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Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Tony turned a series of 2017 marijuana stock losses into a freelance career advocating for ETF investing. He currently holds a Master’s in Risk Management from Columbia University and is a Certified ETF Advisor (CETF®). Tony is the founder of ETF Portfolio Blueprint (etfportfolioblueprint.com) and the Lead ETF Analyst for ETF Central, a partnership between Trackinsight and the NYSE. His analysis has also been featured in publications like Kiplinger, 24/7 Wall St., U.S. News & World Report, TheStreet, and Benzinga.

Recent Articles

A worker drinks out of a mug in an office.
Dividend Stocks

Own BCE Stock? Here’s What You Need to Know About its Dividend

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

BCE's dividend is safe, but the company's share price could still remain under pressure.

Read more »

woman looks ahead of her over water
Dividend Stocks

Here’s Why I’d Rather Lean on My TFSA Than My RRSP for Passive Income

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

If passive income is your investment objective, a TFSA is likely the better account.

Read more »

open bank vault
Bank Stocks

Thinking About Bank Stocks? Here’s the Latest Investors Need to Know

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Canadian bank stocks have enjoyed a fantastic run, but shareholders should keep an eye on these two trends moving forward.

Read more »

ETF is short for exchange traded fund, a popular investment choice for Canadians
Dividend Stocks

This ETF Yields 12% and Pays You Monthly: Worth a Look?

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

MOAT is a highly unique monthly income ETF that sells put options on blue-chip companies with competitive advantages.

Read more »

Canadian investor contemplating U.S. stocks with multiple doors to choose from.
Investing

Here’s the Stock I’d Choose Over Telus or BCE Every Time

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

I trust Berkshire Hathaway infinitely more than any Canadian telecom stock.

Read more »

person on phone leaning against outside wall with scenic view at airbnb rental property
Dividend Stocks

Can You Still Count on Telus’s Dividend?

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Telus' dividend might be safer now, but the stock is still facing severe headwinds.

Read more »

ETFs can contain investments such as stocks
Dividend Stocks

94 Canadian Dividend Stocks That Just Keep Raising Their Payouts

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

This ETF only holds blue-chip Canadian stocks that have increased their dividends for at least five consecutive years.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

Here’s How I’d Turn $25,000 in a TFSA Into Nearly Constant Income

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

This TSX income fund's fixed $0.1 per share monthly payout makes planning a breeze.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Investing

Here’s How I’d Build the Perfect TFSA This August

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

A TFSA doesn't have to be complicated, and these two low-cost diversified ETFs prove it.

Read more »

ETFs can contain investments such as stocks
Dividend Stocks

Here’s a Monthly Income ETF Yielding 12% You Might Have Missed

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

MOAT is a highly unique Canadian monthly income ETF that pays a substantial yield.

Read more »

ETFs can contain investments such as stocks
Dividend Stocks

Want to Build Your Own Pension? Here’s How Canadian Dividend ETFs Can Help

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Canadian dividend ETFs can provide tax-efficient monthly income with built-in diversification and low fees.

Read more »

ETFs can contain investments such as stocks
Investing

Which Canadian Dividend ETFs Pay the Most?

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

There's a big difference between a true dividend ETF and a derivative income ETF.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

Here’s the Only Stock I’d Hold Forever in My TFSA

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Berkshire Hathaway is the definition of a wonderful company at a fair price.

Read more »

customer uses bank ATM
Bank Stocks

Thinking About Bank Stocks? Here’s What to Know This August

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Bullish on the big banks? Here's what I would keep an eye on before buying more.

Read more »

woman stares at chocolate layer cake
Investing

Just Starting Out? Here Are Some TFSA Tips for 20-Year-Olds

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Younger investors have time on their side and using a TFSA can maximize that.

Read more »

ETF is short for exchange traded fund, a popular investment choice for Canadians
Investing

Why I Think This Canadian ETF Deserves a Spot in Everyone’s Portfolio

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

It really can be as easy as "just buy XEQT"

Read more »

diversification is an important part of building a stable portfolio
Dividend Stocks

Here’s What’s Really Happening With Telus’s Dividend

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Telus cut its dividend as predicted, but the stock still isn't out of the woods.

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Investing

Here Are 3 Canadian ETFs I’d Hold in My TFSA for Years

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

These Canadian ETFs from BMO provide broad diversification, lower risk, and monthly dividends.

Read more »

man touches brain to show a good idea
Investing

Here’s the TFSA Mistake I See Canadians Make All the Time

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

U.S. stocks and ETFs held in a TFSA will lose 15% of their dividends to foreign withholding tax.

