wu saw the increase as a reflection of customers responding well to the company’s spring and summer collections as well as its recent marketing campaigns. The campaigns helped Roots increase engagement and made the brand feel more accessible, Roach said. Included in the campaigns were instances where Roots transformed a parking lot into nature-inspired spaces for golf and tennis.

The company also hosted a pop-up in Toronto to promote a summer capsule collection with ginger ale maker Canada Dry. The collection included hoodies and graphic tees featuring Canada Dry’s logo and vintage advertisements.

“Together, these collaborations amplified brand heat, reinforced our heritage positioning, and extended our reach for authentic Canadian cultural moments,” Roach said. “We will continue to use selective partnerships and experiences to build that brand perception and support full-price sell through into fall.”

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Transat A.T. reports $399.8-million Q3 profit, revenue up from a year ago

Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX:TRZ)

Numbers for the third quarter (all figures in USD):

  • Profit: $399.8 million (up from a loss of $39.9 million a year earlier)
  • Revenue: $766.3 million (up from $736.2 million a year earlier)
Source Google

Transat A.T. Inc. reported a net income of $399.8 million in its latest quarter compared with a loss of $39.9 million in the same quarter last year, as its revenue rose 4.1%.

The parent company of Air Transat says the profit amounted to $9.97 per share for the quarter ended July 31, compared with a loss of $1.03 per share a year earlier.

On an adjusted basis, Transat says it had a loss of 28 cents per share in its latest quarter, compared with an adjusted loss of 93 cents per share in the same quarter last year.

Revenue for what was the company’s third quarter totalled $766.3 million, up from $736.2 million a year ago. 

The company’s president and chief executive Annick Guérard says economic uncertainty and capacity redeployment across the industry “are posing short-term challenges” and Transat does not expect fuel costs to “provide the same significant tailwind as they did so far this year.”

Guérard says Transat plans to operate with disciplined cost management and fleet optimization as it expands its network.

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Sobeys and Safeway parent Empire Co. says its first-quarter profit and sales rose

Empire Co. Ltd. (TSX:EMP.A)

Numbers for the first quarter (all figures in USD):

  • Profit: $212 million (up from $208 million a year earlier)
  • Revenue: $8.26 billion (up from $8.14 billion a year earlier)
Source Google

Empire Co. Ltd. says its first-quarter profit and sales rose compared with a year ago. The grocery retailer, which operates Sobeys, Safeway, and other banners, says it earned a profit attributable to owners of the company of $212 million or 91 cents per diluted share for the quarter ended Aug. 2. The result was up from a profit of $208 million or 86 cents per diluted share a year ago.

Sales for the quarter totalled $8.26 billion, up from $8.14 billion in the same quarter last year.

Same-store sales rose 0.8% as food same-store sales rose 1.9%. Same-store sales for fuel fell 13.4%, driven by lower prices due to the removal of the government carbon tax. 

On an adjusted basis, Empire says it earned 91 cents per diluted share in its latest quarter, up from an adjusted profit of 90 cents per diluted share a year ago.

Chief executive Michael Medline said fiscal 2026 is off to a “solid start,” with “the strongest quarterly earnings per share in our history.”

RBC analyst Irene Nattel said the result was in line with the forecast on revised metrics, “underpinned by sold merchandising strategies in place to address ongoing value-seeking consumer spending behaviour.”

She added that the grocer “continues to execute on its strategy to maximize revenues in full-service despite broader consumer movement to discount banners/channels, while growing its discount presence.”

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Gen Z is leading the way on money habits—here’s how you can catch up https://www.moneysense.ca/columns/moneyflex/gen-z-is-leading-the-way-on-money-habits/ https://www.moneysense.ca/columns/moneyflex/gen-z-is-leading-the-way-on-money-habits/#respond Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:50:01 +0000 https://www.moneysense.ca/?p=367651 Investing young pays off. Learn the saving tips and money habits Gen Z is using—and how to apply them to your own finances.

