Building an Investment Portfolio in Your TFSA? Here Are 3 Stocks to Get You Started

Choosing the right stocks to start a portfolio with is crucial. Here are three stocks to hold in a TFSA!

So, you’re interested in starting an investment portfolio? Congrats! That’s one of the best decisions you can make! Your choice to open a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) could also accelerate your way to financial independence. However, now comes the hard part: choosing which stocks to hold in your TFSA. It’s important to find a balance between growth and dividend stocks in your portfolio. In this article, I’ll discuss three stocks worth holding in a TFSA.

This stock has a lot of room to grow

If finding a growth stock is a priority, then start with one that every growth-minded Canadian should hold. Shopify (TSX: SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP) is a stock that has made many investors much richer since its 2015 IPO. The company provides a platform and all the tools necessary for businesses to operate online stores. It boasts a large list of customers, which include the likes of everyone from first time-entrepreneurs to large-cap companies such as Netflix.

Shopify stock has gained nearly 2,600% since its IPO. However, investors may notice that it has also fallen about 56% since mid-November. I believe that this isn’t a reason to worry. Instead, investors should take this as an opportunity to load up on shares. In its latest earnings presentation, Shopify reported that its share of the American e-commerce industry has exceeded 10% for the first time. The company also recorded a 57% year-over-year increase in its annual revenue. Shopify is a great stock to hold in a TFSA and my top pick for 2022.

It’s a good time to buy bank stocks

Historically, banks have seen an expansion in profit margins as interest rates increase. That means, with interest rates expected to rise multiple times this year, it’s a great time to buy shares of bank stocks. Of the Big Five banks, which dominate Canada’s banking industry, Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX: BNS)(NYSE: BNS) is my top choice.

What separates Bank of Nova Scotia from its peers is its focus on international expansion. With 2,000 branches and offices across 50 countries, it is known as Canada’s most international bank. This provides the company with great opportunities for growth. In terms of dividends, it is an excellent company to consider. Bank of Nova Scotia has managed to pay an annual dividend for the past 189 years. It also offers investors a very attractive forward yield of 4.30%.

This stock can provide steady growth over the long run

In a TFSA, investors shouldn’t focus on finding that needle in a haystack that can produce a monstrous return over the next year. Instead, look for companies that can provide steady returns over the long term. Stocks that are able to return even just 10% on an annualized basis can generate massive amounts of wealth over the long run. Brookfield Asset Management (TSX:BAM.A)(NYSE: BAM) is an excellent example of this.

Brookfield operates a portfolio of assets worth nearly $690 billion. Through its subsidiaries, it has exposure to the infrastructure, real estate, renewable utility, and private equity industries. Since its IPO in 1995, Brookfield stock has grown at a CAGR of about 15.3%. This is nearly triple the return of the broader market over the same period. Brookfield may not have the most exciting business, but it’s been a proven winner for nearly three decades.

Fool contributor Jed Lloren owns BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA and Shopify. The Motley Fool owns and recommends Shopify. The Motley Fool recommends BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, Brookfield Asset Management Inc. CL.A LV, and Netflix.

More on Investing

panning for gold uncovers nuggets and flakes
Metals and Mining Stocks

Gold Slipped From Highs Before the Fed Decision: Should You Buy the Dip?

Gold pulled back ahead of the Fed's rate hike, but Agnico Eagle and Kinross Gold just posted record cash flow.…

Read more »

workers walk through an office building
Dividend Stocks

Nearly $500 Billion Is Coming for Canadian Investment: This Is the Stock I’d Buy

Canada’s $500 billion summit headline may take years to materialize, but Power Corp already owns a platform preparing to deploy…

Read more »

man crosses arms and hands to make stop sign
Dividend Stocks

Why Hockey Gear Won’t Move the TSX Despite Making the Tariff List

Canadian Tire (TSX:CTC.A) and the hockey-related plays might not take too much of a hit as hockey gear joins the…

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

Here’s a Monthly Income ETF Yielding 2.9% You Might Have Missed

The The Vanguard FTSE Canadian High Yield Index ETF (TSX:VDY) has an above-average yield that is paid out monthly.

Read more »

Young Boy with Jet Pack Dreams of Flying
Tech Stocks

Canada Says Aerospace Is Entering a Once-in-a-Generation Boom: 3 TSX Stocks I’d Buy

Canada’s defence boom is putting Montreal in the global aerospace spotlight, and three TSX names could ride the spending wave.

Read more »

dreaming of financial success
Dividend Stocks

How Much Do You Truly Need in a TFSA to Retire Tomorrow?

You could potentially retire by holding ETFs like the iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index Fund (TSX:XIU) in a TFSA.

Read more »

telecom towers concept for wireless technology
Dividend Stocks

TELUS Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold Right Now?

Telecom giant TELUS is under pressure to improve its financial condition and regain the trust of investors.

Read more »

pig shows concept of sustainable investing
Dividend Stocks

The Dividend Stock That Makes “Passive Income” Actually True

This Canadian dividend stock offers passive income backed by nearly two centuries of payments, recent earnings growth, and a 3.46%…

Read more »