With Canadians facing rising costs and tighter budgets, many are rethinking how to grow their savings. That makes the idea of building a cash-pumping Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) more appealing than ever. If I had $10,000 to work with today, I’d aim to build a portfolio that offers regular, reliable income without a lot of upkeep. That’s why I’d split the investment between Freehold Royalties (TSX:FRU) and SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN).
Freehold
Freehold Royalties is a Canadian energy company that owns land and collects royalties from oil and gas operations on that land. It doesn’t drill or operate wells, which keeps costs low. Instead, it earns income based on the production happening on its properties. That structure means Freehold still benefits from higher energy prices but avoids many of the risks that come with operating in the field.
As of its latest earnings report, Freehold reported revenue of $86.6 million and net income of $56.3 million. Earnings per share (EPS) came in at $0.23, matching results from the same quarter last year. It currently trades around $12.75 per share and offers a monthly dividend of $0.09. If I invested $5,000 into Freehold today, I’d earn roughly $421 in annual income, all tax-free inside a TFSA.
SmartCentres
SmartCentres REIT offers another way to collect consistent income. It owns and manages shopping centres across Canada, many of which are anchored by grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers like Walmart. These tenants help create stable, long-term cash flow. In uncertain economic conditions, properties like this tend to hold their value and provide steady rent.
In the first quarter of 2025, SmartCentres reported revenue of $228.6 million and net income of $7.9 million, reversing a loss from the same period in 2024. The real estate investment trust pays a monthly distribution of $0.15417 per unit, translating to about $1.85 annually, with a recent share price at $25.50. A $5,000 investment here would bring in just over $360 per year in tax-free income.
A winning pair
What I like about this mix is the balance between sectors. Freehold is exposed to energy markets, which can be volatile, but the royalty structure provides downside protection. SmartCentres is tied to retail, but with its essential-service tenants, it’s more resilient than many other commercial real estate plays. Together, they smooth out the bumps and keep cash flowing.
With $10,000 split evenly between the two, I could generate about $780 in annual tax-free income. That’s more than $65 a month! With plenty of potential for those payouts to grow over time. Both companies have histories of adjusting their payouts as conditions improve. So, if commodity prices rise or rental income increases, the dividend cheques could grow, too.
| COMPANY | RECENT PRICE | NUMBER OF SHARES | DIVIDEND | TOTAL PAYOUT | FREQUENCY | INVESTMENT TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRU | $12.79 | 390 | $1.08 | $421.20 | Monthly | $4,990.20 |
| SRU.UN | $25.59 | 195 | $1.85 | $360.75 | Monthly | $4,993.05 |
What makes this even more appealing is that the income arrives monthly. That’s helpful for budgeting or reinvesting. In a TFSA, reinvested income can help compound returns faster since none of it gets eaten up by taxes. Over time, the portfolio could grow not just from dividends but also from capital appreciation if the share prices rebound.
Bottom line
Of course, no investment is without risk. Energy markets fluctuate, and retail real estate can be sensitive to economic shifts. But both Freehold and SmartCentres have proven they can manage through different conditions. Each stayed profitable, paid distributions, and kept investors in the game.
For Canadians looking to stretch every dollar and build a financial cushion, this approach makes sense. It’s simple, stable, and focused on regular income. With mortgage payments on the rise and the cost of living climbing, having monthly income from solid Canadian stocks can offer some real peace of mind.
If I had $10,000 to invest today, I wouldn’t chase risky growth. I’d look to Freehold and SmartCentres to build a TFSA that works as hard as I do. With consistent payouts and room to grow, this duo could turn a modest sum into a powerful cash machine for years to come.
