How to Use a TFSA to Earn $250 per Month in Tax-Free Passive Income

Looking for long-term growth in your TFSA? Here is exactly how to create the perfect passive income portfolio, and where to invest.

| More on:

Creating a steady stream of passive income is a dream for many Canadians. With the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), this dream can become a reality. The TFSA is an excellent vehicle for building a tax-free passive income stream. So today, let’s guide Canadians through how they can start earning $250 per month in passive income through their TFSA.

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.

Source: Getty Images

Plan it out, and make it count

Earning $250 per month in passive income through a TFSA is achievable with careful planning and disciplined investing. By understanding your TFSA, choosing the right investment strategy, and staying committed to your financial goals, you can create a tax-free income stream that enhances your financial security and peace of mind.

First off, knowing your available contribution room is essential to avoid penalties. You can find this information through your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) My Account. Remember, any unused contribution room is carried forward, and withdrawals from your TFSA are added back to your contribution room in the following year.

From there, choose your investment strategy. Depending on how much you want to earn and when, you could create a diverse portfolio. This could include dividend stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETF). You could then support it with real estate investment trusts (REIT) and bonds or guaranteed investment certificates (GIC).

Then, calculate your investment goals. If you want $250 a month, that will mean creating $3,000 per year. Once you have that number, you’ll then go on to make automated contributions, as well as reinvestments. This can help achieve even more TFSA cash!

A stock to choose

Alright, so where should you invest? Again, investors should have a diverse mix. But if you’re just starting with one, Capital Power (TSX:CPX) is a strong option. With a current dividend yield of 6.2%, translating to a quarterly payout of $2.46 per share, and robust financial performance, CPX stock is well worth considering.

In its most recent earnings report for Q1 2024, Capital Power significantly exceeded analyst expectations, reporting earnings per share (EPS) of $1.57 against the consensus estimate of $0.64. This strong performance was driven by revenues of $1.1 billion for the quarter. Such results reflect the company’s ability to generate consistent cash flows and maintain a solid financial position.

Capital Power is committed to growth and expansion. The company recently acquired a 50.2% stake in Frederickson Power LP for $100 million, further enhancing its portfolio and operational capacity. Additionally, Capital Power is focusing on transitioning to a carbon-neutral future by 2045, underscoring its commitment to sustainable energy production.

Bottom line

To figure out how much you could earn in passive income, let’s look at the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of Capital Power stock in the last decade. That comes to a strong 11%! If that growth should continue, adding in dividends, here is how much you would need to invest to create $3,000 in passive income, or $250 per month.

COMPANYRECENT PRICENUMBER OF SHARESDIVIDENDTOTAL PAYOUTFREQUENCYPORTFOLIO TOTAL
CPX – now$40600$2.46$1,476quarterly$24,000
CPX – 11%$44.40600$2.46$1,476quarterly$26,640

In total, you’ll have created $4,116 from a $24,000 investment. And all within the TFSA limit! This amount will give you future wiggle room as well for future passive income in the years to come – allowing you to enjoy growth year after year.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

The RRSP (Canadian Registered Retirement Savings Plan) is a smart way to save and invest for the future
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks I’d Be Comfortable Holding in an RRSP Indefinitely

The RRSP is an important tool in minimizing tax and maximizing wealth. Here are two dividend stocks I'd be happy…

Read more »

boy in bowtie and glasses gives positive thumbs up
Dividend Stocks

Here Are My Top 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Right Now

These three TSX stocks could be among the best long-term picks for investors who are thinking about capturing long-term gains.

Read more »

dividends grow over time
Dividend Stocks

2 Safer High-Yield Dividend Stocks for Canadian Retirees

Backed by solid fundamentals and strong underlying businesses, these two high-yielding dividend stocks can be excellent investments for retirees.

Read more »

data analyze research
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks Every Canadian Should Own

Every Canadian should own these three dividend stocks, no matter what their risk profile is, to ensure long-term income and…

Read more »

young adult uses credit card to shop online
Dividend Stocks

Everyday Stocks That Quietly Do a Good Job of Protecting Your Wealth

Discover how to rebalance your investment portfolio and utilize stocks effectively to build and protect your wealth.

Read more »

groceries get more expensive as inflation rises
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks That Could Keep Paying Through Market Chaos

Market chaos is exactly when dividend investors should focus on payouts backed by real assets and steady tenants.

Read more »

middle-aged couple work together on laptop
Dividend Stocks

How to Create Your Own Pension With Dividend Stocks

You can build a private pension with stocks like Fortis Inc (TSX:FTS).

Read more »

social media scrolling on phone networking
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Stocks to Buy Before the Next Trade Headline Hits

Trade headlines can whipsaw the TSX, so these three stocks have catalysts and “bad news” pricing that could spark sharp…

Read more »