Investing Basics

ETFs, MERs, robo-advisors, DIY portfolios.

Module 1 of 12

Why you invest — inflation is your enemy

What you'll learn

Cash loses value every year to inflation
Stocks, bonds, real estate, cash — the four asset classes
Time in market vs timing the market
Risk vs volatility vs actually losing money

The Canadian number

~3.2%/yr

Average Canadian inflation 2020–2024

Source: Statistics Canada

The story

$10,000 in cash today is worth about $7,440 in real terms after 10 years of 3% inflation. Cash isn't safe — it's a slow leak. Investing is how you stay ahead of inflation.

This week's action

Calculate: how much less is $10,000 in cash worth after 10 years of 3% inflation? (~$7,440)