The ATB Wealth Investing Fundamentals Guide
Grow your investing knowledge and money management confidence.
The time to start is now.
Whatever you want to make possible, you can get there with what you have and the right expertise.
Budgeting and saving
What’s your saving style?
Get to know how you save and grow your saving knowledge to boost your financial confidence.
What is Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE)?
Alyssa Davies from Mixed Up Money shares her insights on a savings trend that has swept across the internet.
Budgeting 101
Budgeting lets you be in control of your destiny, and helps you spend and save with confidence.
What's a Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC)?
Pre-authorized contributions (PACs) will help grow your savings accounts and mutual fund investments.
How to set goals and actually achieve them
We’ll guide you through how to set SMART goals for your investments and your everyday.
Budgeting on a limited income
How to budget on a limited income so you can become more financially secure.
Is your emergency fund enough for the unexpected?
Albertans cannot control the unexpected, but you can prepare for it with an emergency fund.
ATB’s free Financial Fundamentals pocket guide
Need a finance crash course? This pocket-sized guide simplifies accounts, banking terms, and credit, with interactive savings tools to help you get started.
Take control of your finances
Six steps you can take to empower financial decisions that work for your life and your goals.
How to save by cutting everyday expenses
Six reasonable lifestyle changes that will help find room in your budget to save and start investing in your future.
Automate your savings and compound your financial wellbeing
Automation can take the guesswork out of investing. Having automated transfers to investment and savings accounts makes things easier.
How to reach your money savings goals
Use these savings tips to reach your money savings goals. These goals might include saving for a rainy day fund, retirement, a vacation, to buy your first home or to pay off debt.
Importance of a Rainy Day Fund
Life is unpredictable! Job loss, house repairs, car breakdowns...having a rainy-day fund will let you handle unforeseen expenses without building credit debt.
Budget your way out of debt
Here are a few tips to help you start saving and stop adding to your debt.
How to save money for your goals
Learn how you can save, pay down debt, and live a little (trust us, it’s possible).
Saving for a family vacation
With a few tips and the right budget, you’ll be off to your favourite family vacation destination in no time.
Saving for a home renovation
Home renovation costs don’t have to be daunting with a financial plan that fits your family and a few helpful tips.
Saving to start a business
If you’re saving to start your own business in Alberta, here are some tips and some advice on how to start your journey to becoming an entrepreneur.
How to save for a graduation or reading week trip
Here are 5 steps to help you plan and save for a graduation or reading week trip.
Five ways to save $100 by the end of the week
How can you possibly save money with rent, gas, groceries, student loans, and the weekend to pay for?
Is it worth it?
Here are a few questions you should ask yourself now to prevent post-purchase regrets.
13 common financial mistakes to avoid
We all make mistakes with money, but if we don’t learn from them they can be costly and stressful. Learn how to avoid these common financial blunders.
How would you rate your relationship with your finances?
Tips for finding your financial happily-ever-after. Including being confident about investing, willing to take risks, and working with a financial advisor.
4 ways to simplify your finances
If bills, fees, due dates and rewards calculations are blurring your bottom line, it's time to simplify your finances.
Introduction to investing
All about the High Interest Savings Account
Learn what a High Interest Savings Account is and how it compares to other saving options.
Investing 101: your questions answered
If your answer to, "what is the most confusing thing about investing?" is "everything", then we have you covered. We address what investing is, FAQs and how to get started.
Nine basic investment terms to get you started
The first step to learning about investing is learning the terminology. Here are 9 basic investment terms to get you started.
Create a successful investment plan
Whether you’re saving for retirement, a down payment on a home, or a major purchase, creating a realistic savings plan will ensure you reach your financial goals.
Is it time to start investing?
With time and risk on your side, you can save more for your long-term goals by investing in a diversified stock portfolio.
How to start investing
Asking yourself some basic questions about your goals, financial situation and risk tolerance can help you figure out what investing might look like for you.
Financial advisor or online investing?—The choice is yours
Both in person financial advisors and online investing experiences can offer trusted advice and confidence to help you reach your goals.
What are the risks of investing?
Risk is an unfortunate but necessary component of investing. Here we outline the top five risks when it comes to investing.
Should you invest in GICs?
Learn more about when you should choose a GIC for your portfolio and when you should look for something with more risk and reward potential.
What are mutual funds and how do you invest in one?
Investing can often be overwhelming, but choosing a mutual fund investment can be both easy and affordable—you just need to choose the right option.
What are compound returns?
Learn how investing smaller amounts earlier can earn you more than larger investments later in life. Complete with a video explains compounding returns in a simple way.
The difference between RRSP, TFSA, and cash accounts
Understanding the differences between RRSPs, TFSAs, and investment savings accounts.
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 is a TFSA and how should I use it?
Learn the basics of a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and how you can use it to meet your financial goals.
When should I use a cash account?
Cash accounts offer flexibility and accessibility, but should only be used after you have maximized tax advantage accounts like your RRSP and TFSA.
Investing fees: explained
We answer commonly asked investing fee questions including: what investing fees can I expect to pay? Why do I pay fees? And, won’t paying investment fees mean I make less money?
Investing with ATB Prosper: What fees will I pay?
Let’s take a look at how investing fees work when you invest with ATB Prosper.
Top 3 ways to pay yourself first
Paying yourself first is a great way to ensure your long-term financial health. Here are our top three tips.
