TFSA: Where to Invest $6,500 in December 2023 (2024)

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If you are wondering where to invest that $6,500 TFSA contribution, here are three ideas to consider in December.

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Robin Brown has been a Motley Fool contributor since January 2020. He has lived in Canada, Norway, and Australia where he studied theology and business management. Robin has worked as a commercial real estate manager, as well as an investment research advisor for a private investment manager. Today, he provides equity research and analysis for a private family office. He enjoys traveling, hiking, fishing, and spending time with his wife and daughters.

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TFSA: Where to Invest $6,500 in December 2023 (3)

With the year almost over, you may have some cash left over for your TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account). The TFSA contribution increased by $6,500 in 2023. That is $6,500 that can be invested, earn income, and be safe from tax liability.

Every investor in the stock market should take advantage of the TFSA’s benefits. Where else can you invest, grow your capital, and keep all the returns? If you are wondering where to invest that $6,500 TFSA contribution, here are three ideas to consider in December.

A beaten-down tech stock for TFSA upside in 2024

Enghouse Systems (TSX:ENGH) was once known as a top Canadian growth stock. The company has grown by consolidating communication and asset management software businesses.

Over the pandemic, it saw a massive surge in demand for its communications services. Its stock subsequently soared.

Unfortunately, that demand declined almost as quickly as it started. Enghouse has seen nearly a year of negative revenue growth. Subsequently, this stock has given up all the gains it earned since 2019.

While nobody likes a decline in sales, the company is still substantially better than it was prior to the pandemic. Over the past three years, it has acquired several bargain-priced software businesses that have enhanced its capabilities. It has turned these into profitable businesses in a year or less.

Enghouse generates a tonne of cash from its businesses. Right now, it is sitting with $240 million of cash. A lot of businesses in its sectors are struggling, and valuations have declined. It has an exceptional opportunity to consolidate the sector and grow earnings/cash flows again.

A Canadian blue-chip stock to hold in a TFSA

A blue-chip stock that could be a good TFSA fit is Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR). CNR is not a flashy growth stock. However, it has steadily delivered above-average returns for years.

Over the past five years, this stock has earned an 11.8% compounded annual total return. Over the past 10 years, it has done even better, with a 12.6% annual total return.

CNR has a relatively new chief executive officer who is working to improve efficiency (and profitability) while maximizing the utility of its North America-wide network. So far, she has been very successful. However, the transport industry has taken a recent hit from strikes, port challenges, weather events, and a fluctuating economy.

CN has a great balance sheet and the capacity for significant share buybacks/dividend growth in the coming years. CN makes for a solid anchor in any TFSA portfolio.

An underfollowed insurer that could soar in 2024

Trisura Group (TSX:TSU) is a provider of specialty insurance and fronting services in Canada and the United States. While this TFSA stock has not had a good year (it is down 31% year to date), it has delivered a 391% total return over the past five years.

Trisura stock is down due to a bad write-down at the start of 2023. Much of that has now been cleaned up. The company is returning to its previous growth profile. In its most recent quarter, it grew revenues by 33%, and operating earnings per share (before write-off charges) was up 46%.

This is a riskier investment as insurance can be nuanced and complicated. Yet, the stock is down substantially and trades at a large gap to peers. This TFSA stock could see considerable upside in 2024, but you will need to be patient through the volatility to get there.

TFSA: Where to Invest $6,500 in December 2023 (2024)

FAQs

Where is the best place to invest TFSA? ›

Best TFSA investment accounts
Best robo-advisors for TFSA investing• Questwealth Portfolios* • Wealthsimple Invest
Best online brokers for TFSA investing• Questrade • Wealthsimple Trade • Qtrade
Apr 1, 2024

Where should I open my TFSA account? ›

Summary of our picks for the best high-interest TFSAs
  1. Tangerine Tax-Free Savings Account.
  2. Motive Financial TFSA Savings Account.
  3. Steinbach Credit Union TFSA Variable Savings.
  4. WealthONE Tax-Free Savings Account.
  5. Canadian Tire Tax Free® High Interest Savings Account.
  6. Hubert Financial High Interest Tax-free Savings Account.
Apr 17, 2024

How much can I contribute to TFSA in 2023? ›

$ 6,500

Where to invest once TFSA is full? ›

Here are some of the most commonly considered solutions:
  • Investments that generate capital gains and dividends. As a rule, capital gains and dividends are taxed at a lower rate than interest income in Canada.
  • Corporate-class funds. ...
  • T-class funds. ...
  • Life insurance. ...
  • Individual pension plan (IPP) ...
  • Real estate.

