You’ve been saving up your money for a number of years. Take the time to think about your investment priorities. Here are 4 tips to consider before investing.

1. Know your investment goals and investor profile

Ask yourself:

  • What do you want from your investments?
  • How much tolerance to risk do you have? Would you be very upset if your investments lost value? It’s important to realize that, generally, the higher your expected returns, the riskier your investments will have to be.
  • How comfortable are you investing on your own? Before doing so, ask yourself:
    • Do you have a good grasp of financial information?
    • Do you have the time to manage your investments and keep track of the markets?
    • Should you start off with small investments?

Are you a conservative or aggressive investor?

Use our calculator to determine your investor profile This link will open in a new window and which investment products would be suitable for you.

2. Choose a representative

Choose a representative and firm based on your needs and level of investment knowledge.

Know that not all representatives and firms offer the same services:

  • Some provide advice and complementary services such as research on securities and portfolio management.
  • Others act as intermediaries by buying and selling securities according to your instructions, without offering you advice.

Ask the representative about his qualifications and experience.

Check that the person and firm are authorized to offer you the investment. Contact the AMF Information Center or consult the Register of firms and individuals authorized to practise.

3. Know how your representative is paid

Check and compare the fees and services of several firms and representatives before choosing a representative.

Once you have made your choice, give your representative clear, specific instructions about any transactions you want to make.

4. Know what you’re investing in

Read the prospectusA prospectus is a detailed information document that a company must prepare to be able to sell securities (such as shares) to the public.
It must provide full, true and plain disclosure of all material facts likely to affect the value or market price of the security in question.   of any company you’re thinking of investing in. For mutual fundsA mutual fund is made up of money that is pooled by several investors and used on their behalf by a manager to buy shares, bonds or other securities in line with the fund’s objectives. , read the Fund Facts.

Always take the time to do your investment homework, using reliable sources of information.

Ask questions and learn about the companies in which you’re investing.

Warning

Beware of fraud

When something is too good to be true, it probably is!

  • Be skeptical of anyone who promises huge profits. High returns usually means high risk.
  • Don’t believe everything you find on the Internet—it’s easy to exaggerate or lie on-line. Always confirm sources.
  • Don’t invest if you are made to feel guilty because you’re hesitating about making certain investments.
  • Be suspicious if the person refuses to disclose the name of his firm or tries to change the subject after giving you only minimal information.
  • Be extra cautious if you're asked to keep an investment secret.
  • Remember, it’s illegal to make transactions on the basis of information that is not publicly disclosed.

For more information, see the section Fraud prevention.

End of the warning

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