Transform Your TFSA Into a Money-Making Machine With Just $12,000

These Canadian stocks could continue rewarding shareholders through steady dividend payments and capital gains over the long term.

| More on:
Key Points
  • Canadian investors can turn the TFSA into a money-making machine by holding reliable dividend-paying TSX stocks inside the account.
  • These Canadian stocks offer attractive dividends, supported by strong cash flow and sustainable payouts.
  • Splitting $12,000 between these two TSX stocks could generate about $511.76 in tax-free income annually.

Transforming the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) into a reliable money-making machine doesn’t require a huge starting balance. Even with $12,000, investors can begin building a stream of tax-free income by focusing on high-quality Canadian dividend stocks known for consistent payouts.

Investors should focus on stocks with a history of durable dividend distribution and growth. These Canadian stocks are supported by fundamentally strong businesses, generate dependable cash flow, and maintain disciplined capital management. As a result, they can continue rewarding shareholders even when economic conditions are unfavourable.

Here are two solid Canadian dividend stocks that can help transform your TFSA into a money-making machine.

Printing canadian dollar bills on a print machine

Source: Getty Images

Emera

Emera (TSX:EMA) is a dependable dividend stock that can help turn your TFSA into a money-generating machine. It owns regulated electric and natural gas utilities along with related energy infrastructure. Its high-quality, regulated asset base generates stable earnings and predictable cash flow in all market conditions. Thanks to its steady cash flow and a defensive business model, Emera consistently rewards shareholders with higher payouts.

Notably, the utility company has raised its dividend for 19 consecutive years, reflecting management’s commitment to return cash to its shareholders. Moreover, Emera has also rewarded shareholders with solid capital gains. Over the past year, the stock has climbed more than 26%, driven by resilient earnings and steadily rising energy demand in its core markets.

Looking ahead, Emera’s $20 billion capital program through 2030 is expected to support its growth. Investments in grid modernization, energy storage, renewable energy, and natural gas infrastructure should support earnings and modest annual dividend increases.

Management expects this investment cycle to expand Emera’s rate base by about 7% to 8% per year. This, in turn, will drive its adjusted EPS by 5% to 7% annually. Thanks to its growing EPS, management projects dividend growth of 1% to 2% each year. With a solid dividend growth history and visibility over future dividend distribution, Emera is a reliable income stock.

Bank of Nova Scotia

Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS) is one of Canada’s most dependable income stocks. Its dividend record is among the strongest in the country, with payments dating back to July 1833. Since then, the bank has consistently maintained its dividend. Over the past decade, the financial services giant’s dividend has increased by about 5% annually, reflecting steady underlying earnings growth.

The financial services giant’s management continues to target a conservative payout ratio of 40% to 50%, which is sustainable in the long term.

The bank’s diversified revenue model supports its earnings growth and payouts. Growth in loans and deposits, along with lower funding costs, will drive its earnings. At the same time, an expanding fee-based revenue and strength in underwriting and advisory activities augur well for growth.

The ongoing momentum in its top line, steady credit performance, strong balance sheet, and operating efficiency should help cushion earnings and support its future payouts.

Earn a passive income of over $511 per year with $12,000

Emera and Bank of Nova Scotia are two high-quality dividend stocks that can help turn your TFSA into an income-generating machine.

If you invest $10,000, split evenly between these TSX stocks, you could earn $511.76 per year in tax-free dividends. Emera would provide about $260.96 annually, and Bank of Nova Scotia would add roughly $250.80 annually.

CompanyRecent PriceNumber of SharesDividendTotal PayoutFrequency
Emera$67.3789$0.733$65.24Quarterly
Bank of Nova Scotia$104.3057$1.10$62.70Quarterly
Price as of 06/02/2026

Fool contributor Sneha Nahata has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Bank Of Nova Scotia and Emera. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

woman looks at iPhone
Dividend Stocks

All It Takes is $3,000 in Telus to Generate Hundreds in Passive Income

Investors looking to generate nearly $300 in passive income only need to start with a $3,000 investment right now.

Read more »

investor looks at volatility chart
Dividend Stocks

This TSX Dividend Stock Has Fallen 20% – and I’d Still Consider It Worth Owning

This TSX dividend stock has dropped 20%, but its stable income and disciplined strategy still look impressive.

Read more »

monthly calendar with clock
Dividend Stocks

Looking for Monthly Income? This 5.8% Dividend Stock Is Worth a Look

This Canadian monthly dividend stock offers a consistent payout backed by stable oil production and long-life assets.

Read more »

runner checks her biodata on smartwatch
Dividend Stocks

1 Undervalued Canadian Stock That May Be Quietly Positioning for a Strong Year

This under-the-radar insurer is growing earnings fast, hiking its dividend, and still trading like the market hasn’t noticed.

Read more »

oil pumps at sunset
Dividend Stocks

The Under-the-Radar Dividend Stock I’d Keep an Eye on in 2026

This under-the-radar Canadian stock offers high income and surprising growth potential.

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

How to Set Up Your TFSA to Generate $90 a Month – Completely Tax-Free

Monthly TFSA income can feel surprisingly powerful, and Chemtrade’s steady payout makes the $90-a-month goal look achievable.

Read more »

3 colorful arrows racing straight up on a black background.
Dividend Stocks

3 TSX Stocks That Could Outperform the Broader Market in 2026

These three TSX stocks combine strong fundamentals with long-term growth drivers.

Read more »

customer fills up car with gasoline
Dividend Stocks

Oil Above $110 and Rates on Hold: 3 Canadian Energy Stocks Built for Both

When commodity prices spike and rate cuts stall, not every energy company handles the pressure.

Read more »