Your All-in-One Canadian Financial Dictionary
Equities
Investments like stocks that represent ownership in a company. Their value can go up or down over time.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETF)
An investment that lets you buy a mix of stocks, bonds, or other assets in one purchase. Instead of buying many investments individually, an ETF gives you a ready-made basket that can help spread risk and simplify investing.
Expenses
All the money you spend. This includes recurring expenses (like rent and subscriptions) and everyday spending (like groceries and transportation).
Financial institution
Any place that manages money, like banks, credit unions, or online financial services.
Financial planning
A step-by-step approach to managing your money so you can reach your goals, like buying a home, investing, or retiring comfortably.
Financing
Using borrowed money (like a loan or credit) to pay for something now and repay it over time.
First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
An FHSA is an account designed to help first-time home buyers save for a home. You can receive tax benefits when you contribute, and eligible withdrawals for your first home can be made tax-free.
Fixed rate
An interest rate that stays the same for a set period, so your payments don’t change.
Fixed-income fund
An investment that focuses on steady income, usually by holding bonds. It’s generally more stable but grows slower than stocks.
Fixed-rate mortgage
A mortgage where your interest rate and payments stay the same during the term. It gives you predictability, even if rates rise.