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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

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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%…

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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?”

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Recent Stocks for Beginners News

Board Game, Chess, Chess Board, Chess Piece, Hand
Energy Stocks

Investors: Should You Dump Fortis Stock and Buy This Dividend Knight Instead?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Fortis is the steadier “sleep-well” utility, while Emera can offer more yield and growth but with more moving parts.

Read more »

A bull and bear face off.
Energy Stocks

Why Is Everyone Talking About Cenovus Energy Stock all of a Sudden?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Cenovus is back in the headlines because a potential $3 billion asset sale could quickly change its debt story.

Read more »

pig shows concept of sustainable investing
Stocks for Beginners

Is Bank of Nova Scotia Stock a Buy for Its Dividend Yield?

| Demetris Afxentiou

Is Bank of Nova Scotia a buy for its dividend? It is one of the big bank stocks with growth…

Read more »

Piggy bank on a flying rocket
Stocks for Beginners

1 Canadian Stock Ready to Surge in 2026

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

A copper comeback stock is flashing momentum, strong cash flow, and a 2026 project catalyst that could drive another leg…

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

TFSA Gold: 2 Dividend Stocks to Lock in Now for Decades of Income

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

These two energy dividends could feel like “TFSA gold” as they’re built on free cash flow, not hype.

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space ship model takes off
Tech Stocks

2 Superb Canadian Stocks Set to Surge Into 2026

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Two TSX stocks have already surged, but their 2026 upside could still come from real backlogs and long-term energy demand.

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Stocks for Beginners

This 7% Dividend Stock Pays Out Every Month Like Clockwork

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This 7%-yield monthly payer gets paid from royalties, not drilling, which can make the income stream feel simpler and steadier.

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Canada day banner background design of flag
Dividend Stocks

The (Only!) Canadian Stock I’d Trust for the Next 10 Years

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Brookfield looks like a “hold-for-a-decade” compounder because its fee engine keeps growing, even when markets are messy.

Read more »

doctor uses telehealth
Dividend Stocks

6.5% Yield: Is NorthWest REIT’s Dividend Safe?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

NorthWest’s dividend looks safer than last year because cash flow coverage improved, but debt and refinancing still matter.

Read more »

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Stocks for Beginners

Set and Forget: The 4 Stocks That Can Kickstart Any Long-Term Portfolio

| Demetris Afxentiou

Are you looking to build a long-term portfolio? Here’s a look at four stellar options to buy now and hold…

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woman checks off all the boxes
Stocks for Beginners

The CRA Is Watching: What TFSA Holders Need to Know

| Puja Tayal

Discover the secrets of TFSA investing. Protect your wealth while enjoying tax-free withdrawals and savings growth.

Read more »

Lights glow in a cityscape at night.
Stocks for Beginners

1 Canadian REIT Offering an Outstanding Yield

| Demetris Afxentiou

REITs offer investors a unique way to invest in real estate without many of the associated costs. This Canadian REIT…

Read more »

Woman checking her computer and holding coffee cup
Energy Stocks

Is Parex Resources a Buy Today for its 8% Dividend Yield?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This 8%-yield oil stock can be generous, but the yield exists because the market demands a Colombia risk premium.

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing the Registered Retirement Savings Plan
Tech Stocks

Got $10,000? Should You Invest in an RRSP or TFSA

| Puja Tayal

Thinking about an RRSP? Discover how investing can lead to significant tax savings and impact your retirement planning.

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Stocks for Beginners

3 TFSA Hacks to Build a $1 Million Tax-Free Nest Egg

| Puja Tayal

Unlock the power of a TFSA to build your financial future. Learn how to maximize your savings without tax implications.

Read more »

a person watches stock market trades
Stocks for Beginners

If I Could Only Buy 2 Stocks in 2026, These Would Be My Top Picks

| Jitendra Parashar

I believe these two top TSX-listed stocks deserve a place in a simple and disciplined portfolio in 2026 and beyond.

Read more »

Young adult concentrates on laptop screen
Stocks for Beginners

Beginner Investors: 6 Top Canadian Stocks for 2026

| Robin Brown

Want to start investing in Canadian stocks in 2026? Here are six quality stocks for a new investor's portfolio.

Read more »

woman checks off all the boxes
Stocks for Beginners

Buying a Stock for the First Time? Review Buffett’s Non-Negotiable Checklist

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Newbie investors can benefit by checking Warren Buffett’s non-negotiable checklist before buying stocks.

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House models and one with REIT real estate investment trust.
Dividend Stocks

A Terrific TFSA Stock Paying 4% Each Month

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This monthly-paying apartment REIT trades far below its reported asset value, giving TFSA investors income plus potential recovery upside.

