CPP Won’t Cut It: How to Boost Your Retirement Income

Investing in dividend stocks can help.

| More on:
customer uses bank ATM

Source: Getty Images

When it comes to retirement planning, many Canadians put a lot of focus on the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). While CPP is a helpful foundation, there’s only so much you can do to boost those payments, and the maximum monthly benefit is currently $1,364 (if you start collecting at age 65). That’s not exactly a windfall, especially when you consider rising living costs.

Instead of stressing over how much you’ll get from CPP, a better strategy for retirees might be to drip-feed savings into safe, dividend-paying investments. These investments can generate a consistent income stream, providing a financial cushion that makes retirement more comfortable.

One of the main issues with CPP is that, beyond making contributions during your working years, you don’t have much control over how much you receive. Plus, if you didn’t earn a high income throughout your career, your CPP payments will reflect that. On the other hand, by investing in dividend stocks, you can take a more proactive approach to building your retirement income. Over time, the dividends from these stocks can supplement your CPP, giving you a more reliable and potentially larger income stream.

Consider TIH stock

A fantastic dividend-paying stock to consider is Toromont Industries (TSX:TIH). Founded in 1961, Toromont is a leader in industrial equipment — particularly in heavy machinery through its Caterpillar dealership. The company has grown significantly over the years by expanding its operations and delivering strong financial results. Toromont’s focus on infrastructure and construction means it benefits from stable, long-term demand. This is great news for investors looking for consistent returns.

Toromont’s leadership has helped the company navigate market cycles and consistently grow revenue. This stability has translated into solid performance for shareholders. As of its most recent quarter ending June 30, 2024, Toromont reported $4.78 billion in revenue, reflecting a healthy year-over-year growth of 15.7%. The company’s profitability is also impressive, with a return on equity of 19.65% and a net income of $518.94 million. These numbers highlight Toromont’s ability to generate cash, which in turn supports its dividend payouts.

With continued infrastructure spending in Canada and demand for heavy machinery likely to stay strong, the company is well-positioned for further growth. Plus, its financial discipline, strong cash flow, and conservative approach to debt management (with a total debt/equity ratio of 24%) mean it can continue rewarding shareholders with dividends. For retirees, this makes TIH stock a reliable choice in an investment portfolio focused on income and stability.

Toromont’s dividend

Toromont currently offers a forward annual dividend rate of $1.92 per share, with a yield of 1.45%. While this might seem modest compared to the high-yield stocks out there, Toromont’s payout ratio of 29% suggests that its dividends are sustainable and have room to grow. This is crucial for retirees who are looking for a reliable income stream that can keep pace with inflation over time.

Bottom line

By drip-feeding your savings into stocks like TIH, you can build a portfolio that generates regular income through dividends. Plus, with the power of reinvestment, you can enlarge your holdings over time, boosting the total amount of dividends you receive in retirement.

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

Concept of multiple streams of income
Dividend Stocks

A Perfect TFSA Stock: 6.95% Payout Each Month

A more resilient, high-yield energy stock paying monthly dividends is a perfect holding in a TFSA.

Read more »

Pile of Canadian dollar bills in various denominations
Dividend Stocks

Affordable Stability: Large-Cap Stocks You Can Buy Under $50

Here are four of the best large-cap stocks that Canadian investors can buy now and hold for years to come.

Read more »

Printing canadian dollar bills on a print machine
Dividend Stocks

Turn Your TFSA Into a $500/Monthly Dividend Machine

Turn your TFSA into a tax-free monthly paycheque with a balanced mix of reliable dividend stocks, REITs, and disciplined reinvestment.

Read more »

coins jump into piggy bank
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks to Buy for Steady Passive Income

Investors focused on earning passive income can take a closer look at these two solid names.

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

The 3 Best Dividend Stocks for Canadians in 2025

Hunting for dependable TSX dividend winners in 2025? Waste Connections, Fortis, and Telus combine steady cash flow, dividend growth, and…

Read more »

Business success of growth metaverse finance and investment profit graph concept or development analysis progress chart on financial market achievement strategy background with increase hand diagram
Dividend Stocks

2 Blue-Chip Canadian Stocks That Offer 5.6% Dividend Yields

Here's why BCE’s 5.4% dividend yield and Enbridge’s 5.6% yield tell two compelling passive income investment stories

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

1 No-Brainer Dividend Stock to Buy Now and Hold Forever

Here’s why this global company is one of the best dividend stocks to buy right now and hold for decades…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

Turn Your TFSA Into a $1,000/Month Dividend Machine

These TSX-listed stocks reward shareholders with monthly dividends and offer a high and sustainable yield of 7% or more.

Read more »