Motley Fool Premium
  1. Category
    2. /
  2. Investing
    3. /
  3. Stocks for Beginners
    4. /

Stocks for Beginners

Investing in stocks can feel intimidating at first, but it’s one of the most effective ways to build long-term wealth. For beginners, the key idea to understand is that there’s no “perfect” time to start—because historically, markets have trended upward over long periods despite short-term ups and downs. Whether markets are rising or falling, consistent investing over time has rewarded patient investors, making any time a good time to begin if your focus is long-term growth.

More importantly, the stock market allows your money to work for you, rather than relying solely on your own time and effort to generate income. By investing in stocks, you’re putting your capital to work in businesses that grow, innovate, and generate profits—often compounding returns year after year. Instead of trading hours for dollars, investing gives you the opportunity to build wealth in the background while you focus on your career, goals, or everyday life.

To learn more about Stocks for Beginners and how to actually buy stocks in Canada, take a look at our Guide to How to Start Investing in Canada for all the details.

Top Articles

data center server racks glow with light
Stocks for Beginners

3 Canadian Companies Powering the AI Revolution [PREMIUM PICKS]

| Motley Fool Staff

AI energy consumption is expected to double by 2026, and these companies could be set to profit from the boom.

Read more »

Striking match creates fire and light.
Stocks for Beginners

10 Stocks Every Canadian Should Own in 2025 [PREMIUM PICKS]

| Iain Butler

The Motley Fool's yearly list of "Starter Stocks" is our attempt to answer a simple question: “Where do I go…

Read more »

A celebrity is photographed on a red carpet.
Stocks for Beginners

Can You Guess the 10 Most Popular Canadian Stocks? (If You Own Them, You Might Be Losing Out.)

| Iain Butler

The list is woefully predictable.

Read more »

Striking match creates fire and light.
Stocks for Beginners

Just Released: 10 Stocks Every Canadian Should Own in 2024 [PREMIUM PICKS]

| Iain Butler

The Motley Fool's yearly list of "Starter Stocks" is our attempt to answer a simple question: “Where do I go…

Read more »

top TSX stocks to buy
Stocks for Beginners

Just Released: The 5 Best Stocks to Buy in February 2023 [PREMIUM PICKS]

| Iain Butler

Making money investing in stocks is not hard -- often, all you need is patience.

Read more »

runner ties shoe while stopped on grass outside
Stocks for Beginners

TFSA Investors: 10 Stocks Every Canadian Should Own in 2023 [PREMIUM PICKS]

| Iain Butler

Motley Fool Stock Advisor's yearly list of "Starter Stocks" is our attempt to answer a simple question: “Where do I…

Read more »

two people use AI to examine a house
Stocks for Beginners

Just Released: The 5 Best Stocks to Buy in January 2023 [PREMIUM PICKS]

| Iain Butler

Let’s cut to the chase: It’s absolutely true that shares of Redfin, an online real estate platform, have fallen 93%…

Read more »

Striking match creates fire and light.
Stocks for Beginners

Just Released: 10 Stocks Every Canadian Should Own in 2023 [PREMIUM PICKS]

| Iain Butler

Our yearly list of "Starter Stocks" is our attempt to answer a simple question: “Where do I go first?”

Read more »

Recent Stocks for Beginners News

stocks climbing green bull market
Stocks for Beginners

3 TSX Stocks That Should Keep Soaring Even After Record Rallies

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

These TSX stocks are smart choices for those seeking income, even after record rallies.

Read more »

Two seniors walk in the forest
Dividend Stocks

5 Canadian Dividend Stocks to Buy Now and Hold for 20 More Years

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

If you want a perfect passive income portfolio, then these are five of the safest and best dividend stocks to…

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

Need Tax-Free Cash? How Much to Invest in a TFSA to Make $1,000 in Monthly Passive Income

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

It can take a lot of money to earn $1,000 per month, but it certainly is possible.

