Short on Retirement Savings? Here Are 3 Solutions

With the right mindset coupled with investments dividend stocks like Great-West Lifeco Inc. (TSX:GWO), H&R Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:HR.UN), and Vermilion Energy Inc. (TSX:VET)(NYSE:VET), your retirement savings will not fall short in the future.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Have you given thought to the fact that your regular paycheck will be a thing of the past when you retire? As early as now, you should take charge of your retirement and be ready to implement solutions that will fortify your retirement savings.

Save at every opportunity

You should continuously be on the lookout for opportunities to save money. Start by cutting back on household expenses. Remove the non-essentials like eating out, buying gadgets, and online shopping, among others. Every dollar you save will boost your retirement savings.

Look for a suitable retirement sanctuary

Other would-be retirees take it a step further by scouting for a place with less maintenance cost and where it’s cheaper to spend the last leg of their lives. You’ll have a more enjoyable time than stressing over money concerns.

Invest in high-dividend stocks

An all-important solution is to invest in dividend stocks. Use your savings to generate more money instead of throwing it away on useless spending. Great-West (TSX:GWO), H&R REIT (TSX:HR), and Vermilion (TSX:VET)(NYSE:VET) can solve your retirement worries.

Great-West is an international financial services company with interests in life insurance, health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management, and reinsurance businesses. Its main attributes are capital strength and financial flexibility.

The operations of this Winnipeg-based company dates back to 1861. To date, the total consolidated assets under administration are $1.4 trillion. Great-West’s primary mission is to help clients in Canada, Europe, and the U.S. achieve financial security and well-being.

Great-West is a financially robust company with an impressive track record of high-quality dividend payments. For less than $30 per share, you have an investment of great value.

H&R is one of Canada’s largest real estate investment trusts (REITs). As of June 30, 2019, this $6.5 billion REIT had $14.4 billion total assets. Its ownership interests are in high-quality office, retail, industrial, and residential properties situated in North America.

With the rising rental rates in the industrial market, H&R’s industrial portfolio will contribute significantly to future growth. That is not overlooking the growth from the retail and residential segments.

If you invest in H&R, you’ll be one of the 67% of retail investors that collectively hold the REIT’s shares. Institutional investors own the rest. This ownership composition gives you and other retail investors the power to participate in critical policy decisions, including dividend-payout ratios.

Vermilion, a $3 billion oil and gas exploration and production company, is among the highest-paying dividend stocks. It also has a lower risk profile compared with industry peers. Your bonus is the higher dividend payment.

The erratic oil and natural gas prices weighed heavily on oil and gas companies. But Vermilion was able to overcome the headwinds because of its broad international diversification. A strong area can compensate for the underperformance or weakness in another.

If volatility were to return to normal and the energy sector flourishes again, you have a stock that offers high dividends and potential for tremendous growth.

Fortify your retirement savings

Since the focus is to have substantial retirement savings, the three stocks are must-haves in your portfolio. Vermilion pays 13.8% dividend while H&R and Great-West pay 6% and 5.85% respectively. The 8.55% average dividend plus the reinvestment opportunities will result in more money in the future.

Should you invest $1,000 in Stingray Group Inc. right now?

Before you buy stock in Stingray Group Inc., consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Stingray Group Inc. wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Dividend Stocks

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Allocate My TFSA Contribution to Canadian Value Stocks This Year

I’d split my $7,000 TFSA contribution across solid dividend-paying stocks from different sectors

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

Why I’d Invest in Canadian Value Stocks for Both Stability and Growth

Three Canadian value stocks are buying opportunities for investors looking for stability and growth.

Read more »

investment research
Dividend Stocks

Got $15,000? 3 Blue-Chip Stocks Every Canadian Should Consider

Here's why investing in blue-chip TSX stocks such as CNQ and CNR should derive outsized gains in 2025 and beyond.

Read more »

protect, safe, trust
Dividend Stocks

Where I’d Allocate $20,000 in 2 Safer High-Yield Dividend Stocks for Retirement Needs

Here are two safer, high-yield dividend stocks I'm looking at for my retirement needs.

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

3 Reasons I’m Considering Enbridge Stock for a $5,000 Investment This April

I'm considering Enbridge stock to provide some defensive appeal and a juicy dividend to my long-term portfolio.

Read more »

monthly desk calendar
Dividend Stocks

A 9.2% Dividend Stock Paying Cash Every Single Month

With one of the highest dividends out there, this dividend stock deserves attention in your portfolio.

Read more »

Happy golf player walks the course
Dividend Stocks

Build a Powerful Passive Income Portfolio With Just $20,000

If you are worried that the bear market could reduce your savings, these stocks can build a powerful passive income…

Read more »

Hand Protecting Senior Couple
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Use My $7,000 TFSA Contribution to Start Retirement Planning

These TSX stocks have solid fundamentals and are well-positioned to deliver significant tax-free total returns over time.

Read more »