The Canadian Money Roadmap Don’t Get Ripped Off: Understanding Canadian Investment Fees
Nov 26, 2025
Many Canadians are unaware of the high investment fees they might be overpaying. The discussion covers breaking down MERs, understanding mutual funds versus ETFs, and discerning what advice is genuinely worth the cost. Listeners are guided on how to spot red flags in fee structures and learn about transparent F-class funds. The episode emphasizes the importance of evaluating whether the fees align with the services received, plus strategies for finding trustworthy advisors and the potential of DIY investing.
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MERs Are Backward‑Looking
- MERs report past expenses and are backward-looking, not forecasts of future fees.
- Management fee changes can take about a year to show up in reported MERs.
Verify What The MER Actually Includes
- Check whether the MER includes a trailing commission or service fee for implementation and advice.
- Ask if you are actually receiving meaningful advice before paying for bundled service fees.
Don't Pay For Advice You Don't Get
- If you're paying for advice, confirm you actually get personalized financial planning and a known advisor.
- If the advisor doesn't know you or provide a plan, transfer the account to a better fit.