The #1 investing tip—and it’s surprisingly simple
We’d like to share with you our biggest piece of investing advice and 3 investing habits that can play a significant role in your investing strategy; whether in your 20s or after.
The difference between a dream and a goal is a plan
Turn your dreams into goals with a plan that works for you.
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?
The basics of investment asset classes
Understanding the three main asset classes and their corresponding investments - Where do stocks, bonds, and GICs fit?
What are mutual funds?
Mutual funds are a way to leverage investment experts and grow your money. Learn how investing in mutual funds and pooling your money with other investors works.
The benefits to investing regularly
There are plenty of benefits to investing regularly, but here are two reasons it really makes an impact.
The advantage of investing early
Investing early can be more beneficial than investing a higher dollar amount.
How professional financial advice can make dreams come true
Kari’s dream and financial goal of retiring in Costa Rica is becoming a reality, thanks to some expert investing advice.
Should you pay off your mortgage or invest?
Is it better to pay off your mortgage early or invest your money?
Should I invest while paying off debt?
Learn how to balance paying off debt, building your savings, and planning for your future with an investment plan.
A little goes a long way when it comes to investing
Investing advice from ATB Wealth President Chris Turchansky.
Should I pay off my student loans or invest?
Learn how to create a sustainable budget that includes both debt repayments and investment contributions, so you can grow your long-term savings.
It pays to start investing early
The amount of time you hold an investment is key. Even small contributions can get you on your way, especially if you start early.
Should I pay down debt or invest?
Your amount of debt, type of debt, years to retirement & expected investment return are all factors to consider when deciding whether to invest or pay off debt.
Is investing the same as gambling?
There are key differences between investing and gambling, but after the 2008 financial crisis many believed they might as well be the same.
Investing doesn’t mean the fun is over
Start investing with a small amount of money while you’re young and set yourself up for the future.
If you can Stampede, you can invest
Investing can be very affordable with the right tools and a decision to start.
Experienced investors
The difference between risk tolerance & risk capacity
How emotional and financial factors shape how much risk you take on, and why they matter for your investing strategy.
Important RRSP and TFSA information for 2024
Important information about contributing to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) in 2024.
How to find your ATB Prosper tax documents
A step by step guide to finding your ATB Prosper tax documents
Your TFSA contribution room or RRSP deduction limit
Find out which tax info comes from ATB and which comes from CRA.
Withdrawing from your TFSA
Withdrawing from your TFSA is a straightforward, penalty-free way to access savings.
Combining RRSPs and TFSAs to maximize retirement savings
See how to use both a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) to invest and save for retirement.
Make the most of your RRSP contribution
Consider these tips to make the most of your RRSP contribution, save on your tax bill and maximize your retirement savings growth.
When to use an RRSP loan
What if you don’t have enough money to maximize your RRSP contribution room? Should you borrow to invest in your RRSP? Find out here.
Got room? Learn about your RRSP contribution limits
Your RRSP room is determined by your annual RRSP contribution limits. Learn how to best take advantage of all that room.
RESPs—what is the Accumulated Income Payment (AIP)?
Learn the implications of withdrawing earned income from an RESP if a beneficiary doesn’t attend school or finishes without using all the money.
Find the RESP money you've been missing
It can be a struggle finding money for your RESP contribution. The Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) can help!
Is there any risk involved with investing in an RESP?
You have a choice when it comes to the risk level of your RESP.
How to start an RESP for a child you care about
Here's how to start an RESP for a child for whom you are not the primary caregiver.
Qualifying for an RDSP with type 1 diabetes
Here’s what you need to know about DTCs, RDSPs and qualifying with type 1 diabetes.
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.
Investing your tax refund
If you’ve received a tax refund this spring, consider investing it in a RRSP or TFSA. Connecting with a financial advisor can help you set your financial priorities.
Avoid emotional financial investments
Investing in boom stocks could result in a loss. Trusting the advice of a financial advisor will help you build a stable portfolio with a predictable profit.
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.
How to take the stress out of investing
It’s difficult not to let your emotions influence decisions about your investment portfolio. The best course of action is to create a long-term strategic plan.
Are you an investment speculator?
What is investment speculation and how does it differ from long term investing?
How is Lifestyle Inflation impacting your wealth?
How is lifestyle inflation impacting your wealth? When not managed, lifestyle inflation, also known as lifestyle creep, can limit your ability to build wealth.
Why do I need a financial advisor?
A financial advisor has the education, knowledge, and the time required to properly manage your investment portfolio.
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.
Four tough questions to ask a financial advisor
There are many types of advisors out there. Here are four questions you need to ask to make sure you know who you’re dealing with.
The importance of patience when investing
Stocks are considered to be riskier investments, but statistics show that historically, long-term stock market gains consistently offset short-term market losses.
5 Common Behavioural Investing Biases
Achieving investment success requires a blend of disciplined portfolio construction and tempered investor behaviour.
4 investment mistakes made by the self-employed
Saving for retirement requires a bit more planning for business owners. These tips will help entrepreneurs grow their savings alongside their business.
RRSP and TFSA information for 2019
The beginning of a new year is often the time that individuals consider making contributions to their RRSP and TFSA.
4 steps to financial prosperity
Financial prosperity begins with a well-laid plan. Learn how to create an investment savings plan that will help you reach your short or long-term financial goals.
Survive holiday spending without sacrificing investment savings
Here are some tips to help you survive the most expensive time of the year without sacrificing your investment savings.