Making Your $20,000 Investment Work Harder for the Long Term

Building wealth doesn’t have to be complicated when you invest in strong, top dividend-paying stocks like these.

| More on:

If you think building wealth from the TSX is about constantly trading or finding the next big thing, you might be missing the real magic. Long-term investing works best when it’s simple and focused. With $20,000 at your disposal today, the question isn’t how fast you can grow it – it’s how smartly you can put it to work.

Before I highlight two such top TSX stocks to buy now, let me walk you through how to make that $20,000 work harder over the long term.

engineer at wind farm

Source: Getty Images

How to make your investment work harder in the long run

One of the smart ways to grow your investment over time is by focusing on quality. This simply means putting your money into businesses with strong balance sheets, dependable earnings, and a proven ability to navigate both good times and bad. Every extra day your money stays invested in the right place adds a little more to your future returns.

Another important part of making your investment work harder is diversification. You want your money spread across different sectors and industries so it’s not all riding on one trend or one company. In this way, some parts of your portfolio will do better than others at different times but that balance could help you grow reliably without getting shaken by short-term market moves.

Now, let me quickly highlight two top TSX stocks that could help you achieve that kind of growth.

Canadian Utilities stock

A top stock that fits well into a long-term investing approach is Canadian Utilities (TSX:CU). This Calgary-based firm operates in the energy infrastructure space, offering electricity and natural gas transmission, clean energy storage, and utility services across Canada and Australia.

CU stock has climbed nearly 24.5% over the last year to currently trade at $37.91 per share, giving it a market cap of about $7.8 billion. Long-term investors looking for income will definitely appreciate its 4.8% annualized dividend yield, paid quarterly.

In the first quarter of 2025, Canadian Utilities delivered a 3% YoY (year-over-year) increase in its adjusted net profit to $232 million and invested over $400 million into growth projects, mainly across its regulated businesses. With its focus on major projects, CU stock continues to plant seeds for future growth, which long-term investors love.

Brookfield Infrastructure stock

Another solid pick for a long-term portfolio is Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (TSX:BIP.UN). This global infrastructure giant runs essential assets like pipelines, toll roads, utilities, and data centers across several continents.

Brookfield Infrastructure stock has climbed 19.3% in the last 12 months and is now trading at $45 per share with a market cap of about $20.8 billion. It also offers a healthy 5.3% annualized dividend yield.

In the first quarter, it posted a 5% YoY increase in its funds from operations to US$646 million, with strong contributions from its data and midstream segments. Despite some currency headwinds and higher borrowing costs, the business continues to generate reliable cash flow backed by inflation-linked contracts.

For patient investors, Brookfield Infrastructure stock could keep delivering stable income and long-term growth, especially with its ongoing focus on investments and strong capital recycling strategy.

Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

Close up of an egg in a nest of twigs on grass with RRSP written on it symbolizing a RRSP contribution.
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks I’d Never Part With Inside an RRSP

Want a mix of growth and income in your RRSP? These two dividend stocks look very well-positioned for the next…

Read more »

AI concept person in profile
Dividend Stocks

Meet the 8% Yield Dividend Stock That Could Soar in 2026

Enghouse Systems stock yields nearly 8% and just raised its dividend for the 18th straight year. Here's why this overlooked…

Read more »

Woman checking her computer and holding coffee cup
Dividend Stocks

Bank of Canada Hold: 1 TSX Stock I’d Buy Now

Telus stock is currently yielding 9.25% with a strong dividend-payout ratio and free cash flow growth profile, making it a…

Read more »

staying calm in uncertain times and volatility
Dividend Stocks

Interest Rates Are on Hold, and That May Not Last. These 2 TSX Dividend Stocks Are Worth Owning Either Way.

Rate cuts can boost dividend stocks two ways: making yields look better and lowering refinancing pressure for cash-flow businesses.

Read more »

Retirees sip their morning coffee outside.
Dividend Stocks

2 Safer High-Yield Dividend Stocks for Canadian Retirees

These high-yield dividend stocks are a compelling investment for Canadian retirees to generate safer income.

Read more »

looking backward in car mirror
Dividend Stocks

1 Year After the Rate Pivot: 3 Canadian Stocks I’d Buy Today

The Bank of Canada held interest rates at 2.25% again. The stocks worth owning now are the ones that don't…

Read more »

dividend stocks are a good way to earn passive income
Dividend Stocks

How $14,000 Can Become a Steady TFSA Dividend Income Engine

Investors can build a reliable TFSA dividend strategy by turning $14,000 into steady, tax‑free income with Enbridge, Scotiabank, and Emera.

Read more »

Piggy bank and Canadian coins
Dividend Stocks

1 Single Stock That I’d Hold Forever in a TFSA

This stock is an excellent consideration to buy on dips and hold forever in a TFSA.

Read more »