Resources

Get Smarter About Money

This comprehensive site sponsored by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is a great source of basic investment knowledge, saving, retirement and money matters generally.

Online Discount Brokers

For recent independent reviews of online discount brokers, just input “Canada discount brokerage comparison” into your browser.

Selected online discount broker websites:

Robo-Advisors

For recent independent reviews of robo-advisors, just input “Canada robo advisor comparison” into your browser.

Selected robo-advisor websites:

Selected Fee-for-Service Advisor Websites
I have not audited the services of any of these advisors. This listing is for convenience only and does not represent recommendations.

Selected Index ETF Provider Websites

Selected Retirement Planning Calculators

Selected Websites Focused on Savings

Selected Budgeting Tools
Many banks provide free online budgeting tools. www.canada.ca/en/services/finance/tools.html www.mint.com/canada

Books

The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle, 2007

Jack Bogle, founder of Vanguard Funds, created the world’s first low cost index fund. This is a fantastic little book that focuses on the merits of simplicity, long term compounding, keeping costs low and utilizing index funds. Low cost index funds are not the sole solution for every investor but they are part of the solution for many.

Check out this Globe and Mail article highlighting several excellent investing books.

Video Content

Index Funds – The Movie

Check out this very revealing and award-winning film. It will take you just over one hour or you can choose to watch it’s 12 short segments separately. There is some jargon but the hosts do a great job of making it simple.

Praise for Beat the Bank

“ This book will pay for itself after reading Chapter One. ”

Ken Kivenko President, Kenmar Associates & Prominent Investor

“ The Wealthy Barber taught Canadians the importance of saving. Beat the Bank will teach Canadians the importance of investing well. ”

Wanda Morris VP of Advocacy, CARP

“ If you wonder why your bank-sold mutual funds are going nowhere, Larry Bates has the answers. ”

Ellen Roseman Toronto Star Consumer Columnist

“ Beat the Bank is an insightful, entertaining, and shocking look at how the traditional investment industry separates you from your money by design ...and what you can do about it. ”

Sandi Martin Partner, Spring Financial and Co-Author of the e-book “Women & Money"

“ Larry Bates offers a detailed look at everything that’s wrong with our “traditional” investment model and even more importantly, shows readers just how easy it is to invest their money simply…and successfully. A must read. ”

Robert R. Brown Author of Wealthing Like Rabbits – An Original and Occasionally Hilarious Introduction to the World of Personal Finance

“ Millions of Canadian mutual fund investors unknowingly pay fees that erode their returns by as much as 50% over time! Industry insider Larry Bates clearly explains how, why, and what you can do about it. ”

Robb Engen Boomer & Echo

“ Larry shares some powerful stories over his 35 years as an investment banker. It’s like you’re a fly on the wall in his office. Beat the Bank should be required reading in Ontario’s new financial literacy course in high school. ”

Sean Cooper Bestselling Author of Burn Your Mortgage, Mortgage Agent

“ If it’s true the best game wardens are reformed poachers, then Larry Bates’ tips for Beating the Bank should be valuable for average Canadian investors. Bates spent 35 years working for the four major financial pillars and lays out three wealth builders and three wealth killers. In a nutshell he counsels investors to beat the banks at their ”

Jonathan Chevreau Founder, Financial Independence Hub, author of Findependence Day and co-author of Victory Lap Retirement