First decide whether all $10,000 should be invested
Money needed for rent, tuition, a home purchase soon or an emergency fund should not be treated like long-term stock-market money. Separate short-term cash from long-term investments before choosing a brokerage.
Choose the account before the investment
TFSA, RRSP and non-registered accounts have different tax treatment and contribution rules. The right order depends on income, employer benefits and goals. Check your own contribution room rather than guessing.
Keep the portfolio easier than the app
A brokerage can offer options, margin, advanced charts and thousands of securities. That does not mean a beginner needs them. A diversified low-cost ETF portfolio can be easier to understand and maintain than a collection of individual stock ideas.
Broker choice: focus on the costs you will actually create
In 2026, several Canadian digital brokers advertise $0 stock/ETF commissions, so the comparison has shifted toward foreign-exchange costs, USD account handling, registered accounts, options pricing, research tools and usability.
What I would do after the first $10,000
The next contribution matters more than whether the first purchase was made on Tuesday or Friday. Set a contribution schedule you can maintain, review the portfolio occasionally, and increase contributions when your income rises rather than constantly changing strategy.