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When it comes to saving and investing, Canadians as a whole are struggling. A TD survey found that only 49% feel they’re saving enough for long-term goals, 45% lack confidence in their investment knowledge, and just 35% are contributing regularly to a savings account.

But there’s one bright spot: Gen Z is actually ahead of the pack. According to the survey, 68% of Canadians under 27 are investing consistently—making them the most proactive generation when it comes to money habits.

“I’m thrilled to see Gen Z taking the lead here,” says Pat Giles, Vice President of Saving and Investing Journey at TD. “They’ve had the benefit of growing up in an information-rich environment. Accessing information is second nature, and they can readily see first-hand examples on social media of how peers invest and how they budget.”

So what can young Canadians learn from the research—and what steps should you take if you want to build confidence and get your financial life on track?

1. Don’t miss out on tax-free growth

While Gen Z is off to a solid start, the research shows a missed opportunity: many aren’t taking advantage of Canada’s most powerful savings vehicles.

“Only six in 10 eligible Canadian adults actually have a tax-free savings account (TFSA),” Giles says. “And when you zoom in on Gen Z, that goes down to 50%. That means many are saving, yes, but they may not be saving in the best plan type they can—particularly to get the tax-free growth that is such an advantage in a TFSA.”

For context, a TFSA allows you to withdraw all your investment growth—whether from dividends, capital gains, or interest—tax-free. As Giles puts it: “That may not seem like a massive financial advantage right now, but over time, this can really build as interest compounds and as balances start to grow.”

Other key accounts for Gen Z: the first home savings account (FHSA), a brand-new tool designed to help you save for a down payment, and registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs) if retirement saving is part of your long game.

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2. Confidence comes with practice (and expert guidance)

Nearly half of Canadians say they lack confidence in investing. For younger Canadians, this can be a barrier to starting at all.

“One of the myths that persist is that you need a lot of money to get started in saving and investing—and that’s just not true,” Giles says. “When you’re early in your journey, what matters more than the dollar amount is getting into the habit and sticking to it.”

That might mean setting aside just $25 or $50 a month. The real win is consistency, not the size of the contribution.

Giles says more and more young Canadians are seeking in-person guidance from a human expert: “We see younger Canadians coming in every day to speak to our personal bankers. They want to validate what they’ve learned online. They want to look someone in the eye and get personalized advice. So that’s a great step to take in terms of validating everything you’ve researched and learned online—and it doesn’t cost anything to book an appointment with a personal banker.”

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3. Treat your finances like wellness

More than any generation before them, Gen Z is connecting money habits to health habits. Think of budgeting like meal prep or investing like committing to the gym.

“Financial health really is an important cornerstone in life,” Giles says. “We find many younger Canadians think of a financial checkup as a great annual activity—or even more frequent.” Think of it like going to the doctor or dentist—to make sure you’re on track with your goals.

The key questions to ask yourself are the same ones you’d ask in any other wellness routine:

  • What are my goals? (Short-term, like a vacation, or long-term, like buying a home)
  • What’s my timeline? (Months vs. decades)
  • What’s my risk tolerance? (How comfortable am I with ups and downs in the market?)

4. Automate and forget about “timing the market”

For new investors, there are two big traps: hesitating to start because you don’t think you have enough money, and trying to time the market.

Giles explains both: “Even if it feels small, start saving and investing now. You will not regret it later in life that you started early.”

And on timing the market? “The reality is that trying to time the market is nearly impossible. Even professional money managers don’t do it consistently well. The trick is not timing the market, but how much time you spend in the market.”

One way to avoid both pitfalls: automation. Setting up regular contributions to a TFSA or FHSA means you’re investing on autopilot, removing the stress of “when” and keeping you consistent.

5. Make saving a non-negotiable habit

At the end of the day, financial success for Gen Z ultimately comes down to forming good habits.

“It comes down to making sure that you get into a regular habit of saving and investing—and sticking to it,” Giles says. “Even if the dollar amount you’re starting with is small, that’s okay. What matters more is getting into the habit of saving and investing and sticking to it.”

