Do You Really Need $750,000 to Retire?

If Canadians really believe that you only need three-quarters of a million dollars to retire, you can invest in Laurentian Bank stock, Plaza Retail stock, and Capital Power stock. Your chances to hit the magic number will be greater.

| More on:

A 2018 survey by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce showed that the magic number for retirement is less than $1 million. Based on the poll results, Canadians believe the exact average amount you would need to retire is $756,000.

Unfortunately, 90% of the respondents don’t have a formal plan on how to get there. If I were to offer a plan today, three dividend stocks that pay an average dividend of 5.89% come to mind. However, there are parametres to be able to hit your target.

Bank stock

Laurentian Bank (TSX:LB) pays a dividend of 6.14%. The name always appears on the radars of dividend and income investors as well as would-be retirees. This $1.9 billion regional bank is a Canadian Dividend Aristocrat that belongs in the financial sector. About 28.1% of the total Dividend Aristocrats come from this sector.

This bank stock is the seventh-largest lender in Canada. Although it’s not inside the Big Five circle, it’s the highest dividend payer in the banking industry. Laurentian takes pride in its dividend-growth streak of 11 years, with a dividend-growth rate of 5.11% over the last five years.

Quebec is the bailiwick of Laurentian, but it has smaller operations in Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. Despite the regional coverage, this bank offers the same services of the larger peers. Operations are expanding through the acquisitions of specialty finance companies.

REIT stock

Plaza (TSX:PLZ.UN) is an ideal pick and an exciting investment option. This $468.22 million real estate investment trust (REIT) is one of the leading owners, developers, and managers of retail real estate.

To date, the existing portfolio consists of 275 properties with total assets worth $1 billion. Accretive growth continues, as there are 28 more properties in the development pipeline. Enclosed malls, open-air centres, and single-tenant properties comprise the portfolio.

About 60% of the properties are in Ontario and Quebec. Plaza has a robust platform since 90.7% of gross rents come from national retailers. Also, this REIT derives 31% of revenue from tenants in the medical and pharmacy markets. For $4.55 per share, you can be a mock landlord earning 5.6% annual dividends.

Utility stock

Capital Power (TSX:CPX) is a wholesale power generator that produces future-focused energy throughout the communities in North America. This $3.7 billion independent power producer (IPP) invests mostly in efficient natural gas and renewable generation.

Likewise, the company is active in the advancement of carbon capture, utilization and storage to support near-zero emissions from natural gas in power generation and broader industrial processes.

The business model is straightforward. It generates stable and growing cash flows from a contracted and merchant portfolio. The principal clients have investment-grade ratings.

Capital Power pays a dividend of 5.62%, which could increase some more based on the company’s 7% annual growth guidance through 2021 and a subsequent 5% growth in 2022.

Growth opportunities are plenty. By 2021, the first-ever commercial-scale carbon nanotube facility built by Capital Power will rise in southern Alberta.

The plan

You need $240,700 seed money and an investment window of 20 years. Allocate $80,233.3 for each stock. Assuming Laurentian Bank, Plaza, and Capital Power sustain the yields, you’ll have $756,092.72 and on your way to retirement!

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

Warning sign with the text "Trade war" in front of container ship
Dividend Stocks

Worried About Tariffs? 2 TSX Stocks I’d Buy and Hold

Tariff noise can rattle markets, but businesses tied to everyday needs can keep compounding while the headlines scream.

Read more »

Man data analyze
Dividend Stocks

EV Incentives Are Back! 1 Dividend Stock I’d Buy Immediately

EV rebates are back, and the ripple effect could help Canadian electrification plays that aren’t carmakers.

Read more »

A worker drinks out of a mug in an office.
Dividend Stocks

This Simple TFSA Move Could Protect You in 2026

A TFSA isn’t stress-proof, but swapping one hype stock for a dividend-paying compounder can make volatility easier to hold through.

Read more »

doctor uses telehealth
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks to Double Up on Right Now

Adding more high-yielding and defensive dividends stocks to your portfolio, like Telus stock, is a move you won't regret.

Read more »

Printing canadian dollar bills on a print machine
Dividend Stocks

Transform Your TFSA Into a Cash-Gushing Machine With Just $20,000

Canadian investors should consider owning dividend growth stocks such as goeasy and BNS in a TFSA portfolio to create a…

Read more »

Person holding a smartphone with a stock chart on screen
Dividend Stocks

Beyond Telus: A High-Yield Stock Perfect for Income Lovers

Brookfield Renewable Partners (TSX:BEP.UN) is a standout income stock fit for long-term investors.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

5 TSX Dividend Champions Every Retiree Should Consider

These top TSX companies have increased their dividends annually for decades.

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Dividend Stocks

The Bank of Canada Just Spoke: Here’s What I’d Buy in a TFSA Now

With the Bank of Canada on pause, TFSA investors can shift from rate-watching to owning businesses that compound through ordinary…

Read more »