Building a Million-Dollar TFSA: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2024

To get that million-dollar TFSA, it will take consistency and commitment. But if you can be patient, it doesn’t have to take a lot of your present-day cash!

| More on:

The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is one of the best ways for Canadian investors to create enough passive income to help reach their long-term goals. While those goals are and should be different for everyone, having a goal around $1 million could certainly be a strong one if you’re aiming for retirement in the next few years.

With that in mind, today, we’re going to look at how investors could build a million-dollar TFSA by investing in a solid exchange-traded fund (ETF). All you need is $500 to put towards it on a monthly basis. So, let’s get into it.

1. Get the basics

The TFSA is a powerful investment tool available to Canadians, allowing for tax-free growth and withdrawals. ETFs are investment funds traded on stock exchanges, much like stocks. They hold a diversified portfolio of assets, which can include stocks, bonds, or other securities. 

Vanguard FTSE Canada All Cap Index ETF (TSX:VCN) is a popular choice, providing broad exposure to the Canadian market, which makes it a suitable candidate for long-term growth. VCN has historically provided a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) as well. Over the last decade, Canadian equities have generally shown strong performance, and VCN captures a broad spectrum of the Canadian market, which reduces risk compared to sector-specific ETFs.

What’s more, the Canadian market has a solid future outlook, with a stable financial sector, strong natural resources, and growing technology and industrial sectors. VCN’s broad exposure to the Canadian market positions it well for future growth.

2. Consistency

Now, you’ll want to open a TFSA with a reputable financial institution or brokerage. Ensure that the provider offers a wide range of investment options, including ETFs like VCN. Compare fees and services to find the best fit for your needs.

From there, commit to investing $500 per month into your TFSA. Consistency is key, as regular contributions harness the power of compounding over time. Automating these contributions can help ensure that you stick to your investment plan without fail.

3. Buy and reinvest 

Within your TFSA, purchase shares of the VCN ETF. Vanguard FTSE Canada All Cap Index ETF offers broad exposure to Canadian equities, including large-, mid-, and small-cap stocks. This diversification helps mitigate risk while positioning your portfolio for steady growth. 

One of the significant advantages of ETFs like VCN is their dividend income. Ensure that any dividends received are automatically reinvested to purchase additional shares of the ETF. This reinvestment strategy accelerates the compounding effect, significantly enhancing your long-term returns.

4. Take advantage of increases

While staying at $500 is a strong choice, try to increase it when possible. Each year, the Canadian government increases the TFSA contribution limit. Ensure you maximize your contributions annually to take full advantage of the tax-free growth. If your financial situation allows, consider making lump-sum contributions to use any unused contribution room from previous years.

Investing for the long term requires patience and discipline. The stock market can be volatile in the short term, but maintaining a long-term perspective is crucial. Avoid making impulsive decisions based on market fluctuations. Trust in the power of compounding and the historical performance of diversified investments like VCN.

Bottom line

Using this method, with a CAGR of around 7% and including dividends, investors can put that $500 towards VCN ETF on a monthly basis. While it will take patience, it should take about 35 years to reach $1 million. Start early, contribute often, and you’ll retire in style.

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 Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Stocks for Beginners

The virtual button with the letters AI in a circle hovering above a keyboard, about to be clicked by a cursor.
Tech Stocks

Emerging Canadian AI Companies With Big Potential

These tech stocks are paving the way to an AI-filled future, but still offer enough growth ahead for a strong…

Read more »

Young Boy with Jet Pack Dreams of Flying
Tech Stocks

Is Constellation Software Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

CSU stock has long been a strong option for high growth, high value stocks. But are there now too many…

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

3 Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for a Decade

These three high-yield dividend stocks still have some work to do, but each are in steady areas that are only…

Read more »

Asset Management
Stocks for Beginners

TFSA: 4 Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Thinking about what to buy with the new TFSA contribution space in 2025? These four Canadian stocks are worth holding…

Read more »

concept of real estate evaluation
Stocks for Beginners

2 No-Brainer Real Estate Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $1,000

These two real estate sector-focused stocks have the potential to deliver strong returns on your investments in the coming years.

Read more »

engineer at wind farm
Energy Stocks

Invest $20,000 in This Dividend Stock for $100 in Monthly Passive Income

This dividend stock has it all – a strong outlook, monthly income, and even more to consider buying today.

Read more »

stocks climbing green bull market
Stocks for Beginners

3 TSX Stocks Soaring Higher With No Signs of Slowing

Don't ignore stocks just because they look like they're at a high price. Instead, see exactly why they've driven so…

Read more »

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Dividend Stocks

Here’s the Average TFSA Balance at Age 35 in Canada

At age 35, it might not seem like you need to be thinking about your future cash flow. But ideally,…

Read more »