Where I’d Invest a $10,000 Windfall Right Now

Don’t spend all your windfall! If you invest it wisely, you could double your money in a timely manner in the current market environment.

| More on:

If you have an unexpected windfall of $10,000, it would be tempting to spend it on a vacation or something else you enjoy. However, did you know that if you invested it wisely, you could make another $10,000 down the road?

To double your money in five years, you would need to invest and achieve a total return of exactly 14.87% per year. That is a high target but not unachievable. Here are a couple of stocks that may be able to help you make another $10,000.

Brookfield

Brookfield (TSX:BN) is a global wealth manager of alternative assets in more than 30 countries for institutional and retail investors. The complex company consists of three core businesses:

  • A leading Asset Management business with approximately US$850 billion of assets under management, including about half that is fee-bearing capital .
  • An Insurance Solutions business that predominantly provides annuity-based reinsurance products.
  • An Operating Businesses in renewable power, infrastructure, private equity, and real estate that largely generate substantial cash flows.
BN Chart

BN data by YCharts

The stock is down about 3% over the last 12 months. Actually, as the above graph shows, the stock has been disappointing over the last three years for buy-and-hold investors. Primarily, the stock solid off because the market is worried about the impact of higher interest rates on the company — particularly on its commercial real estate portfolio.

At $46.48 per share at writing, the stock offers tremendous value for its double-digit growth prospects. In fact, it could potentially double investors’ money over the next three to five years.

The top TSX stock was one of Brian Madden’s top picks on BNN Bloomberg this week. (Madden is the chief investment officer at First Avenue Investment Counsel.) He noted there’s great demand in its offerings, as represented by fund flows into alternative assets outstripping funds into stocks and bonds, even with these interest rates. As well, he highlighted that Brookfield’s shareholder returns have been 15% compounded over the last 25 years, including dividends, which means $1 in 1998 is worth about $33 today.

Although Brookfield’s dividend yield is less than 1%, it has increased its dividend for longer than a decade. Its 10-year dividend-growth rate is solid at about 8.6%.

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners

Stocks are volatile. In today’s higher interest rate and relatively high inflationary environment, investors may feel more comfortable holding stocks that pay more income. In that case, you could consider putting your surprise fortune into one of Brookfield’s subsidiaries, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (TSX:BIP.UN).

The limited partnership owns and operates a diverse portfolio of global infrastructure assets in utilities, midstream, transport, and data operations. Just like its parent, Brookfield Infrastructure has the potential to double investors’ money over the next five years as it trades at a substantial discount — it trades at about two-thirds of its intrinsic value! To make things better for investors, the top utility stock pays out a nice cash distribution, yielding almost 5.8% while having that potential.

Investors should only invest their long-term capital in stocks. If you’re just starting out, don’t put all your eggs in one basket, no matter how enticing an opportunity appears to be. Aim to build a diversified portfolio for the long term.

If you expect to use your windfall within a year or two, it would be much safer to put it in a high-interest savings account or Guaranteed Investment Certificate to ensure the safe return of your capital while earning decent interest income.

Fool contributor Kay Ng has positions in Brookfield and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield, Brookfield Corporation, and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Investing

coins jump into piggy bank
Stocks for Beginners

Canadian Bank Stocks: Which Ones Look Worth Buying (and Which Don’t)

Not all Canadian bank stocks are buys today. Here’s how RY, BMO, and CM stack up on safety, upside, and…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

Top TFSA Stocks for Canadian Investors to Buy Now

Time to start thinking how you'll deploy 2026 TFSA contribution space. Here are two top stocks I wouldn't hesitate holding…

Read more »

ETF is short for exchange traded fund, a popular investment choice for Canadians
Investing

Where to Invest $7,000 in January

This all-in-one Fidelity ETF could be a good option for younger investors with a higher risk tolerance.

Read more »

hand stacking money coins
Dividend Stocks

The Best Stocks to Invest $2,000 in a TFSA Right Now

With just $2,000 in a TFSA, these two “boring” Canadian stocks aim to deliver steady dividends and sleep-at-night stability.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, December 30

The TSX slipped again on Monday amid year-end profit-taking but remains near record highs, with today’s focus on commodities and…

Read more »

a man relaxes with his feet on a pile of books
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Growth Stocks to Buy With $2,000 Right Now

Looking for some of the smartest growth stocks you can find right now? Here are three top picks to buy…

Read more »

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Dividend Stocks

10 Years From Now You’ll Be Thrilled You Bought These Outstanding TSX Dividend Stocks

One high-yield play and one steady grower, both primed for 2035. Checkout TELUS stock's 9% yield, and this steady and…

Read more »

RRSP Canadian Registered Retirement Savings Plan concept
Bank Stocks

Is BNS Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2026?

Following its big rally this year, should you put Bank of Nova Scotia stock in you TFSA or RRSP?

Read more »