Read more »

Rocket lift off through the clouds
Stocks for Beginners

TFSA: 3 Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold for Life

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

These three Canadian stocks are some of the top choices for investors looking to set it and forget it.

Read more »

Concept of multiple streams of income
Dividend Stocks

1 Delicious TSX Dividend Knight Down 12% I’m Sinking My Teeth Into

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Dividend knights are some of the safest investments, but this one is a top choice while on sale.

Read more »

shoppers in an indoor mall
Dividend Stocks

This 5.7% Dividend Stock Trades at a Rare Discount

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

There are dividend stocks, and then there are valuable dividend growers stock analysts see becoming major growers.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

I’d Consider These 5 Dividend Stocks for a $10,000 Income Portfolio

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Want a perfect portfolio? These dividend stocks are certainly the top choices to consider.

Read more »

Forklift in a warehouse
Dividend Stocks

I’d Put My Entire $7,000 TFSA Contribution Into This Dividend Stock

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This dividend stock dishes out monthly income, remaining an essential stock for every investor.

Read more »

A cannabis plant grows.
Stocks for Beginners

1 Canadian Cannabis Stock Down 57% to Buy Now for Future Growth

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Cannabis stocks might seem so 2018, but this one could eventually make a major comeback.

Read more »

Person uses a tablet in a blurred warehouse as background
Dividend Stocks

I’d Put My Entire TFSA Into This 6% Dividend Giant

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

If you're hoping for income, dividend stocks are the way to go. And this is a top option.

Read more »

shopper chooses vegetables at grocery store
Dividend Stocks

I’d Put $7,000 in This Monthly Dividend Machine for Life

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

If you want monthly income from a dividend stock, you need a company that is one thing: essential.

Read more »

oil pump jack under night sky
Energy Stocks

1 Energetic Canadian Stock Down 43% to Buy and Hold Now

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Don't count out this energy stock, now down 40% in the last year, but starting to climb once more.

Read more »

happy woman throws cash
Dividend Stocks

Beat the TSX With These 3 Cash-Gushing Dividend Stocks

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Create a cash-paying portfolio with these three dividend stocks.

Read more »

Hourglass and stock price chart
Top TSX Stocks

3 Reasons Enbridge Is a Must-Buy for Long-Term Investors

| Demetris Afxentiou

Looking for a must-buy for long-term Investors? This stock offers growth, income, and one of the most defensive operations on…

Read more »

Canadian dollars are printed
Dividend Stocks

How to Use $10,000 to Transform a TFSA Into a Cash-Pumping Portfolio

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Want a TFSA that doesn't give up? Then consider this method, and this stock.

Read more »

concept of real estate evaluation
Dividend Stocks

11.5% Yield! I’m Buying This Dividend Stock and Holding for Decades

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

If you're looking for a dividend stock analysts are eyeing up, then definitely take a look at this option.

Read more »

Woman in private jet airplane
Stocks for Beginners

The Smartest Canadian Stock to Buy With Only $100 Right Now

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Air Canada is one of the top Canadian stocks out there right now, and AC is trading at one amazing…

Read more »

A child pretends to blast off into space.
Energy Stocks

This Energy Titan Paying 8.7% is Practically Giving Money Away

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Want growth from an energy stock, along with dividends, with minimal risk? Then this is the one for you.

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

4 TSX Stocks Worth Adding to Your $7,000 TFSA Right Now

| Robin Brown

If you recently topped up your TFSA with the $7,000 contribution limit increase, here are four TSX stocks that would…

Read more »

A worker overlooks an oil refinery plant.
Dividend Stocks

Want Decades of Passive Income? 3 Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Now

| Demetris Afxentiou

Want to establish decades of passive income from a handful of stocks? Here are three options that can do that…

Read more »

A lake in the shape of a solar, wind and energy storage system in the middle of a lush forest as a metaphor for the concept of clean and organic renewable energy.
Dividend Stocks

Invest $20,000 in This TSX Stock for $1,183.42 in Passive Income

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

If you're hoping to make even more cash from a $20,000 investment, then certainly consider this top dividend stock.