If you get a raise, consider increasing your contributions. If you can only manage a small amount now, start anyway. Over time, those early dollars compound into real wealth.

The bottom line

Gen Z is proving that consistent saving and investing isn’t something you put off until your 30s or 40s, it’s a habit you can—and should—start now. Whether that means opening a TFSA, setting up automatic contributions, or booking an appointment with a banker to clarify your goals, the most important thing is to start as early as possible.

As Giles puts it: “I highly encourage younger Canadians, even if it feels small, to start saving and investing now. You will not regret it.”

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How to plan for old age when you don’t have kids https://www.moneysense.ca/save/retirement/how-to-plan-for-old-age-when-you-dont-have-kids/ https://www.moneysense.ca/save/retirement/how-to-plan-for-old-age-when-you-dont-have-kids/#respond Wed, 10 Sep 2025 23:20:24 +0000 https://www.moneysense.ca/?p=367618 More and more Canadians are entering their golden years without grown children to help out should they lose their faculties. Here’s how you can prepare for advanced age in the absence of offspring to lean on.

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As the oldest Gen Xers start reaching the big 6-0, many of them are doing so while caring for aging parents—helping with financial, health-care, and housing decisions, alongside resetting the wifi and picking up groceries. At the same time, a growing share of these middle-aged life coaches don’t have kids of their own, which leads to the question: who’s going to help them with these things when their turn comes around?

In fact, the proportion of Canadian women without biological children has been rising steadily, up to 17.4% of those over 50 in 2022. And family sizes are smaller than they used to be, which lowers the chances that the kids people do have will be nearby, available, and capable of helping. “Many people assume their adult children will step in to help with things like tech issues, downsizing or health care,” says Kara Day, a financial planner in Vancouver. “If you don’t have kids to lean on, retirement looks different, and it requires more intentional planning.”

So what’s a childless retiree-to-be to do when it comes to prepping for old age? We spoke to the experts for some advice. Here’s what they recommended.

Build a community

A big family with lots of kids and grandkids, siblings, and niblings is, at its best, a built-in community where people look out for each other. If yours is small or non-existent, that’s not a problem, says Day, you just need to DIY. “Without children to step in, you need to build your own safety net,” she says. “That means building your own support system, such as friends, neighbours, or community groups.”

Another way to put it: “Make friends with younger people,” says Milica Ivaz, principal financial planner at Sensible Financial Solutions in Victoria. The advice is a bit tongue-in-cheek, but it’s not just for the times you need these new friends to lift heavy things for you. It’s also to help keep you happier and healthier for longer. 

“Feeling isolated impacts your mental capabilities,” Ivaz says, adding that joining social groups and staying relevant matters as well. “I’ve seen clients that don’t know what to do with themselves when they retire, and they don’t have that social interaction, and they’re not happy.” The World Health Organization backs Ivaz up: “Research shows that social isolation and loneliness have a serious impact on physical and mental health, quality of life, and longevity,” it says. 

Housing and transportation for advanced age

When you choose a place to live, what factors are on your must-have list and how will that change as you get older? No one likes to imagine losing their mobility or ability to drive, but these are common occurrences that should be planned for in advance. “We won’t be driving forever,” Ivaz says. But if you choose a living situation with good walkability and access to public transit, she adds, “it will be easier.” 

Larger homes with larger yards require more upkeep, which is one reason downsizing is so common among seniors (another is the opportunity to free up more capital). One lesser-known option that’s kind of halfway between buying and renting is a life lease, in which the property buyer pays a purchase price and then monthly maintenance fees in order to take up long-term residence (but not ownership) of a home.

If you think you’ll want to stay in your house as you age, there’s the option of renovations to improve accessibility, such as upgrading your bathroom to include a walk-in shower with room for two (that’s you and your care aide) or widening doorways to accommodate a wheelchair. Ivaz also suggests setting up a home equity line of credit (HELOC) for the maximum amount—even if you don’t need the money now—in order to “prevent any fraudulent actions with the property” and provide a source of cash should the need arise when you do move out of your home—for example, before and during a house sale.