Read more »

ETFs can contain investments such as stocks
Investing

Want Instant Diversification? Here Are 3 Canadian ETFs I’d Buy

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

This 3-ETF combo covers U.S., Canadian, and international developed equity markets.

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing the Registered Retirement Savings Plan
Retirement

TFSA vs. RRSP: The Simple Rules Canadians Forget

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Here are the factors I would personally weigh when deciding between TFSA versus RRSP contributions.

Read more »

up arrow on wooden blocks
Dividend Stocks

The Canadian Companies That’ve Been Quietly Raising Their Dividend Payouts

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Here's a simple way to target Canadian dividend-growth stocks.

Read more »

A close up color image of a small green plant sprouting out of a pile of Canadian dollar coins "loonies."
Dividend Stocks

Why Canadian Dividend ETFs Could Be the Simplest Way to Defend Your Portfolio

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Dividend investing isn't a perfect strategy, but it's "good enough" for beginner investors.

Read more »

ETFs can contain investments such as stocks
Investing

A Canadian ETF Alternative: A Complete Stock Portfolio in 2 Picks

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Just two low-cost index ETFs can provide investors with a diversified equity portfolio.

Read more »

Electricity transmission towers with orange glowing wires against night sky
Investing

The Utilities Play: Boring, Reliable, and Suddenly Very Profitable

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Here's why Canadian utility stocks could be a better way to capitalize on AI spending.

Read more »

Canada national flag waving in wind on clear day
Investing

The Sectors Where Canada Actually Beats the United States

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Canadian energy stocks and financial stocks continue to outpace their U.S. counterparts.

Read more »

coins jump into piggy bank
Bank Stocks

What Investors Should Understand About Canadian Bank Stocks This Year

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Here's my take on the outlook for Canadian bank stocks heading into the second half of 2026.

Read more »

traffic signal shows red light
Investing

Small Print TFSA Rules Affecting U.S. Stocks

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Give this article a read before you buy and hold U.S. stocks inside a TFSA.

Read more »

senior couple looks at investing statements
Retirement

CPP and OAS Aren’t Enough: Here’s How to Fill the Gap

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

A TFSA plus an income ETF can be a retiree's best friend for augmenting CPP and OAS.

Read more »

woman stares at chocolate layer cake
Investing

What the Typical 25-Year-Old Canadian Has Saved in a TFSA

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Here's how much the average 25-year-old Canadian has in a TFSA, and one ETF I like as an all-in-one holding.

Read more »

Investor wonders if it's safe to buy stocks now
Investing

The Key Things to Understand Before Holding U.S. Stocks in a TFSA

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Here's the truth behind the pros and cons of owning U.S. stocks inside a TFSA.

Read more »

investor schemes to buy stocks before market notices them
Dividend Stocks

BCE’s Dividend: What Every Investor Needs to Know

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

BCE's dividend has stabilized after last year's cut, but the company is still facing significant headwinds.

Read more »

Two seniors walk in the forest
Investing

The Typical TFSA Balance for Canadians Approaching 60

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Here's what someone approaching retirement typically has in a TFSA, and how I would personally invest it.

Read more »

Canadian dollars are printed
Dividend Stocks

Your TFSA Should Be Your Income Engine, Not Your RRSP

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

A high-yield fund inside a TFSA can create hands-off passive income.

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Investing

Why Many Canadians Aren’t Using Their TFSA the Right Way

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Here are the two most common mistakes I see TFSA investors making.

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Investing

3 Habits That TFSA Millionaires Have in Common

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Following these three simple steps could help you attain a seven-figure balance in your TFSA.

Read more »

middle-aged couple work together on laptop
Investing

The Average TFSA Balance at 55, and How to Improve Yours

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Here's what the average 55-year-old Canadian has invested in a TFSA, and how to improve.

Read more »

Piggy bank with word TFSA for tax-free savings accounts.
Investing

Your TFSA Should Be Your Income Engine, Not Your RRSP

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

If you're after passive income, prioritizing the TFSA may be sensible.

Read more »

Piggy bank and Canadian coins
Investing

A Canadian ETF I’d Seriously Consider Adding to My Portfolio in 2026

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

I'm focusing on my emergency fund for the rest of 2026, and this safer ETF fits the bill.

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Investing

Are You Using Your TFSA the Right Way? Many Canadians Aren’t

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

A TFSA offers powerful benefits, so it's best not to waste them on low-returning investments.

Read more »