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Investing: Back to the Basics

This image has a retro vibe that represents "taking it back" to the investing basics.
This post features two “Get Started with Investing videos” – common investment types and monitor your portfolio.

This year during Financial Literacy Month, we’re encouraging you to jump into the driver’s seat and take charge of your investment goals. Re-visiting the investing basics can help provide clarity and help you make informed decisions. Below are some simple ways to ramp up your investment knowledge, and step into a more active and engaged investor role.

Familiarize Yourself with Common Investment Types

You have options when deciding on which investments you want to hold. Knowing about different investment types and how they work can help you choose the right fit for your financial goals and risk tolerance.

This short video outlines five common types of investments that you’re likely to encounter when building your portfolio.

It’s important to note that all investments come with the possibility that you could lose some or all of the money you invest. Do your research and understand the risks  – and the amount of risk you are personally willing to take on – before  committing to an investment. If you need help, you can also talk to a registered investment advisor.

Keep an Eye on Your Portfolio

One way to stay actively engaged with your investments is by regularly monitoring your portfolio. Comparing your portfolio’s performance from year to year will help you keep track of where you are at with achieving your financial goals.

The value of your investments may go up or down, depending on how the financial markets are performing. You can get information on how your investment portfolio is doing in various ways. Watch this video to learn more.

Continue with the Investing Basics

Knowing what types of investments are available to you and checking in regularly with your portfolio are great ways to stay engaged with your investments and financial goals. But why stop there? Explore more topics on investing basics using our Get Started with Investing video series, and be sure to check out additional learning materials and tools on each page.

Financial Literacy Month 2019

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) website offers more information on this year’s theme: “take charge of your finances!” You can find and share relevant information using the hashtag #FLM2019 on social media. You can also check out the FCAC calendar to find events or activities happening in your area.

Report a Concern

If you have any concerns about a person or company offering an investment opportunity, please contact BCSC Contact Centre at 604-899-6854 or 1-800-373-6393, or through e-mail at [email protected]. You can also file a complaint or submit a tip anonymously using BCSC’s online complaint form.

InvestRight.org is the BC Securities Commission’s investor education website. Subscribe to receive email updates from BCSC InvestRight.

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Test Your Crypto Asset Knowledge.

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This quiz is designed to introduce you to the basics of crypto assets. It is not intended to provide investment or financial advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for such advice.
1
QUESTION 1/10

Cryptocurrencies and blockchain are the same thing.