The ATB Wealth Investing Fundamentals Guide
Grow your knowledge of investing and increase your confidence around managing your money.
Grow your wealth.
Investing and saving is about more than just your money. It’s about your life, your goals, your family’s security, and your happiness.
When to consider growth funds
For investors with long-term vision and higher risk tolerance, growth funds can be a powerful component of a well-diversified portfolio. Find out if they’re right for you.
The benefits and risks of income funds
Income funds can be a useful investment for many types of investors and are a valuable component in a well-diversified portfolio.
Trade tensions and your investments: When do you want to outperform?
As global trade tensions have injected volatility into the market, now is a good time to consider your definition of outperformance and ensure your portfolio aligns with it.
Why you need a financial plan
Working with a financial planning professional can help you reduce stress and increase optimism about your financial future. We show you how a plan provides a path forward.
Will tariffs affect my investments? What you need to know
Trade uncertainty is a reality, but it doesn’t have to derail your investment strategy. Here are some actions to consider as tariffs take effect.
Six topics your financial plan should cover
Financial advisors ask a lot of questions. Here’s what to expect when talking about your financial plan, and why providing the right information is so important.
What are ETFs?
Exchange-traded funds have become a popular investment option in recent years. We explain what they are and why they’re attractive to both new and experienced investors alike.
RRSP and TFSA information for 2025
Important information about contributing to your RRSP or TFSA in 2025.
How declining interest rates impact bonds vs GICs
With interest rates on the decline, should investors opt for bonds or GICs?
How to invest while paying off debt
Does it make sense to think about investing if you’re carrying debt?
Why a spending plan beats budgeting
Don’t like budgeting? Try a spending plan instead, which will empower you to say “yes” to what’s really important. We show you how.
Why asset allocation is key to investment success
Building a home requires careful planning and so does an investment portfolio. Find out how asset allocation can be your blueprint for investment success.
Passive vs. active investing
Passive and active investing can both play an important role in a portfolio. Learn about the benefits and limitations of each approach.
Five ways to overcome the challenges of diversification
We explain the behavioural biases that come with maintaining a diversified portfolio and strategies to overcome them.
Is now the time to buy a GIC?
When GIC rates increase, investors notice – especially when markets are turbulent. But there are both benefits and drawbacks to consider when looking at GICs.
Why your financial plan deserves a human touch
Financial planning technology can be useful, but can’t replicate the insight and advice a financial advisor offers. ATB Wealth’s Melissa Arenas explains why.
Reframing risk for investment success
Getting comfortable with risk can help you stay focused on and achieve your future goals. Here’s how to rethink risk as an important part of your portfolio.
How loud budgeting can fine tune your spending
Loud budgeting is a popular personal finance trend amongst Gen Z, but it’s a practical concept for every generation of savers.
Could 2024 be the year of the bond?
Bondholders have good reason to be hopeful in 2024. We explore the factors that could drive bond performance this year.
How to measure your portfolio’s total return
The total return of your investments goes beyond the price or yield on your holdings. Find out how to measure the true value of your portfolio.
The “million-dollar” TFSA
With cumulative contribution room increasing over time, TFSAs are becoming a more significant portion of Canadians’ retirement savings.
The case for bonds over GICs
Many investors are opting for the safety of GICs. Bonds offer some advantages over GICs and may be a better option for many investor portfolios.
The importance of inflation in your net worth projections
Find out how inflation needs to be accounted for in your projections and retirement planning.
Gifting to your kids? Consider the new FHSA
The First Home Savings Account is a great option for both young people who want to become homeowners, and parents who want to transfer wealth to the next generation.
How a financial plan can help during high inflation
A regular review of your financial plan can help to offset the impact of inflation.
What’s a First Home Savings Account?
The new First Home Savings Account helps Canadians make the most of their money and build a down payment sooner.
Four behavioural investing errors and how to avoid them
Having a better understanding of yourself and your natural tendencies is a crucial step in order to be a successful investor.
What is ESG investing
Considering ESG factors can help to better assess the risks, opportunities and value of an investment. We explain this concept and several responsible investing strategies.
How to spot attempted investment fraud
Online fraudsters can fool even the most savvy social media users. Protect yourself from investment fraud by knowing the red flags.
Protecting yourself from investment fraud
Fraudsters have many ways of tricking unsuspecting investors. Learn more about the most common types of investment scams and how to avoid them.
What to do with your tax refund
Should you spend it or should you save it? Here’s some advice about what to do with your tax refund.
Deciding between an RRSP or TFSA
RRSPs and TFSAs are similar as they both provide incentives for Canadians to save and invest, but their differences will likely lead you to one or the other.
What's a Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC)?
Pre-Authorized Contributions (PACs) will help grow your savings accounts and mutual fund investments.
How to gauge your book value and actual portfolio performance
Book value may often reflect more than your original investment. If you are comparing market value to book value, you may be understating your true performance.
