Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Oct 5, 2022

Image: Pixabay/Geralt
Most people want to grow their finances by investing in a profitable business or trade. There are countless businesses that anyone can do, ranging from offline to online businesses. For example, if you prefer trading via forex brokers, you’d be investing your finances as an online trader. Investing in any business requires patience, skills, and financial management to succeed. The complexities of the different markets and trading conditions greatly influence profitability, so it is necessary to consider your choices carefully. Here, you’ll learn five ways to invest your finances and manage your investments safely and remain profitable.
Forex trading is a popular way to grow your finances by buying, selling, or exchanging currencies on the global market. Profits are possible due to the differences in the price of currencies. Forex trading is the easiest way to invest today because anyone can trade forex comfortably on any compatible internet-enabled device. The forex market is regulated in each country to ensure safety and fairness to consumers. Forex traders have the advantage of liquidity and access to many currencies to trade. Volatility is the primary factor in the profitability of forex trading and an important consideration when investing your finances in trading. Forex volatility is controlled and ‘healthy’ for traders, no matter their trading appetite. Although the forex market is regulated, traders can analyze charts and follow fundamental news to manage their trades better. To trade forex, first get forex education, register with a licensed broker, and start trading.
Cryptocurrencies are virtual or digital assets introduced in the last decade. They have become popular assets for investors seeking to grow their finances. Crypto trading involves spot trading and buying assets to hold. There are over 1000 cryptocurrencies today, but only a considerably smaller number have enough liquidity for trading. The crypto market is also known for its high volatility and price fluctuations. Although crypto trading has the potential for huge profits, crypto traders are aware of the drawdown of sudden price reversals. Regulation is another big issue in crypto trading. Cryptocurrencies are unregulated in most countries, and traders have little control over certain crucial aspects. The limitation of cryptocurrencies, where only one crypto asset may exist on a blockchain (as the native token), may lead to only one cryptocurrency dominating the market. That’s a critical difference between the forex and crypto markets.
Real estate investments increased in recent years as investors looked to hedge against inflation. The critical advantage of real estate investment is that housing prices always increase, especially during inflation. There are five ways to invest in real estate; commercial real estate, flipping, lease, crowdfunding, and investment trusts. Although it is relatively safer for investment, real estate carries significant drawbacks; investors must carefully choose a property with profit potential to ensure that their assets are safely managed. Another advantage of real estate is that they yield monthly and annual profits that investors can “cash out upfront.”

Image: Pixabay/Evgeny
Mutual funds describe the pooling of funds by investors to invest in an asset, instrument, or financial market. Money managers usually manage mutual funds for investors who aim to profit from the pooled funds. Pooling funds allow investors with varying capitals to participate in trading in proportion to their investments. A bond fund, sometimes known as a debt fund, is a pooled investment vehicle that primarily invests in bonds to produce monthly income for its clients. There are different types of bonds: government, municipal, corporate, convertible, and other debt securities, including mortgage-backed securities (MBS). Mutual funds and bonds are popular for investors seeking to grow their finances. Bonds, especially government bonds, are usually safer but have lower returns. Mortgage-backed securities carry significant drawbacks but are relatively secure for investments.
Stock trading is easily the oldest financial market, for over four centuries. It entails purchasing and selling stocks or shares of publicly-traded companies via the stock market. Individuals can also invest in stock trading via brokers or over-the-counter marketplaces regulated by the appropriate authority, usually a securities and exchange regulator. The stock market has high liquidity and controlled volatility to protect consumers. Investors can also buy stocks of different companies to receive dividends, which are regular payments made to stockholders in proportion to their shares. While many investors prefer the latter option, spot and futures trading are famous for trading stocks. Investors must carefully analyze the stocks they want to trade to maximize their investments and protect their capital.
Most investors have a preferred financial market and assets. For example, investors looking for low rewards may go for government bonds and mutual funds, but investors with high-profit appetites may invest in the forex market or cryptocurrencies. Your choice depends on your capital, personal preference, and knowledge. Although financial trading works on the same principle, you need specific knowledge of markets to become a successful trader. Go for a market such as a forex market with a controlled volatility, government regulation, and a wide range of currencies to trade. Apply trading principles such as portfolio diversification to maximize your trading performance.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Investment Executive | Greg Meckbach | Sep 16, 2022

Image: 123RF
Open banking — available in Britain but not yet in Canada — is when a financial institution shares client account details (with consent) with a third party, without the client having to share their login name and password. In 2021, a government-appointed advisory committee recommended that open banking be up and running by January 2023.
In the committee’s proposed initial phase, third-party service providers (such as fintechs) should be able to read data from clients’ chequing and savings accounts, investments accounts, RRSPs, TFSAs and non-registered accounts that hold stocks, bonds, mutual funds and GICs, the committee said in its final report. Open banking should be mandatory for federally regulated banks and optional for provincially regulated institutions and “other entities,” the report added.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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CNBC | Chelsey Cox | Sep 15, 2022

