Investing your money can help you reach your future goals, but you’ll need to do some homework first.

• Set some financial goals. Start with the Investment Planning Worksheet to help you look at your current situation. This is also key information to share with an adviser.
  
• Decide what’s important to you as an investor. How much risk are you wiling to take? Take the Risk Comfort Level quiz to find out.
  
• How much do you know about investing? Check your investment knowledge with these quizzes and read the Basics of Investing to help you get started.
  
• Keep track of your investments. Use investorED.ca’s Understanding Your Account Statement tool to help cut through the jargon.

Keep in mind that your financial priorities will change as you do. For some ideas on how to adjust your plan, read this article at investorED.ca.

Never invest in anything you don’t fully understand.

• Find out everything you can about an investment before you commit. Read Researching your Investments to help make sense of the different financial documents available.
  
• Understand the types of risks associated with your investment. Read through investorED.ca’s Kinds of Investments to learn more.
  
• Find out what fees are associated with your investment. Investing in mutual funds? Try the Mutual Fund Fee Calculator to see how fees might impact your investment over time.
  
• Always beware of investment fraud. Learn about Recognizing Frauds and Scams and read through the Investment Fraud Checklist to help protect your money. Don’t think it could happen to you? Try the Fraud and Scam Quizzes on investorED.ca.

Take your time making investment decisions and always read documents carefully before signing them.

The OSC regulates Ontario’s capital markets. We strive to protect investors from unfair, improper and fraudulent practices while fostering a fair and efficient marketplace. We don’t provide legal or financial advice, but we do offer resources to help you get informed.

• Our free brochures on a range of investing topics can help you learn more about investing and how specific investments work.
  
• OSC Staff are available to answer your questions through our toll-free inquiries line : 1-877-785-1555.
  
• In 2000, we established the Investor Education Fund to provide educational resources for investors that are practical, understandable and timely. Visit www.investorED.ca to learn more about topics like understanding investments, dealing with your adviser, and financial planning. The Fund also sponsors programs to support teachers, students, and other groups that need access to financial information.

Do you suspect a scam? Let us know. Call the OSC toll-free at 1-877-785-1555 or send an e-mail to inquiries@osc.gov.on.ca.