If you’ve got money saved up and are looking for ways to put it to work, dividend stocks provide a great option. Inside of a TFSA, eligible investments can earn dividend income tax-free and are a great way to add a recurring stream of cash flow for your day-to-day expenses. Below, I’ll show you which stocks you can invest in to help you earn $500 a month in dividends with less than $100,000.
First National Financial (TSX:FN) is a good dividend stock that doesn’t offer a lot of volatility, which is great for investors that don’t want to keep a close eye on their investments. Year to date, returns have been flat, and in five years the stock has climbed 25%. While those returns may not be much to be excited about, there’s definitely a lot for dividend investors to like about First National.
The lending company has produced solid, consistent results this year, and the company is going to be paying investors a special dividend, just like it did a year ago. While these payments are by no means a guarantee, it’s definitely a good sign that the company is looking to reward its investors.
With a yield of 6.4%, I’d be comfortable with suggesting an investment of around $35,000 in this stock given its stability and long-term performance. This would add $188 in dividends to your portfolio every month.
Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund (TSX:BPF.UN) has struggled this year, as the stock has plummeted by more than 25% year to date. However, with the stock trading a little more than its book value, it’s an attractive buy given that you’re betting on the success of a very popular and stable restaurant chain like Boston Pizza. While the fund may have stumbled a little this year, over the long term I don’t see a significant amount of risk here.
However, given how bearish it has been lately, I’d invest around $20,000 into this stock, which is currently paying investors 8.8% per year and would provide you a monthly payment of about $147.
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:REI.UN) is another good place to store your money, as this REIT is well diversified and has performed very well over the years. The stock price has increased by less than 2% so far this year, and it is still trading right around its book value. As one of the top REITs in the country, you’re looking at what’s a fairly stable investment, especially given how strong the economy has been doing recently.
At a dividend of 5.8%, RioCan may be the lowest payout on this list, but it’s also likely the safest. If you were to put $35,000 in this stock, that would yield you monthly payments of $170 and put you at more than $500 a month across these three stocks.
Summary
Here’s a quick summary of the above investments and how you could earn $500 a month with $90,000 of funds invested:
Stock | Invested Amount | Yield | Monthly Payment |
First National Financial | $35,000 | 6.4% | $187 |
Boston Pizza Royalties | $20,000 | 8.8% | $147 |
RioCan Real Estate | $35,000 | 5.8% | $169 |
Total | $90,000 | 6.7% (Average) | $503 |
While the expected dividend payments look good on paper, investors should note that there’s no guarantee a payout will continue, and there’s certainly no obligation for a company to continue paying one.