How to Structure a $50,000 TFSA for Practically Constant Income

This simple four stock TFSA portfolio can take $50,000 and turn it into $190 of growing passive income every month. Here is how it works.

Key Points
  • Invest $50,000 in a $12,500 equally weighted TFSA portfolio of Choice Properties (CHP.UN), Pembina (PPL), Topaz (TPZ), and Mullen Group (MTL) to earn steady, tax‑free dividend income with growth potential.
  • Combined yield: Choice ~5%, Pembina ~4.6%, Topaz ~4.5%, Mullen ~3.9%, totalling ≈$2,269/yr (≈$189/mo) tax‑free.
  • The mix (REIT, midstream, royalties, freight) balances income, dividend growth, and sector diversification—adjust position sizes to your risk tolerance.

If you want to earn passive income, you might as well be investing that inside your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). All income earned inside the TFSA is safe from tax, as are all withdrawals from the account.

Using your TFSA is one of the easiest ways to quickly bolster your investment cash returns. If I had $50,000 and was looking to build a TFSA portfolio that generates steady income, here are four stocks I would happily own.

dividend stocks are a good way to earn passive income

Source: Getty Images

Choice Properties

Real estate is a great place to earn monthly dividends. Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:CHP.UN) is Canada’s largest REIT. It owns grocery-anchored retail, industrial, and mix-used properties across Canada.

Its anchor tenant happens to be Canada’s largest grocery brand, so that provides a great solid base of growing rents. It just announced plans to acquire First Capital REIT, which would increase its location quality, tenant mix, and rental rate growth potential.

Choice Properties yields 5% right now. If you put $12,500 to work in Choice Properties, you would earn $52.13 monthly, or $625.56 annualized.

Pembina Pipeline: A solid TFSA income stock

Pembina Pipeline (TSX:PPL) is another bet for regular TFSA income. This is one of Western Canada’s largest pipeline and midstream players.

Over 85% of its business is contracted. That income widely supports its dividend. It tends to do well when energy prices are elevated because it earns a spread through its marketing business. The company has some very attractive growth opportunities such as LNG export terminals and AI power projects.

It yields 4.6% now. A $12,500 TFSA investment in Pembina would earn $146.26 quarterly, or $585.04 annualized.

Topaz Energy

Topaz Energy (TSX:TPZ) is another attractive TFSA stock. It is a unique business because it is a mix of energy royalties and infrastructure assets.

It’s a way to get exposure to the general energy industry, but with less commodity risk. The company has executed very well over its seven-year history. Its stock is up 111% in the past five years. The energy producer just announced strong first quarter results due to growing royalty production. It announced its 10th consecutive dividend increase since inception.

TPZ stock yields 4.5% now. If you invested $12,500 of TFSA cash in Topaz now, you would earn $140 quarterly or $560 annualized.

Mullen Group: A TFSA stock for growth and income

A final stock to wrap up a TFSA income portfolio is Mullen Group (TSX:MTL). This is a way to get exposure to the freight and industrial recovery in North America.

Even in a tough environment, Mullen has focused on its best margin operations and delivering good service. It has paid off in solid results. MTL stock has outperformed the broader transport sector. Smart acquisitions continue to pay off in expanding its markets and diversifying its service offering.

Mullen stock yields 3.9%. A $12,500 TFSA investment would earn $41.51 monthly, or $498.12 annualized.  

The Foolish takeaway

Each of these stocks has decent growth prospects, attractive yields, and a record of growing their dividends. This diversified $50,000 TFSA portfolio would earn a combined $2,268.72 annually or $189.06 averaged monthly. All those earnings inside a TFSA are tax-free. If not withdrawn, that income can compound tax-free for years.

COMPANYRECENT PRICENUMBER OF SHARESDIVIDENDTOTAL PAYOUTFREQUENCY
Choice Properties REIT$15.57802$0.065$52.13Monthly
Pembina Pipeline$60.58206$0.71$146.26Quarterly
Topaz Energy$31.20400$0.35$140.00Quarterly
Mullen Transportation$21.05593$0.07$41.51Monthly

Fool contributor Robin Brown has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Mullen Group. The Motley Fool recommends First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust, Pembina Pipeline, and Topaz Energy. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

a person looks out a window into a cityscape
Dividend Stocks

This Beaten-Down Dividend Stock Is Off 10% and Still Worth Owning

Restaurant Brands International (TSX:QSR) dipped suddenly and could be a worthy pick-up for the summer.

Read more »

chart reflected in eyeglass lenses
Dividend Stocks

Canada’s Inflation Problem Isn’t Over: 2 Stocks I’m Watching Closely

Inflation is back in the headlines, and two TSX stocks sit right where the pressure hits consumers and food costs.

Read more »

Canadian dollars in a magnifying glass
Dividend Stocks

A Perfect June TFSA With a 5.8% Monthly Payout

This Canadian monthly dividend stock is simplifying its business while rewarding investors with regular cash flow.

Read more »

A worker uses a double monitor computer screen in an office.
Dividend Stocks

The TFSA’s Hidden Fine Print When it Comes to U.S. Investments

Here's why Canadian investors should avoid holding high-yield U.S. stocks in their TFSA. (Place them in the RRSP instead.)

Read more »

Man holds Canadian dollars in differing amounts
Dividend Stocks

This 4.5% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Each and Every Month

This TSX stock is known for its reliable monthly payments and a healthy yield. Its strong underlying business will support…

Read more »

Canadian Dollars bills
Dividend Stocks

All it Takes Is $3,000 in Telus to Generate Hundreds in Passive Income

Discover how a single stock can boost your passive income. A $3,000 investment can generate steady dividends and strengthen your…

Read more »

ways to boost income
Dividend Stocks

The Ideal TFSA Stock for June Paying 6.9% Each Month

This monthly-paying stock combines a high yield with the stability of essential grocery-anchored properties.

Read more »

bank of canada governor tiff macklem
Dividend Stocks

The Bank of Canada Speaks: 2 Stocks to Take Advantage

Rate uncertainty is back. These two stocks offer a practical mix of industrial strength and income potential.

Read more »