As for that time in the future when you may no longer be able to care for yourself, Day recommends thinking about it early. “Research local services like tech help, home care, or senior centres before you actually need them,” she says. And if you think long-term care (LTC) might be in your future (as it is for many), look into your options early on, “as the cost can vary quite a bit.” Private LTC facilities in B.C., for example, can cost between $7,000 and $18,000 per month, she says, while publicly subsidized options (reserved for lower-income seniors) are more affordable. Depending on what you’ve got saved for retirement, you might want to consider long-term care insurance

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Get your finances and services in order

We can’t know what the future will bring. Surely today’s 70- and 80-somethings never anticipated needing help connecting their new dishwasher to the wifi (why is that a thing, again?). But from mowing the lawn and snow removal to meal prep and in-home care, there are plenty of costs associated with the declining abilities (or motivation) that tend to come with aging. And these need to be planned for, Day points out. “While child-free adults may have saved more during their working years, they’ll likely face higher expenses in retirement because they’ll need to pay for services children often provide,” she says. “Even small tasks, like moving furniture or setting up a new phone, may require paid help. So budgeting for those extra supports is important.”

Ivaz, for her part, doesn’t think a child-free retirement is necessarily more expensive—many of her clients in this age group are helping adult children buy a home, for example—but she agrees that it’s a good idea to account for all potential future costs when creating a retirement plan. She divides up retirement into three phases: the “honeymoon” during which you might spend more on travel and activities, the “settled” era where you’re focused more on living in your own space, and the phase “where you need some help.” How much money you need for each of these is “very personal,” she says, so Ivaz suggests coming up with what-if scenarios and looking at how you’ll cover those costs. 

Another way to make life easier for future you is to simplify things as you approach retirement. “If you can, consolidate accounts so you’re not juggling too many logins and statements,” Day suggests. “Keep a list of accounts and passwords in a secure location.” 

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Prevent fraud, identity theft and bad decisions

There’s no shortage of horror stories about seniors losing their life savings to scams or unscrupulous acquaintances. And it seems like the fraudsters are getting more and more sophisticated. There’s also the worry of cognitive capacity: what if, in the early stages of mental decline, you withdraw all your money out of your safe exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds and spend it on a hot but risky stock? Luckily, there are ways to stave off these kinds of issues.

Day suggests starting with basic security. Set up account alerts to notify you of any unusual activity, using password managers, and enabling two-factor authentication. “Another smart move is to automate bill payments to avoid missed payments or sneaky overcharges,” she says. Speaking of bills, there are also business practices out there that are fully legal but morally questionable, like letting people pay current market rates for internet download speeds that are a decade or more out of date. Consider marking your calendar for regular check-ins that you’re getting the best possible deals on the services you need—and no more.

There are other safeguards you can put in place, too, Ivaz says. For example, add a trusted contact person to your financial accounts. This is not so they have access to your money, but so the bank can call them in case of suspicious activity. Add beneficiaries (a successor holder in the case of your spouse) to your investment accounts now so they can’t be changed later, even by your designated power of attorney should you become incapacitated. Another trick, Ivaz adds, is to delay receiving Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) benefits until age 70. You instead dip into other accounts, such as RRSPs, if needed in the meantime—not just so you can draw a higher amount, but for security, too. 

“Your CPP amount will not be exposed to market fluctuation,” she says, nor is it subject to your own personal investment decisions. Plus, your own savings can run out if you live to a ripe old age, but government benefits are for life.

Speaking of investment decisions, both Day and Ivaz suggest that DIY investors consider switching to a paid financial advisor as they age, to help with planning as well as safeguards. “I know everyone’s afraid of fees, but those fees have come down significantly over the years,” Ivaz says. “And professional money management has its place.”

One more thing: be extra-skeptical about what you see online, especially when it’s asking you to submit any personal information. In this age of artificial intelligence–enabled scams, all is not what it seems, from deepfake videos of the prime minister offering investment advice to “fun” social-media memes that somehow need your mother’s maiden name. When in doubt, say no. Skip tapping or clicking in favour of verifying first.

