Top Inspired Investor Articles of 2021: A Year of Uncertainty ⁠— and Hope

As investors, you'd think we'd come to accept – even expect – uncertainty. But were any of us truly prepared for 2021? Looking back at some of our most popular articles this year, we're reminded that volatility continued to define the stock markets and eventually spread to global supply chains. Inflation rates soared to mar a burgeoning economic recovery. Post-election tensions in the U.S. culminated in the storming of the U.S. Capitol, which Canadians had hardly stopped talking about before voting in a snap election of our own.

But we got through it, didn't we? Investors continued to build community online, helping transform how we invest (hello, NFTs) and meme-ifying everything, from experiments to the stocks themselves. A new generation of investors is finding it easier to speak openly about finances, search for inspiration in their networks and enthusiastically share what they've learned so that others may benefit. More investors than ever are paying attention to climate change and fighting for a better tomorrow.

The investing community has changed, and we've grown with it. When RBC Direct Investing launched a new Trading Dashboard this year, Navigators was your first look. And Inspired Investor kicked off its most well-read series to date, keeping you up to date about top-traded stocks.

So, go ahead – call 2021 unpredictable. But don't forget inspiring, hopeful and transformational, too.

With that in mind, we present the top Inspired Investor articles of 2021.

1. Christina's Path from Debt to Financial Peace: #InvestingTruths

One investor tackles her debt and fear to find confidence and increased self-worth.

2. What Is a Quadruple Witching Day?

Quadruple witching days happen four times a year.

3. How to Find a Stock's Real Value: A Pro Shares 5 Tools for Fundamental Analysis

We ask StockCalc founder Brian Donovan about the fine art of digging into a company's fundamentals.

4. What You Should Know About Frequent Trading in Your Registered Accounts

If the CRA considers a registered plan such as a TFSA to be carrying on a business, the plan could be subject to income tax.

5. How is My Investment Income Taxed?

An overview of the most common types of investment income earned by an individual in a portfolio.

6. Ideas for 2021: 10 Smart Money Hacks During Uncertainty

Our colleagues dish their top personal money management tips borne of the pandemic.

7. On our Minds: The First $100,000

Thanks to compound growth, the popular investing goal is more than just an impressive milestone.

8. Hot Off the Press: 10 Newsworthy Investing Terms Explained

From short selling to short squeezes, futures to float, we define the most-talked-about investing concepts of the moment.

9. 9 COVID Trends that Will Last

RBC Thought Leadership identifies nine ways the pandemic has transformed consumers and businesses.

10. How a U.S. Dollar Investing Account Benefits You as a Trader

A dual currency account means you can save money by limiting foreign-exchange fees.

Honourable mentions:

"When many of us were feeling a little numb last year, it felt good to put a name to it — 'languishing.' That's one reason I really connected with our article, Languish No More: Expert Tips for Flourishing, which was full of useful techniques that helped me regain that forward momentum." — Leigh Felesky, head, editorial content, Personal Savings and Investments

"A standout feature for me this year was Power Play: How to Harness Pressure to Thrive. The idea that there are ways to embrace pressure to help us thrive really resonated with me. My favourite quote? 'Pressure can give us superpowers if we know how use it. Pressure sets world records. Pressure fuels bravery. Pressure breeds persistence. Pressure is power.' Bring on 2022!" — Judy McKinnon, senior editor

"I really enjoyed writing “Olympic Gold" Tips for Investors. I got to chat with three inspiring athletes and people, whose insights gave me food for thought well beyond my investments." — Mary Levitski, outgoing content strategist and editor

"As a new investor, the ups and downs of the market can feel a little overwhelming at times. That's when I like to take a step back and re-read 3 Timely Reminders During Market Volatility. It's like a breathing exercise for your portfolio!" — Jacob Sero, content producer

"This past year was defined by a wave of new DIY investors taking control of their financial futures. I should know — I'm one of them! My favourite assignments so far have involved sharing relatable first-time experiences, like the time I dialed into my first earnings call as an investor. My goal for 2022 is to keep growing and learning." — Nicholas Mizera, content strategist and editor