Investment savings strategies for turbulent markets
Despite unstable times, saving is still possible. Learn how to set your savings strategy and feel prepared for what’s to come.
Is now the time to buy a GIC?
When GIC rates increase, investors notice – especially when markets are turbulent. But there are both benefits and drawbacks to consider when looking at GICs.
Tips for investing during a bear market
It’s natural to feel worried in a bear market. We offer a few tips to keep your investments safe in a wild and unpredictable downturn.
Running your numbers? Start with your goals
Financial planning software and online calculators are quick and convenient, but achieving your goals requires both number crunching and a human touch.
Respecting inflation in your planning
We discuss why it’s important to consider inflation in your planning and some of the risks associated with overestimating or underestimating inflation.
Avoid “FOMO” when seeking financial advice online
You can find great financial advice online and in person, but there are flags to watch out for with both. We share tips on what to look for.
How to harness your earning power for future savings
Just starting your career and wondering how to plan for your financial future? Find out how to start ‘paying yourself’ for those big goals down the road.
Why a financial plan matters now—and after the pandemic
Financial planning can be of great value during difficult or uncertain times but will remain equally important when life returns to “normal.”
Dispelling the myths of robo-advisors
Robo-advisors like to equate fee savings to better investment performance, but it’s only one of the factors that lead to investor success.
Winners are made in the mountains
Successful investing is made up of a series of doing the right things throughout a journey, similar to lessons learned by cyclist teams competing in the grueling Tour de France.
How do foreign exchange rates impact my investments?
What is foreign exchange rate risk and how does it impact portfolio returns? Learn how hedging and portfolio diversification can mitigate currency risk.
What impacts currency movement?
Key factors that affect foreign exchange rates: inflation, interest rates, trading activity. How these factors pertain to a Canadian investor with USD exposure.
What you need to know about online trading platforms
Here are the top three things to keep in mind when you’re considering managing your investment account on your own through an online investment platform.
How to understand your quarterly return statements
Understanding your quarterly returns, how to be objective in reviewing statements and understanding what short-term statements mean for your long-term financial plan.
How returns are calculated: Time-weighted vs. money-weighted
There are two industry standards for calculating portfolio performance that investors need to be aware of: time-weighted returns (TWR) and money-weighted returns (MWR).
Annuals or perennials
A look at how your flower choice, annuals or perennials, can mirror your investment portfolio and strategy.
How your financial advisor can help during turbulent markets
A financial advisor can help you prepare and plan for volatile markets, navigate any bumps along the way, avoid emotional decisions and tune out all the noise.
How to test drive your retirement plans
When you plan your retirement, think about how you will spend your days, what your succession plan will be and what the ideal future looks like for you and your partner.
Growth versus value investing
Value vs growth. Which will outperform? Stop trying to guess and consider the merits of having exposure to both. ATB Wealth has options that will get you there.
What can a financial advisor do for you?
Your world is busy, and getting financial advice can help take the worry away. This is when working with a financial advisor can get your money working for you.
5 common behavioural investing biases
Achieving investment success requires a blend of disciplined portfolio construction and tempered investor behaviour.
8 things to look for in a great advisor
A great financial advisor helps you achieve your financial goals and creates happiness. Here are 8 signs you’ve found the perfect financial advisor for you.
Are you winning the inflation race?
In your race against inflation, it’s important to consider the real value of your investment returns.
A year in review: ask yourself about your investments
A lot can change in a year. Here are some tips to help align your investment plan with your ever-changing life.
Common myths about women in investing
We go beyond mere statistics for the truth about women in this industry and female investors.
Will an inheritance or trust affect my eligibility for AISH?
Changes related to trusts and inheritances for persons with disabilities.
How small changes lead to big investment outcomes
Awareness is the first step in mitigating poor investment (or life) behavior. Removing the option for poor judgement allows us to focus on our intended long term plan.
How to set goals and (actually) achieve them
We’ll guide you through how to set SMART goals for your investments and your everyday.
The basics of investment asset classes
Understanding the three main asset classes and their corresponding investments - Where do stocks, bonds, and GICs fit?
The benefits to investing regularly
There are plenty of benefits to investing regularly, but here are two reasons it really makes an impact.
Which is better: funds or individual stocks and bonds?
For new investors, the world of stocks, bonds and mutual funds can be a confusing place. What’s the difference between them? And which ones are right for you?
Why do I need a financial advisor?
A financial advisor has the education, knowledge, and the time required to properly manage your investment portfolio.
Qualifying for an RDSP with type 1 diabetes
Here’s what you need to know about DTCs, RDSPs and qualifying with type 1 diabetes.
Understanding ethical and socially responsible investing
Being socially aware can now extend into the way you invest. Learn how to construct an investment portfolio from an ethical perspective.
How to translate golf know-how into successful investing
Did you know that professional golf and successful investing have a lot in common? Let’s take a look into what professional golfers can teach us about our financial future.
ATB Wealth experts are ready to listen.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced investor, we can help.