As was discussed in the “Focus on Investors” panel at this year’s ASC Connect conference, the way Canadians invest and how they think about building long-term wealth is changing faster than ever. Younger investors are entering the market earlier and relying on digital tools to guide their decisions, while older Canadians are adjusting how they manage retirement income as life expectancies, and living and care costs, continue to grow.
Environmental changes reshaping investor needs
To understand why investor behaviour is shifting across age groups, it’s important to look at the broader pressures shaping Canadians’ financial decisions. Canadians are living longer, working later in life, and facing higher costs in areas like healthcare, housing, and caregiving, all of which are stretching financial plans further than previous generations expected.
Traditional assumptions about retirement, owning a paid-off home, living debt-free, and relying primarily on pensions no longer hold true for many people. And these pressures aren’t limited to just older Canadians. Rising living costs, economic uncertainty, and competing financial priorities are affecting younger investors too. As a result, many are turning to DIY investing much earlier than previous generations as a way to reach their financial goals, both short- and long-term.
At the same time, many younger Canadians— with limited investing experience—are about to receive the largest transfer of wealth in Canadian history. Over the next two decades, an estimated $1 to $2 trillion will move from baby boomers to younger generations. For many recipients, this will be their first major exposure to managing significant assets or investment portfolios.
Handled well, this wealth has the potential to strengthen financial security for individuals, families and communities. But if unknowing investors allow these assets to flow into speculative trends, online hype, or fraudulent opportunities, the consequences could be costly. As longevity, rising costs, the growth of DIY investing, and the unprecedented wealth transfer reshape financial realities, Canadians of all ages need the knowledge and skills to evaluate opportunities, manage risk, and recognize the warning signs of fraud. Protecting your money in today’s environment means understanding not just how to invest but how to invest wisely.
These pressures affect younger and older investors differently, but they all encourage more independent decision-making, often before they have the knowledge needed to navigate these decisions confidently.
Technology is changing how people start and stay invested
Technology has become the primary tool helping Canadians adapt and make investing more accessible. The rise of fintech platforms and mobile tools has lowered barriers, and investors can now open accounts in minutes, buy fractional shares, or access automated portfolios, all from their phones.
These technological shifts affect both younger and older investors. It enables younger investors to enter the market more easily, while also supporting older investors who increasingly rely on digital tools to manage and extend their retirement income.
More Canadians are choosing different tools to invest
Investors are stepping away from traditional channels that provide more advice, and they are embracing digital platforms that promise accessibility, control and cost savings. Many prefer to pay less fees, and to learn by doing, opening accounts, making trades and gaining confidence through experience enabled by easy-to-use apps and online brokerages. Online brokerage accounts, investing apps and financial content on social media have become part of their financial toolkit.
This trend isn’t inherently negative; in fact, it demonstrates curiosity and initiative. But it also underscores the importance of education. Without proper guidance, investors who rely solely on online sources or “finfluencers” may be exposed to unnecessary risk, misinformation, or even fraud. The growth of DIY investing highlights a broader challenge: helping Canadians distinguish between trustworthy financial information and persuasive marketing disguised as advice.
Building financial confidence
As more people invest, the responsibility to understand the risks, market volatility, and fees becomes increasingly essential. Technology accelerates investor engagement, making it even more crucial that we all have access to the knowledge needed to invest wisely. Whether you are just starting or updating your retirement plan, a strong foundation of financial education can help you make informed choices, protect your savings, and stay confident in today’s fast-moving environment.
Establishing lasting, effective investing habits requires a mix of early education, timely learning, and ongoing awareness. Whether you choose to manage your own portfolio, work with an advisor, or do both, starting with a solid investing foundation and access to unbiased, trustworthy information is key to keeping your investments safe.
In today’s fast-moving market, protecting and growing your financial nest egg requires informed decision-making. Knowing how to research investments, check registration, and recognize scams isn’t just good practice; it’s essential. CheckFirst.ca provides Albertans with the tools to do exactly that.
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