🍁 Free guide for anyone starting out
Money in Canada, step by step, from day one
From your first bank account to retirement, in plain English. No money knowledge needed.
Choose how you want to start:
Step by step
New to money? Follow 22 short steps in order, from Basic to Advanced. Each post ends with a checklist.
By topic
Have a question now? Jump to one of 8 topics: banking, credit, taxes, investing, retirement and more.
By age
Not sure what matters most? See what to read first in your 20s, 30s–40s, 50s or 60+.
The 22 steps
Basic: get started and manage your money
- Choosing your first Canadian bank account (and never paying monthly fees)
- Reading your pay stub: where your money goes before you get it
- Splitting your paycheque: a simple budget that works
- Saving on everyday costs: the big picture
- Building an emergency fund
- Avoiding common money scams
- Your first tax return and the benefits you can get
Intermediate: build credit and protect your money
- Understanding your credit score
- Your first credit card, used the smart way
- Avoiding debt traps and paying debt off
- Insurance basics: what you need and what you don’t
- Buying your first car without overpaying
- Safe places to grow your savings: high-interest savings and GICs
- TFSA explained: the tax-free account everyone should know
Advanced: grow your money and plan ahead
- Saving vs investing: risk, time and your goals
- Investing basics: stocks, bonds, funds and fees
- How to start investing: robo-advisor, DIY or bank advisor
- RRSP vs TFSA: which one first?
- RESP: free government money for your child’s education
- Buying your first home in Canada (including the FHSA)
- Retirement: the big picture
- Staying steady: market drops and investment scams
Finish line
Finish line: My money plan: all 22 steps on one page.
General information, not financial advice. See About for how this blog works.