Read more »

oil pump jack under night sky
Energy Stocks

1 Magnificent Canadian Energy Stock Down 38% to Buy and Hold for Decades

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

One of the safest investments in Canada remains within the energy sector, and this stock offers up cash in bulk.

Read more »

3 colorful arrows racing straight up on a black background.
Stocks for Beginners

2 Breakout Growth Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for the Next Decade

| Jitendra Parashar

Buy once, hold for years -- these two breakout stocks are showing the kind of strength that rewards long-term investors.

Read more »

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

I’d Bet My Entire TFSA on This 7.2% Monthly Dividend Stock

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This dividend stock is one of the "smartest" out there for those seeking passive income.

Read more »

voice-recognition-talking-to-a-smartphone
Stocks for Beginners

How to Invest Your First $5,000 in the Stock Market as a Canadian

| Demetris Afxentiou

Investing in the stock market as a Canadian doesn't need to be scary. In fact, it can be a profitable…

Read more »

A shopper makes purchases from an online store.
Tech Stocks

1 Magnificent TSX Stock With Massive Growth Potential Down 32%

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Few tech stocks offer the potential growth that Lightspeed stock provides.

Read more »

monthly desk calendar
Dividend Stocks

A 7.2% Dividend Stock Paying Cash Every Single Month

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This dividend stock pays out constant cash, and investors can use that to make even more!

Read more »

jar with coins and plant
Dividend Stocks

2 Canadian Stocks That Could Turn $15,000 Into $150,000

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

If you want to create some amazing cash, you need dividend stocks to reinvest again and again.

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

The Smartest Canadian Stock to Buy With $300 Right Now

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This dividend stock is a top choice for investors, with analysts loving the look of this future winner.

Read more »

stocks climbing green bull market
Dividend Stocks

Where I’d Invest $10,000 in the TSX Today

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

These are some of the top stocks on the TSX today, with analysts drooling all over them.

Read more »

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Stocks for Beginners

The Best $21,000-TFSA Approach for Canadian Investors

| Demetris Afxentiou

Do you have a TFSA approach? Here's a look at how to make the most of your TFSA, as well…

Read more »

Canada day banner background design of flag
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Canadian Stock to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Analysts love this Canadian stock, not just for its balance sheet, not even for its dividend, but its stable future.

Read more »

A worker uses the cloud for paperless work. tech
Tech Stocks

This Canadian Stock Could Be the Best Investment of the Decade

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Tech stocks can be risky, but this Canadian stock is certainly one that's due to rise higher and higher.

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Stocks for Beginners

I’d Put $7,000 in This Canadian Bank for Decades of Growth and Income

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

If you want the safety of a bank stock as well as the security of growth, this is the one…

Read more »

Printing canadian dollar bills on a print machine
Dividend Stocks

This 11.4% Monthly Dividend Stock is a Cash Flow Machine

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This dividend stock has a super-high yield, but should investors be watching for red flags?

Read more »

a man celebrates his good fortune with a disco ball and confetti
Stocks for Beginners

Where Will Scotiabank Be in 3 Years?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Scotiabank stock has long been a strong bank stock, but what do the next few years look like?

Read more »

A airplane sits on a runway.
Stocks for Beginners

1 Magnificent Canadian Stock Down 27% to Buy and Hold Forever

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This Canadian stock may be down from 52-week highs, but has soared upwards in the last few months.

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

I’d Invest $12,000 in These 3 High-Yield Dividend ETFs for Passive Income

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

These ETFs not only provide you with a portfolio of top options, but high dividends to boot!

Read more »

Doctor talking to a patient in the corridor of a hospital.
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Canadian Stock to Buy With $250 Right Now

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

If you're an investor wanting long-term income for cheap, this dividend stock is a prime option.

Read more »

Investor reading the newspaper
Dividend Stocks

Where I’d Invest $7,000 in the TSX Today

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

If you're hoping for long-term growth from the TSX today, then this is where you need to look.

Read more »