7.3 Types of investments

In this section:

• 7.3.1 Comparing investments
• 7.3.2 Return on investment
• 7.3.3 Fees and return on investment
• 7.3.4 Taxes and investments
• 7.3.5 Video: Investing with registered savings plans
• 7.3.6 Questions to ask about an investment
• 7.3.7 Video: How to choose investments
• 7.3.8 Summary of key messages

Introduction

Investors have many different types of investments to choose from. This section describes the most common types of investments and how to compare them. A financial advisor can help you decide which is most appropriate for you.

You will explore:

• the main investments that a beginning investor will come across
• the effect of taxes when you are investing
• key questions to ask about an investment.

You'll review a table comparing most of the common types of investments and see how the return on investment can vary greatly. You'll see a number of ways that Canadians can reduce the taxes they pay on their investment income. By the time you finish this section, you'll know the characteristics of the main types of investments that most people can choose, the common tax shelter choices that most Canadians have, and what questions to ask when selecting an investment.