New here?
Two ways to begin
The same material, put in order. Pick the track that sounds like you and work down the list — each step links to where it’s covered.
I'm new to Canada
The money admin nobody hands you at the airport — in the right order.
- 01SIN, phone, and your first bank accountWeek one. Everything else unblocks from here.
- 02Build a credit history from zeroSecured cards, how reporting works, common traps.
- 03Your first Canadian tax returnCRA MyAccount, the newcomer rules, credits people miss.
- 04Then: the fundamentalsEmergency fund, budget, accounts, investing — the track below.
I want my money in order
The fundamentals, in the sequence that actually works.
- 01Emergency fund & a simple budget3–6 months of expenses in a HISA; 50/30/20 for the rest.
- 02Clear high-interest debtCredit cards first. Avalanche unless the small win keeps you going.
- 03RRSP / TFSA / FHSA, decidedWhich account, in which order, for your situation.
- 04Your first $1,000 in index fundsOne broad ETF, automatic contributions, then leave it alone.