Put legal back-ups in place

You might pass away peacefully in your sleep at the ripe old age of 97 while in full possession of your faculties. But just in case that doesn’t happen, Day says, “make sure you have legal documents in place so someone you trust can act on your behalf if needed.”

Power of attorney (POA) is the big one. It’s essentially a document that assigns someone else the right to make decisions for you when you’re no longer able. Health-care directives are another category to think about. In British Columbia, for example, the government offers a guide to create an Advance Care Plan that details your wishes for future health care, including what kinds of treatments you’ll accept. (Search “health care directive” and your province or territory to find information relevant to you.) 

And then there’s estate planning. “Without heirs, you’ll want to be clear about where your money goes, whether that’s to friends, extended family or charitable causes,” Day says. “Outline your intentions in a will and keep beneficiary designations up to date.”

This is where that community and those younger friends we mentioned above come in. Without an obvious “most responsible child” to name as POA or executor, the decision can be harder. The key is to pick someone you believe is capable—not necessarily to do the work themselves, but to be able to enlist the right support when and if the time comes. 

Know what you want and have a plan

Some people have very specific ideas of how they want their future to go, down to the make and model of their coffin or urn; others are far more laissez-faire. No matter which part of the continuum you’re on, it’s a good idea to set up the basics long before they’ll be needed. 

As for the rest of it, from housing to health care to investment decisions, having a written plan of how you’d prefer things shake out will be a comfort not just to you, but to anyone needing to make decisions on your behalf. 

“I’ve dealt with many retirees over my career, and those plans that we created were very close to reality,” Ivaz says. Having a plan for dealing with infirmity, she adds, “will give you that freedom and confidence that you can live your life and enjoy retirement.” 

This is especially true for people without adult children to rely on, says Day. “Without kids, your safety net has to be one you build yourself, financially, legally, and socially,” she says. “The earlier you start, the stronger it will be.”

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Prenups can be an uncomfortable topic, but a big help in the event of heartbreak https://www.moneysense.ca/save/financial-planning/prenups-can-be-an-uncomfortable-topic-but-a-big-help-in-the-event-of-heartbreak/ https://www.moneysense.ca/save/financial-planning/prenups-can-be-an-uncomfortable-topic-but-a-big-help-in-the-event-of-heartbreak/#respond Wed, 10 Sep 2025 21:00:08 +0000 https://www.moneysense.ca/?p=367573 Prenups aren’t just for the wealthy. Experts explain how they protect assets, manage debt, and evolve with life changes—while keeping couples on the same page.

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The wedding venue is booked, the caterer and vendors are finalized, and outfits for the big day are measured. Now, adding a suggestion for a prenuptial agreement could throw a wrench in the happily-ever-after promises—if not done right.

There’s a certain stigma that can come with a prenuptial or cohabitation agreement, which outlines the fate of a couple’s assets if their marriage or common-law relationship were to end. Some might argue it signals a lack of trust or endurance of the relationship. But the conversation doesn’t have to turn sour, experts say.

Most professionals will recommend a prenup for couples with a wealth disparity, or if one of them is bound to inherit money from family, and even in situations of second marriages, to make clear the division of assets.

From assets to expectations, prenups set the ground rules

But with more people getting together later in life, many already own assets such as a home, vehicle, or have larger investments and savings. Prenups could preserve those assets and keep a record of what each spouse brought into the marriage or cohabitation, said Aimee Schalles, a lawyer and co-founder of Jointly Solutions Ltd., an online prenuptial and cohabitation agreement platform.

“We’re of the view that prenups are for everybody,” Schalles said. “We think even people who don’t have much can benefit from having some clarity in documenting what their arrangements are, and at least what they’re bringing into the relationship.”

Usually, a divorce follows the default provincial family law in the absence of a legal prenuptial agreement. 

Holly LeValliant, estate and trust consultant at Scotiatrust, said while she doesn’t always recommend a prenup to all her clients, splits can be hard without a preset agreement. “You don’t marry the same person you divorce,” she said. “You can end up in a situation where you may regret later not having those conversations.”