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

4 Canadian Stocks to Hold for the Next Decade

| Robin Brown

Do you have a long investment horizon? Check out these four top Canadian stocks that would be worth holding for…

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Stocks for Beginners

Here’s the Average TFSA and RRSP for a 40-Year-Old in Canada

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

At 40, the “average” TFSA and RRSP balances are lower than you think, and a consistent compounder can help you…

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ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

The Ideal TFSA Stock: A 7.5% Yield Paying Constant Cash

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This 7.5%-yield monthly payer looks great in a TFSA, but you need to know what’s really funding the cheque.

Read more »

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Dividend Stocks

This 7.7% Dividend Stock Pays Every. Single. Month.

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This 7.7%-yield monthly REIT gets paid by grocery shoppers, not market hype, which can make TFSA income feel steadier.

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

What’s the Average TFSA Balance at Age 30 in Canada?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

If you’re 30 with a small TFSA, the CRA numbers show most people still have lots of room to catch…

Read more »

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

3 Reliable Dividend Stocks to Lean On in Uncertain Times

| Demetris Afxentiou

Investing in reliable dividend stocks can provide a stable income and protection from market volatility.

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Safety helmets and gloves hang from a rack on a mining site.
Stocks for Beginners

Telus Stock Has a Nice Yield, But This Dividend Stock Looks Safer

| Demetris Afxentiou

Telus is widely regarded as a great dividend stock for investors. But with the recent freeze, does that opinion still…

Read more »

a man relaxes with his feet on a pile of books
Stocks for Beginners

The Only 2 Canadian Stocks Investors Will Ever Need

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

These two Brookfield stocks give you a “buy and forget” TFSA pairing that compounds through fee growth and long-life assets.

Read more »

the word REIT is an acronym for real estate investment trust
Stocks for Beginners

Got $1,000? 3 REITs to Buy and Hold Forever

| Demetris Afxentiou

Looking for some REITs to buy and hold? This trio offers stable income, long-term growth appeal, and durable real estate…

Read more »

Muscles Drawn On Black board
Dividend Stocks

1 Canadian Dividend I’d Depend on for a Decade

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This dividend “quiet compounder” has surged lately, but its real appeal is steady payouts backed by multiple financial engines.

Read more »

chatting concept
Dividend Stocks

3 Must-Have Blue-Chip Stocks for Canadian Investors

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

These three Canadian blue-chip dividends aim to keep paying through ugly markets, so your TFSA income plan can stay steady.

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Stocks for Beginners

3 Bank Stocks Delivering Decades of Dividends

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

These three Canadian banks pair long dividend histories with different strengths, so you can pick the flavour that fits you.

Read more »

dividends grow over time
Stocks for Beginners

2 TSX Giants to Buy for the Next 20 Years

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Two TSX giants can make holding for 20 years feel simpler by combining steady cash flow with a hedge against…

Read more »

rising arrow with flames
Stocks for Beginners

2 Canadian Stocks Supercharged to Surge in 2026

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Two Canadian stocks look positioned for a 2026 “restart,” with real catalysts beyond January seasonality.

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Stocks for Beginners

5 TSX Stocks to Hold for the Next Decade

| Kay Ng

These stocks are here to stay and grow. Investors should consider accumulating shares on market pullbacks.

Read more »

Piggy bank on a flying rocket
Stocks for Beginners

Where to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution for Long-Term Gains

| Demetris Afxentiou

Looking for where to allocate your TFSA contribution? Here are two options to direct that $7,000 where it will give…

Read more »

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

3 Top TFSA Stocks for Canadian Investors to Buy Now

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

These three TFSA stocks blend growth, dividends, and recession resistance, giving you a simple long-term “buy and hold” shortlist.

Read more »

The RRSP (Canadian Registered Retirement Savings Plan) is a smart way to save and invest for the future
Dividend Stocks

The Average RRSP at 40 Isn’t Enough: Here’s How to Boost it

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

If you’re 40 and feel behind, the average RRSP balance is only $49,014, so a consistent plan can still catch…

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resting in a hammock with eyes closed
Dividend Stocks

Yes, a 3.5% Dividend Yield Is Enough to Generate Massive Passive Income

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This “boring” TSX dividend stock has quietly surged, and its next earnings report could change expectations again.

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Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

Got $14,000? Here’s How to Structure a TFSA for Lifelong Monthly Income

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Turn a “small” $14,000 TFSA deposit into steady, tax-free monthly cash by picking resilient REITs, not just high yields.

Read more »

diversification is an important part of building a stable portfolio
Stocks for Beginners

Here Are My Top Canadian Stocks to Buy for 2026

| Robin Brown

Here are four Canadian stocks I plan to buy in 2026 and hold for the years ahead.

Read more »