Inflation Is Boosting TFSA, OAS and CPP Payments, but It’s Not Enough to Create Wealth

The TFSA is being increased to match inflation. To beat inflation, consider energy stocks like Enbridge (TSX:ENB)(NYSE:ENB)

| More on:
alcohol

Image source: Getty Images

Inflation is an invisible tax on everyone. The government has promised to mitigate the issue by expanding social programs such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS). Unfortunately, these expanded programs won’t fully offset the impact of record-high inflation. 

Here’s a closer look at why social programs are lagging behind this inflationary wave and what investors can do to protect themselves. 

Lagging inflation

Most social programs have some commitment to index payments to the cost of living. In other words, they should keep up with inflation. However, the way indexation is calculated leads to smaller increases in payments from these programs. 

In 2023, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) payments are due to be expanded. Based on the Public Service Superannuation Act (PSSA) and the Supplementary Retirement Benefits Act (SRBA), the payments should be indexed to inflation every year. However, the indexation is calculated by taking the average monthly inflation of the two previous years. That means the indexation rate for 2023 is 6.3%. 

Meanwhile, the inflation rate is 6.9% as of October 2022. In June, the rate peaked at 8.1%. Put simply, pension plans are lagging behind inflation. This squeezes pensioners in a subtle way. 

Better alternatives

Inflation is shrinking the government safety net for elderly pensioners. However, young investors have more breathing room to secure their retirement independently. That’s because the TFSA contribution room is expanding to $6,500 in 2023. That’s 8.3% higher than last year. And 0.2% higher than peak inflation.

Meanwhile, the stock market has been sliding lower and fixed interest rates have been rising. A typical Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) offers 5.25% right now. Yet, some high-quality blue chip stocks like Enbridge (TSX:ENB)(NYSE:ENB) offer dividend yields as high as 6.2%. 

The ongoing energy crisis is a major tailwind for Enbridge. I believe the company could see further upside in revenue for several years as North America tries to plug the energy shortage in Europe. That means higher net income and better dividends for shareholders. 

The cost of energy is tightly linked to annual inflation. This is why I consider Enbridge a robust hedge against this inflationary wave. Investors looking to preserve wealth and passive income should take a closer look at inflation-resistant stocks like ENB in 2023. 

Bottom line

The government has expanded the safety net. CPP and OAS payments are rising next year. Unfortunately, the hikes are below the actual inflation experienced by pensioners and retirees. 

Younger investors can avoid this squeeze by investing in alternatives. Investing your expanded TFSA in a dividend growth stock could be a better way to fight inflation and secure your financial future. You could bolster your financial security with a steady flow of passive income from the energy or telecommunications sector. 

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 Vishesh Raisinghani has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Enbridge. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Investing

Canadian dollars in a magnifying glass
Dividend Stocks

3 High-Yield Dividend Stocks That Are Screaming Buys Right Now

Are you looking for great income stocks? Here's a trio of high-yield dividend stocks that pay insane yields right now.

Read more »

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

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: TD Bank or Manulife Financial?

Manulife continues to see momentum in its business and stock price, while TD Bank stock remains down and out.

Read more »

cloud computing
Tech Stocks

3 No-Brainer Tech Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

These three Canadian tech stocks could be among the best growth opportunities in the market right now.

Read more »

Piggy bank with word TFSA for tax-free savings accounts.
Dividend Stocks

Transform a $5,000 TFSA Into a $50,000 Retirement Nest Egg

The TFSA is a powerful tool that can grow a small investment into a substantial retirement nest egg over time.

Read more »

Canadian Dollars bills
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Cheap Canadian Stocks Under $20 to Buy This November

Cheap TSX stocks such as Endeavour Silver are trading at an attractive valuation in November 2024.

Read more »

happy woman throws cash
Tech Stocks

3 Growth Stocks That Could Be Long-Term Wealth Creators

These three growth stocks aim to grow their financials at a higher rate than the industry average, thus delivering superior…

Read more »

how to save money
Bank Stocks

This 5.9% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Month

First National Financial (TSX:FN) has a 5.9% yielding dividend that is paid out monthly.

Read more »

gift is bigger than the other
Investing

The Best Canadian Stocks to Buy With $5,000

These Canadian companies have solid growth prospects and the ability to deliver profitable growth even at a large scale.

Read more »