Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are made up of a pool of funds collected from many investors for the purpose of investing in securities such as stocks, bonds, money market instruments and similar assets. Mutual funds are operated by money managers, who invest the fund's capital and attempt to produce capital gains and income for the fund's investors.

One of the main advantages of mutual funds is that they give small investors access to professionally managed, diversified portfolios of equities, bonds and other securities, which would be quite difficult (if not impossible) to create with a small amount of capital.

Features & Benefits

• Professionally managed
• Portfolio diversification
• Lower investment costs
• Market accessibility

Stocks

Stocks offer an investor greater portfolio diversification. This is a type of security that signifies ownership in a corporation and represents a claim on part of the corporation's assets and earnings. Stocks are often referred to as "shares" or "equity".

There are two main types of stock

• Common
• Preferred

Common stock usually entitles the owner to vote at shareholders' meetings and to receive dividends.

Preferred stock generally does not have voting rights, but has a higher claim on assets and earnings than the common shares.

Features & Benefits

• Portfolio diversification
• Lower tax rate through capital gains and dividends
• Long-term capital growth
• Tax deferral

Bonds

A bond is an investment where an investor loans money to an entity such as a government or corporation that borrows the funds for a defined period of time at a fixed interest rate. Bonds are used by companies, municipalities, provinces, federal government and foreign governments to finance a variety of projects and activities.

Bonds are commonly referred to as fixed-income securities. 

Features & Benefits

• High yields can enhance your income
• Capital appreciation
• Security
• Portfolio diversification

Segregated Funds

Segregated funds offer an investor unique features and benefits. This type of investment fund is administered by Canadian insurance companies in the form of individual contracts offering certain guarantees to the policyholder, such as reimbursement of capital upon death.

Segregated funds combine the growth potential of a mutual fund with the security of a life insurance policy. Segregated funds are often referred to as "mutual funds with an insurance policy wrapper".

Features & Benefits

• Lifetime income option
• Death benefit
• Growth potential
• Security of a life insurance policy
• Named beneficiaries

Term Deposits

A term deposit is a secure investment option - suitable for conservative investors who want guaranteed returns. Investors can usually choose redeemable or non-redeemable terms; however, the rate of return may vary.

Features & Benefits

• Available for terms from 30 days - 5 years
• Interest rates are guaranteed for length of term
• Competitive rates
• Interest is paid annually or at maturity
• Funds are invested back into your community
• Investment is safe and secure
• Available as registered (RRSP, TFSA, RRIF, RESP) or non-registered