LeValliant said prenuptials require both partners to disclose their complete financial picture. Hiding assets and debt could make the agreement invalid. The partners also need to each seek independent legal advice, she added.

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Prenups protect assets and offer financial peace of mind

While prenups are primarily made to protect each person’s assets, it can also help avoid having to take on your partner’s debt. In most provinces, what people bring into their marriage remains theirs, including debt, Schalles said. “If you came into a relationship with a lot of student debt, in most provinces, that would be yours to keep and your responsibility to pay,” she said.

But like assets, debt can accumulate interest—which the partners may have to share. That can be avoided with a prenuptial agreement.

The timing of these agreements is also really important, experts say. For example, a prenuptial agreement can’t be drawn up a day before the wedding, which could lead to one person feeling pressured to sign the papers without a choice or time to find a lawyer.

“The courts look at issues like: When was the wedding planned? Had people travelled into the wedding? Have invitations been sent out?” said LeValliant. “If you’re putting too much pressure on that party where they feel like they have no choice but to sign, it may be a void agreement.”

A flexible prenup grows with your relationship and circumstances

How the conversation about a prenuptial agreement goes might depend on how the subject is brought up. 

Talking about a prenuptial is essentially an extension of financial planning, said Blair Evans, assistant vice-president of tax and estate planning at IG Wealth Management. “Sometimes, having a financial discussion is daunting, but the more financial discussions that you do have with your partner, generally, they become less daunting,” he said.

Schalles said the storytelling method could help get through the hard part of bringing it up. “Unfortunately, almost everybody knows someone who’s been through a bad split,” she said.

One way to bring up the word “prenup” without conflict could be sliding it in during financial check-ins. “It could be to say to your partner: ‘Hey, you know, do you remember our friend Jonathan and that horrible split that he had a few years ago and how much stress it caused him and his ex-wife? I don’t want that for either of us,’” Schalles said. 

She added: “If we are to find ourselves in this situation, I would prefer for us to have a plan in advance so we don’t find ourselves going through what they went through, because everybody agrees that that’s ugly.”

But prenups aren’t agreements to be made at the start of a relationship and left to collect dust for the next 40 years of marriage or cohabitation, Schalles said. A prenup needs to be re-evaluated throughout life changes such as having a child, suffering from illness or disability, or even when a business takes off.

“In order for it to be enforceable, you have to review and revisit as your life changes and as your circumstance changes,” she said. “It doesn’t mean that it can’t still say the same thing … but if you never turn your mind to it or think about whether it should apply, a court may not enforce it,” Schalles said.

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$70B Anglo-Teck merger faces Ottawa review, shareholders react positively https://www.moneysense.ca/news/anglo-teck-merger-faces-ottawa-review/ https://www.moneysense.ca/news/anglo-teck-merger-faces-ottawa-review/#respond Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:13:49 +0000 https://www.moneysense.ca/?p=367580 Ottawa examines the $70B Anglo-Teck merger, as both companies’ shares jump and investors show strong support.

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In what’s shaping up to be the world’s biggest mining deal of the past decade, Teck Resources Ltd. has agreed to a tie-up with London-headquartered Anglo American PLC to create a copper-focused giant worth about $70 billion.

The companies have proposed the deal as a “merger of equals,” even though Anglo American is worth more than double Teck, as plans include sourcing upper management and board representation roughly equally between the two.

The deal would also see company headquarters of what would be known as Anglo Teck move to Vancouver, as proponents look to sell Canada on the benefits of the deal that will attract regulatory scrutiny.

“We think this is a hugely compelling opportunity for Canada,” said Teck chief executive Jonathan Price in an interview Tuesday. “We will be creating the largest head office in Vancouver, and it really is unprecedented to see a company of the size of Anglo American moving its global headquarters.”

Price is set to become deputy CEO of the combined company, while Anglo American chief executive Duncan Wanblad and chief financial officer John Heasley would move to Vancouver to maintain their roles at Anglo Teck. Teck chair Sheila Murray will be chair of Anglo Teck, while board seats would be equally split between the two companies. 