What is the safest investment in a TFSA? ›

Bonds in a TFSA

Bonds pay out periodic payments throughout the term. And, when compared to stocks, bonds may generally be considered safer investments. Look for a bond with a term that matches the timeframe of your goals.

Which bank has the highest TFSA interest rate? ›

Best TFSA GIC Rates Currently Available In Canada
  • EQ Bank – 5.35% (1-year)
  • Saven Financial – 5.45% (1-year)
  • Peoples Trust — 5.40% (1-year)
  • Hubert Financial and Ideal Savings – 5.35% (1-year)
  • Oaken Financial — 5.35% (1-year)
  • Achieva, Motive and Outlook Financial – 5.20% (1-year)
  • Wealth One Bank of Canada – 5.05% (1-year)

Which bank has the best TFSA account? ›

The best tax free saving accounts (TFSAs) in Canada
  • EQ Bank Tax Free Savings Account. 2023 Winner! ...
  • Scotiabank Savings Accelerator Account (TFSA) 0.75% $38 first year return based on$5,000 balance. ...
  • CIBC Tax Advantage Savings Account. 0.70% $35 first year return based on$5,000 balance. ...
  • Bank of Montreal BMO TFSA Saving Account.
Mar 20, 2024

What are common mistakes in TFSA? ›

Holding cash in a TFSA

But TFSAs have little in common with everyday chequing and savings accounts. That means one thing: they're no place for cash. If you're only using your TFSA to hold cash, you could be missing out on tax savings that come from investments that grow in value over time tax-free.

Why am I losing money in my TFSA? ›

Yes, you can lose money on a TFSA, but it is easy to avoid losing your money. Typically, people who lose their money on a Tax-Free Savings Account are people who are using it for more volatile investments or people who are over-contributing.

What is the average TFSA balance? ›

For the lowest income group—people earning less than CAD 5,000—the average TFSA balance is about CAD 17,000. For people earning between CAD 15,000 and CAD 20,000, the average TFSA balance is about CAD 21,000. TFSA balances rise to about CAD 60,000 on average for people earning more than CAD 250,000.

Do you pay tax on TFSA withdrawals? ›

Contributions to a TFSA are not deductible for income tax purposes. Any amount contributed as well as any income earned in the account (for example, investment income and capital gains) is generally tax-free, even when it is withdrawn.

What is the current lifetime TFSA limit? ›

It also means that starting on January 1, 2024, eligible Canadians will now have a cumulative lifetime TFSA contribution limit of $95,000 (see “What is the lifetime contribution limit for TFSA?” below for examples and charts).

How to grow money with TFSA? ›

A key strategy is to contribute early, so your investments have more time to grow. Make sure you're consistently contributing to your TFSA by enabling automated deposits into your account. This will keep your TFSA growing in a tax-free environment. Remember to ensure that you stay within your contribution room.

How many stocks should I hold in my TFSA? ›

Bottom line. There's no right number of stocks to hold in a TFSA, as it'll depend on your overall risk portfolio. However, it's hard to go wrong with five to 10 blue-chip stocks like TD that can generate both capital appreciation and dividend income.

Can I withdraw all my TFSA at once? ›

There is no limit on how much you can withdraw from a TFSA. If you do withdraw funds from your TFSA, it doesn't reduce the total amount of contributions you've already made for the year.

What is the best holdings in a TFSA? ›

Your TFSA can generally hold the same investments as an RRSP. That means the best investment for TFSAs include cash, mutual funds, publicly traded stocks, GICs and bonds. As mentioned, contributions are not tax deductible, as they are with an RRSP. However, withdrawals from a TFSA are not taxed.

What is the average return on a TFSA? ›

The TFSA will grow to $101,075 after 25 years at an average annual rate of return of 6.00%. If you make the same investment in a taxable investment, it will grow to $83,669 after 25 years.

Is it worth investing in TFSA? ›

You can save money with a TFSA and use it for investments and the growth of your savings is tax-free! If you earn interest, dividends, or capital gains in a TFSA, they are tax-free for the rest of your life. Money can be easily taken out of your TFSA account at any time!

Is TFSA best for investing? ›

TFSAs certainly could be used as a savings account or to buy a GIC, but they're in fact incredibly versatile vessels to hold just about any kind of investment. They're a lot like brokerage accounts, but with one notable difference; whatever you put in a TFSA grows tax-free.

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