Your Future Self Is Begging You to Read This Before You Put Off Investing Again
Take Care of Tomorrow by Investing Today.
If you’ve ever looked at your bank account and thought, “I should have started sooner,” you’re in good company. Most Canadians feel the same way—whether it was missing the early Bitcoin boom, watching Toronto condos double in price, or wishing they had topped up their RRSP in their twenties.
Here’s the hard truth: yesterday was the perfect time to start investing. But here’s the good news: the second-best time is today.
Why Time Is Your Greatest Asset
Money has power—but only if you give it time to work. That’s the magic of compound growth. Every dollar invested has the chance to earn returns, and those returns, in turn, start earning more returns.
Think of it like planting a tree:
The earlier you plant it, the taller and stronger it grows.
Wait too long, and you’ll spend years playing catch-up.
Let’s look at a real Canadian example.
If you invest $500 a month starting at age 25, by 65 you’ll have roughly $1.2 million (assuming a 7% average annual return).
Start at 35, and you’ll end up with just $567,000.
That 10-year delay cost you over $600,000. That’s the price of waiting.
Why Canadians Delay (and Why You Shouldn’t)
Despite knowing that investing earlier is better, most Canadians don’t act on it. A 2023 Scotiabank survey found that three in five Canadians admit they don’t have an investment plan. Another BMO study revealed that only 44% of Canadians contribute to their TFSA annually, and fewer than 30% max it out.
Why the hesitation?
“I don’t have enough money.” But even $100/month can grow into tens of thousands over time.
“Markets are too volatile.” Yet history shows that markets trend upward despite short-term dips.
“I’ll start later when I earn more.” Later usually never comes—and inflation eats away at your cash while you wait.
The problem isn’t timing the market—it’s time in the market.
Inflation Is Eating Away at “Safe” Money
Leaving cash in your chequing or savings account feels safe, but it’s actually the riskiest move of all. Why? Inflation.
In Canada, inflation averaged 3.6% annually over the past three years. That means your dollar is shrinking faster than a snowbank in April.
A $1,000 emergency fund in 2021 has the buying power of just $900 today.
If inflation averages even 2% annually, your money loses half its value in 35 years.
Investing isn’t just about building wealth—it’s about protecting it from erosion.
Investing Today Buys You Freedom Tomorrow
It’s not about chasing the hottest stock or hitting the jackpot. It’s about freedom.
Freedom from stress. Knowing your retirement won’t depend on government pensions.
Freedom of choice. Being able to switch careers, travel, or help your kids with tuition.
Freedom of time. Retiring when you want—not when the government tells you.
Every dollar invested today is a little piece of tomorrow’s freedom.
Where Should Canadians Start?
If you’re ready to start today, here are the most powerful places to begin:
1. TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account)
Your gains—capital growth, dividends, and interest—are tax-free.
2025 contribution limit: $7,500, lifetime room up to $102,500 (if you were 18 in 2009).
Perfect for short and long-term goals.
2. RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan)
Contributions lower your taxable income today.
Growth is tax-deferred until withdrawal.
Ideal for high earners who want to reduce taxes now and pay later when income is lower.
3. FHSA (First Home Savings Account)
Launched in 2023, lets you save $8,000/year (up to $40,000 total) tax-free for your first home.
Contributions are tax-deductible like an RRSP, withdrawals tax-free like a TFSA.
4. RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan)
Not just for kids—for your kids. The government matches 20% of contributions (up to $500/year).
$36,000 in contributions can become $50,000+ with grants and growth.
The Myth of the “Perfect Time”
A common trap is waiting for the “right time” to invest. Canadians often sit on the sidelines, telling themselves they’ll start after the next market crash, after rates fall, or after they get a raise.
But here’s what history shows:
If you invested in the S&P/TSX Composite Index in January 2000 and held through 2020, you’d have earned about 6% annually—despite two recessions, a housing crisis, and a global pandemic.
If you tried to “time it” and missed just the 10 best days in that 20-year span, your returns would be cut nearly in half.
Lesson: the best investors don’t wait for perfect timing—they just start and stay consistent.
Don’t DIY Unless You Love Stress
Yes, you can open a brokerage account and start investing on your own. But research shows most Canadians lack the confidence or discipline to stay consistent. According to FP Canada, 62% of Canadians say money is their #1 source of stress.
That’s where working with a financial advisor pays off. Studies show Canadians who work with an advisor accumulate 3x more wealth than those who don’t, largely because of better planning, smarter tax strategies, and behavioural coaching (sticking to the plan when markets wobble).
How to Take Action Today
The smartest move isn’t trying to outsmart the market—it’s finding the right guide. A qualified Canadian financial advisor can help you:
Build a personalized financial plan.
Optimize your TFSA, RRSP, RESP, and FHSA contributions.
Balance growth and safety so you can sleep at night.
Stay on track through good times and bad.
And the best part? You don’t need to pay upfront to get started.
Final Thought: Yesterday Is Gone. Today Is Wide Open.
Yes, yesterday would’ve been better. But regret doesn’t compound—your investments do.
If you want to take care of tomorrow, the only move that matters is taking action today. Even small, consistent steps will transform your financial future.
👉 Visit SmartAdvisor.ca to connect with Canada’s top financial advisors and get a free portfolio evaluation and free financial plan—with no obligation.
Your future self will thank you for planting the tree today.
Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.