Image: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio
Mike Taiano, senior director of Fitch Ratings:
“Though not a surprise, the CFPB’s report portends more intense regulatory scrutiny at a time when Buy-Now-Pay-Later faces increasing headwinds in the form of rising funding costs, weaker credit performance, and heightened competition"
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Sep 14, 2022

Image: Pexels/Mikhail Nilov
When it comes to home ownership, there are a lot of things to consider to keep your home in tip-top shape. Being a homeowner can be expensive from regular maintenance and repairs to unanticipated emergencies. One way to help offset the costs of unexpected repairs is to purchase a home warranty.
A home warranty is a service contract that helps cover the costs of repairing or replacing major appliances and systems should they break down due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties are not the same as homeowners insurance, which covers damages caused by events like fires, floods, and theft.
If you're considering purchasing a home warranty, here are some important things to keep in mind.
One of the most important things to consider when getting a home warranty is what exactly is covered. Most home warranties will cover major systems like heating, cooling, and plumbing, as well as appliances like your fridge, oven, dishwasher, washer, and dryer. Some home warranties will also cover things like your pool, septic tank, or well pump.
Be sure to read the fine print of your contract so you know exactly what's covered and what's not. It's also important to note that home warranties typically have a list of exclusions, so certain repairs or replacements may not be covered.
For example, many home warranties exclude pre-existing conditions or damages resulting from a lack of maintenance. So, if your fridge breaks down because you didn't clean the coils, or your AC unit stops working because you forgot to change the filter, your home warranty likely won't cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Aside from coverage, you also have to consider the waiting period. There are home warranty companies with no waiting period, but most companies make you wait 30-60 days after your home warranty contract goes into effect before coverage begins. So, if something breaks during that waiting period, you'll have to pay out of pocket for the repairs or replacement.
The cost of a home warranty varies depending on several factors, including the size of your home, the age of your home, and what's included in your home warranty plan. Most home warranty plans start at around $350 per year but can go up to $600 or more.
Some home warranty companies also charge a service fee every time you file a claim, which is typically between $50 and $100. So, the costs can add up if you have to use your home warranty multiple times in a year.
It's also important to note that home warranties typically have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in. Deductibles can range from $100 to $200, so be sure to factor that into your budget when considering a home warranty.
It's important to understand the difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance, as they serve two very different purposes. Homeowners insurance protects your home and belongings in the event of damage or loss due to events like fires, floods, and theft. On the other hand, home warranties help cover the costs of repairing or replacing major appliances and systems should they break down due to normal wear and tear.
In short, homeowners insurance covers damages caused by external factors beyond your control, while home warranties cover repairs and replacements needed due to normal wear and tear.
When choosing a home warranty company, it's important to research to ensure you're getting a good deal. Here are a few things to look for:
• Affordable plans: Make sure your chosen company offers plans that fit your budget.
• High-quality customer service: Read reviews to see what other customers have to say about the company's customer service. You want to ensure you're working with a company that will be responsive and helpful if you need to file a claim.
• Flexible coverage: Choose a company that offers flexible coverage so you can tailor your plan to your specific needs.
• Clear contract: Be sure to read the fine print of your contract so you understand what's covered and what's not.

Image: Pexels/Rodnae Productions
A home warranty can be a helpful way to protect your finances in the event that something goes wrong with your home's major appliances or systems. But it's important to research to ensure you're getting a good deal from a reputable company. Be sure to read the fine print of your contract so you know exactly what's covered, and look for a company that offers affordable plans and high-quality customer service.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Reuters via yahoo finance | | Sep 7, 2022
TORONTO (Reuters) - In a country where the Big Six banks control 80% mortgage market share, Canada's smaller lenders are making some rare headway after the Bank of Canada's sudden and sharp interest rate increases this year raised the bar to qualify for home loans. The Bank of Canada has so far this year increased rates by 300 basis points, including Wednesday's 75 basis-point hike. That has lifted the minimum qualifying rate for the biggest banks' mortgages, set by regulator OSFI, reducing the amounts borrowers can access and leading some of them to seek alternatives.
Pippa Nutt, chief marketing and member solutions officer at DUCA Financial:
We're seeing a lot more rate shoppers, so we're seeing a lot more inquiries, which has seen a 300% increase in loan growth in June from the previous year, and 27% from the prior month.
Mark Ostland, director, mobile experience, at Meridian Credit Union:
We're certainly seeing more people come over saying, 'I'm good, I'm OK, but I failed the stress test'. Their financial profile may (still) be strong.
The Canadian Press via Global News | Sep 7, 2022

Image: Unsplash/Alice Pasquale
Canadians are increasingly vulnerable to “payment shock” as higher household debt levels collide with oversized interest rate hikes.
“Anything that has a variable rate attached to it, like the lines of credit, we’re going to see a huge payment shock,” he says. “Everything is more expensive — buying groceries, heating your home, the basics — and now servicing your debt will cost more too.”
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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