A Simple Way to Turn Your $15,000 TFSA Into $1,487 in Annual Passive Income

Are you making the most of your TFSA? Learn how to achieve higher dividend yields and maximize your annual passive income.

Key Points
  • Investing $15,000 in Slate Grocery REIT can generate $1,038 in annual dividends, which can be reinvested into Cogeco Communications to harness dividend growth.
  • Over five years, reinvesting dividends into Cogeco shares can increase annual passive income to $1,487 through compounding, leveraging a stable and growth-oriented strategy.

How much annual passive income can $15,000 produce? A 7% dividend yield can generate $1,050; an 11% yield can generate $1,650. However, the 11% yield might carry risk of dividend cuts. As more Canadians invest in dividend stocks, the opportunity to earn even a 7% yield is slim. However, you need not settle for a 7% yield when you can earn a 10% yield through diversified income sources and lower downside risk. This investing strategy needs a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA).

A family watches tv using Roku at home.

Source: Getty Images

Two TFSA dividend stocks to invest $15,000

The first step is to find high-yield stocks with stable dividends, invest a lump sum in them, and lock in that yield. Note that not all high yields are investment grade, so do your due diligence before investing.

Slate Grocery REIT for high yield

Slate Grocery REIT (TSX: SGR.UN) still has a 7% annual yield. The REIT caters to grocers in the United States, with Walmart and Kroger among its largest tenants. The United States has a limited supply of retail property, which helps existing stores earn a higher yield. Since all of its rent is earned in US dollars, the REIT converts it into Canadian dollars for Canadian investors, giving you exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations.

Slate Grocery REIT has maintained its dividend per share for the last 10 years. However, forex changes increased its dividend income by an average of 2% in the last 12 years and 7% in 2025. The REIT does not offer a dividend reinvestment option. However, this should not stop you from redirecting the dividend to another stock in which the company grows its dividend.

Cogeco Communications for dividend growth and yield

Often, investors seek dividend growth in large companies. But the real growth comes from lower capital expenditures. Cogeco Communications (TSX: CCA) operates a capital-light mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) model, leasing network infrastructure from big telcos. Since its capex requirements are minimal, it has ample space to grow dividends. CCA stock paid only 30% of free cash flow as dividends, giving it a sufficient buffer for any cash flow fluctuations.

Investors should note that Cogeco is not among the largest telcos in Canada, but its relatively smaller operations give it flexibility to grow. It has been expanding its wireless business in the United States and Canada. Even though Cogeco is facing pressure from price competition, it is restructuring and expects a 2–4% dip in fiscal 2026 revenue. This has pulled the stock price down to $61 from its 2022 high of over $100, and it has remained in the $60–$70 range since then.

Cogeco is comfortably growing its dividends by 7–8%, but the growth rate has slowed from 10% until 2024 as it channels money into wireless network expansion.

How to turn $15,000 in a TFSA into $1,487 in annual passive income

Now that you know the fundamentals of the two stocks, the investing strategy is compounding. Consider investing $15,000 in Slate Grocery REIT. It will buy you 1207 units at $12.43 a unit. These units will pay $1,038 in annual dividends, which you can use to buy Cogeco shares.

StockUnit PriceInvestment AmountNumber of units purchasedDividend per UnitAnnual Dividend
Slate Grocery REIT$12.43$15,0001207$0.86$1,038

Assuming an average share price of  $61, you can buy 17 shares of Cogeco annually. Cogeco can grow your dividends. Assuming you buy 17 shares annually and Cogeco grows its dividend by 6% annually, a $449 annual dividend income source will be generated in five years.

After five years, if you stop reinvesting and take payouts, you can earn $1,487 ($1,038 + $449) in annual passive income.

Annual Dividend From Slate GroceryTotal CCA SharesCCA Dividend per Share @ 6% CAGRAnnual Dividend From CCA Shares
$1,038.0017$4.18$71.14
$1,038.0034$4.44$150.82
$1,038.0051$4.70$239.81
$1,038.0068$4.98$338.93
$1,038.0085$5.28$449.08

Fool contributor Puja Tayal has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Cogeco Communications, Kroger, Slate Grocery REIT, and Walmart. 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

The RRSP Deadline Is in March: Why Starting in November Gives You the Advantage

Many investors hold stocks like Shopify Inc (TSX:SHOP) in their RRSPs.

Read more »

groceries get more expensive as inflation rises
Dividend Stocks

What $25,000 in Manulife Could Add to Your Annual Dividend Income

A $25,000 Manulife budget provides about $755 annually, with a clear trade-off between spending and reinvesting.

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

Here Are the Highest-Yielding Dividend Stocks in Canada for November

Uncover the potential in dividend stocks. Learn why high yields of 8–10% come with risks, especially in inflationary times.

Read more »

man looks worried about something on his phone
Dividend Stocks

BCE: Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2027?

BCE (TSX:BCE) stock could be a massive dividend deal for the new year.

Read more »

Canadian investor contemplating U.S. stocks with multiple doors to choose from.
Dividend Stocks

Great-West Lifeco vs. Manulife: Which Insurance Stock Would I Buy for Income?

Manulife gets a narrow income preference, while Great-West offers a strong retirement-and-wealth alternative.

Read more »

man shops at grocery store
Dividend Stocks

Choice Properties Pays Monthly: Does the Yield Compensate for Higher Rates?

Choice’s yield deserves a closer look at cash after property spending and financing costs.

Read more »

senior man and woman stretch their legs on yoga mats outside
Dividend Stocks

Best Monthly Dividend Stocks on the TSX? My Top Picks for Today

Looking for monthly dividend income and an attractive growth profile? These two TSX stocks are my top picks today.

Read more »

oil pumps at sunset
Dividend Stocks

Canadian Natural Resources vs. Suncor: The Dividend Stock to Own Through 2026

Let’s compare Canadian Natural Resources and Suncor Energy across their financial performance, dividend track records, growth prospects, and valuations to…

Read more »