We work with everyday Canadians to turn paycheques into portfolios, no jargon, no judgment. Whether you’ve never opened an investment account or you’ve got a few scattered savings accounts and no strategy, this blog is your beginner-friendly guide to getting started with investing.
Why Investing Matters
Let’s start with a simple truth: saving alone won’t get you there.
Interest rates on savings accounts rarely outpace inflation. That means even if you save faithfully every month, your money could be losing value over time.
Investing helps your money grow, without needing you to work more hours. It’s your chance to make your money do the heavy lifting so you can build wealth, reach goals, and create financial security for the future.
Step One: Define Your “Why”
Before you pick an investment or open a TFSA, take a second to ask yourself:
“What am I investing for?”
Common answers include:
- Buying a first home
- Retirement (even if it’s decades away)
- A future wedding or vacation
- Your kids’ education
- Financial freedom or early retirement
Knowing your “why” helps define your timeline, risk level, and investment strategy, so everything you do actually aligns with what you want.
Step Two: Learn the Basics
Here’s a quick cheat sheet of beginner investment terms:
- TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account): Grow your investments tax-free. Great for short or long-term goals.
- RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan): Contributions are tax-deductible now, but you’ll pay taxes when you withdraw. Best for long-term retirement savings.
- Non-Registered Account: Taxable account for investing without contribution limits.
- Mutual Funds & ETFs: Collections of stocks or bonds that you invest in together. Lower risk than buying one company stock.
- Diversification: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, spread your investments out to reduce risk.
- Risk Tolerance: How much market “bumpiness” can you emotionally and financially handle?
Don’t worry, you don’t need to memorize this. At Bilyk Financial, we explain everything in plain English and make sure you fully understand your options before making a move.
Step Three: Start Small, Think Big
A lot of new investors think they need thousands to get started. Not true.
Thanks to modern tools and flexible strategies, you can start with:
- $50 a month
- Automatic contributions that sync with your payday
- Investment options designed for smaller balances (and room to grow)
Starting small builds confidence. It also builds habits, and that’s where long-term wealth really begins.
Step Four: Choose the Right Account That Works for You
Here’s a simple way to choose your starting investment account:
| Your Goal | Best Starting Point |
| Saving for retirement | RRSP (and eventually a RRIF) |
| A mix of goals (vacation, car, etc.) | TFSA |
| Saving for kids | RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan) |
| High-income, maxed RRSP/TFSA | Non-registered investment account |
We help you layer these accounts strategically to take full advantage of tax benefits and timelines.
Step Five: Set It and Forget It
Once your accounts are set up and your plan is in motion, we recommend:
- Automated contributions
- Quarterly check-ins
- Annual reviews to make sure your strategy still matches your goals
Investing isn’t about checking your portfolio every day, it’s about consistency. We’ll do the heavy lifting and monitoring for you, with updates and advice when you need it.
When to DIY vs. When to Call a Pro
You can absolutely get started on your own. There are plenty of apps and online platforms that let you dip your toes in.
BUT…
If you’re juggling multiple goals, thinking about retirement, navigating taxes, or just want help building a real plan, a Certified Financial Planner like the team at Bilyk Financial can save you time, stress, and (yes) money.
We don’t just “sell products”, we offer:
- Goal-based investment planning
- Tax optimization
- Portfolio management
- Legacy and estate planning
We take the guesswork out of growing wealth.
Bonus Chart: What Kind of Investor Are You?
| Investor Type | You Prefer | We Recommend |
| The Safety Seeker | Slow growth, minimal risk | Conservative, income-focused portfolios |
| The Balanced Builder | Some growth with moderate risk | Balanced mix of equities and bonds |
| The Growth Chaser | Long-term growth, higher risk ok | Aggressive, growth-focused investments |
| The Newbie | Learning, starting slow | Guided TFSA/RRSP with built-in diversification |
Not sure where you land? That’s where we come in.
Let’s Build Your Portfolio Together
At Bilyk Financial, we believe investing should feel empowering, not overwhelming. You don’t need to be a financial expert or stock market guru. You just need a plan, a goal, and a team that has your back.
Ready to turn your next paycheque into your future wealth?
Contact a Trusted Financial Advisor Today
📧 Email: hello@thebilykteam.ca
📞 Call: 780-632-6770
🌐 Visit: https://bilykfinancial.com/