Merger faces Ottawa review under Investment Canada Act

The deal will be subject to review by the Investment Canada Act, which can be used to block deals deemed not in the national interest. BHP Group’s attempted takeover of PotashCorp (now Nutrien) was halted in 2010 after the government found it wasn’t a net benefit. Canadian Industry Minister Melanie Joly said in a statement that the federal government will address several issues as it considers the merger, including the combined firm’s pledge to have its senior leadership based in and reside in Canada.

The deal also includes about $4.5 billion in spending commitments to Canada over five years. It’s not clear how much of that spending is new, but Price said the combined company would also open the potential for more development in the country going forward. “As a larger company with a bigger balance sheet and much greater financial resilience, we will have the ability to invest in some of the larger projects here in Canada, for example, the likes of Galore Creek, that would be very difficult for a smaller company to handle.”

Anglo Teck would maintain its listings on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges and also apply for listings on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. The plan is to keep the company incorporated in London, which would mean the S&P/TSX composite index would lose Teck from its listings, since companies need to be based in the country to be included.

Keeping the company incorporated in London is both for technical reasons, and allows for wider exposure to capital, but shouldn’t take away from the deal meaning a move of the company, said Wanblad in the interview. “Without a doubt, you know, this is absolutely going to be a Canadian company,” he said.

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Teck investors left with 37.6% and no takeover premium

There have been long-standing concerns about Canadian mining giants getting snapped up by larger foreign rivals, including then-Xstrata buying Falconbridge in 2006 and the following year Vale buying Inco and Rio Tinto buying Alcan. 

Teck itself was subject to a proposed US$23 billion takeover by Glencore in 2023, only for the company to end up buying Teck’s coal business for US$7.3 billion after a protracted fight. Anglo American is no stranger to being a takeover target itself, as BHP Group made a US$49 billion offer just last year that ultimately fell through.

Anglo’s proposed deal with Teck would see Teck shareholders get 1.3301 Anglo American shares for each class A and class B share they own. Anglo also plans a roughly US$4.5 billion dividend to its shareholders to help balance out its value compared with Teck, but Anglo shareholders will still own about 62.4% of the combined company, while existing Teck shareholders will hold 37.6%, on a fully diluted basis.

The deal comes without a premium for Teck shareholders, and as the company struggles with operational issues at its massive Quebrada Blanca (QB) project in Chile, but Price said it still makes sense for investors. “Teck shareholders will get exposure to what will be one of the largest and highest quality copper-focused companies in the world.”

Combining the two companies could also mean about US$800 million in pre-tax annual synergies, plus a significant boost to the value at QB because it could be run in tandem with the nearby Collahuasi mine that Anglo part-owns.

The issues at QB, which Teck further outlined just last week, has put short-term pressure on the company’s stock price, said National Bank analyst Shane Nagle. “At current prices, shares are pricing in a significant reduction in the near-term operating outlook, which we believe is far too punitive given the quality of Teck’s underlying portfolio.” He said he’s not surprised to see interest in Teck given its challenges, but with the company now in play there’s likely to be several interested parties willing to pay a premium for the company’s portfolio. 

Teck and Anglo shares rally on merger news

So far, shareholders of both companies seem pleased with the deal. Teck’s shares were up more than 14% in midday trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange, while Anglo American’s were up more than 8% on the London exchange. The deal has a US$330 million break fee, while the companies say they expect the merger to be completed in the next 12 to 18 months pending regulatory and shareholder approvals. 

A two-thirds majority vote by Teck’s class A and class B shareholders, voting as separate classes, is required to approve the deal, while a majority vote is needed by the Anglo American shareholders.

Owners of about 79.8% of Teck class A shares have agreed to vote for the deal, including Teck chair emeritus Norman B. Keevil, who endorsed the deal in a statement. “This agreed merger will begin a powerful next chapter, bringing together two respected, 100-year-old companies into a single world-class mining one, headquartered here in Canada.”

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