Important Disclaimer

We strive to make our calculators as accurate as possible using the latest official data from the CRA and provincial sources. However, this calculator is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax rules are complex and may not reflect your exact situation. By using this calculator, you agree that results are estimates only. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment or tax decisions.

Investment Fee Comparison Calculator

Compare how different investment fees impact your long-term returns and see the true cost of higher fees.

Calculator Inputs

Initial Investment CAD The amount you're starting with

Monthly Contribution CAD Amount you'll add each month

Investment Period years How long you plan to invest

Expected Annual Return % Expected annual return before fees (e.g., 7% for stock market average)

Fee Scenario 1 % Lower fee option (e.g., 1% for low-cost ETFs)

Fee Scenario 2 % Higher fee option (e.g., 2% for managed funds)

Growth Comparison

Enter your values and click compare to see the chart

Year-by-Year Comparison

Year	Scenario 1	Scenario 2	Difference
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Understanding Investment Fees

Investment fees, also known as Management Expense Ratios (MERs), are annual fees charged by investment companies to manage your money. Even small differences in fees can have a massive impact on your long-term returns due to compound interest.

Why Fees Matter:

Fees are charged annually on your entire portfolio balance
Higher fees reduce your net returns, which compounds over time
A 1% difference in fees can cost you tens of thousands over decades
Lower fees don't necessarily mean lower returns

Canadian Context:

Canadian investors can access low-cost ETFs with fees as low as 0.05-0.20%, while traditional mutual funds often charge 1.5-2.5%. This calculator shows you exactly how much those fee differences cost over time.