How I’d Invest $10,000 in my TFSA (A Simple Strategy for 2026)
As we head toward the end of the year, this is a great time to pause and take stock of where you’re at financially.
Not to beat yourself up, but to ask one simple question:
🤔 How do I want my money working for me going into 2026?
You don’t need a perfect plan or a full financial overhaul. Even small, intentional steps now can make next year feel calmer, more confident, and less reactive.
That’s why I wanted to break down exactly how I’d invest $10,000 in Canada. Using a simple, beginner-friendly approach focused on long-term growth, not quick wins.
(P.S. If you prefer watching instead of reading, I also broke this down in a short 6-minute YouTube video):
⚠️ Step 1: Before You Invest
Before putting a single dollar into the stock market, there’s one rule that matters more than anything:
First, build a small emergency fund in a high-interest savings account.
Investing is powerful… but it’s not a replacement for a safety net.
Once you’ve got that covered and you’re consistently ending the month debt-free, with extra savings left after paying your expenses, then it’s time to invest.
💰 Step 2: Where I’d Invest It
For most Canadians starting out, I’d use a TFSA.
Not because it’s trendy… but because it’s incredibly powerful:
Your investments grow tax-free
You can withdraw money anytime
You can hold ETFs, stocks, GICs, and more
Think of the TFSA like a container.
What really matters is what you put inside it.
📈 Step 3: How I’d Split the $10,000
Here’s the exact framework I shared in the video, and why each piece exists:
🇺🇸 30% — U.S. Growth ETF
Broad exposure to the U.S. market and the companies driving global growth.
🇨🇦 25% — Canadian ETF
Large, established Canadian companies (banks, energy, telecoms).
This adds stability and dividends.
💻 20% — Tech Growth ETF
More risk and volatility, but higher long-term growth potential.
This is your upside engine.
🛒 15% — Consumer Staples ETF
Canadian companies selling everyday essentials like groceries and food.
This helps protect the portfolio during tougher markets.
🌍 10% — Your Choice
Either international exposure or one stock you personally believe in.
This keeps investing personal and engaging.
💡 The goal isn’t perfection… it’s diversification, and consistency.
💻 Step 4: How to Set It Up
You don’t need fancy tools or complicated strategies.
A simple setup looks like this:
Open a TFSA with an online brokerage
Buy the investments based on your target percentages
Don’t stress about exact dollar amounts
Add money monthly if you can, even $50–$100 matters
Once it’s set up, the hardest part is honestly… leaving it alone.
💊 A Quick Reality Check
This isn’t a get-rich-quick strategy.
Some months your portfolio may be down. That’s normal.
The win comes from:
Staying invested
Not panic-selling
Letting time do the heavy lifting
For a long-term investor like me, this kind of mix balances risk and reward: Growth when markets run, and stability when they don’t.
📅 Looking Ahead to 2026
The end of the year isn’t about doing everything at once.
It’s about setting yourself up so 2026 starts with clarity instead of stress. Whether that’s opening the right account, automating a small monthly investment, or simply understanding how the system actually works.
Even one small move now puts you ahead of where you were last year.
If you want to see this broken down visually, I explain everything step-by-step in my YouTube video:
👉 How I’d Invest $10,000 in Canada:
P.S. If you want a quick reference you can keep and come back to, I created a beginner-friendly guide that breaks down every Canadian investment account (TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, RESP, and more). It’s currently on sale if you want to take a look:
If you’re feeling like 2026 needs a financial reset, you’re not alone. I’ve got more beginner-friendly breakdowns coming to help you start the year with a clear plan and less stress.
Stay consistent, stay invested, and keep your money working smarter, not harder. 💪
Happy Holidays! 😊
Your Finance Coach, Finance Femster