A calmer starting point for Canadian retirees
Five diversified income and growth ideas with historical five-year returns above 5%—plus a dedicated cash reserve for near-term spending and calmer withdrawals.
TSX-listed
building blocks
income and growth
investments
low-volatility
cash reserve
annual product fee
range
The confidence shortlist
For the simplest path, choose one diversified ETF core. Add other holdings only when they serve a clear role—more tickers do not automatically mean better diversification.
iShares S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF
75+ Canadian dividend companies in one holding provide a broad domestic income foundation without a single-company decision to monitor.
Watch: Still concentrated in Canadian financials and energy.
iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF
Hundreds of quality dividend companies across developed markets add meaningful U.S. and international growth exposure.
Watch: Foreign dividends face withholding-tax leakage in a TFSA, and currency movements affect returns.
BMO Monthly Income ETF
A roughly 50/50 equity and fixed-income mix provides broad diversification and smoother monthly cash flow in one holding.
Watch: Its foreign sleeves can face withholding tax, and bond values still move with interest rates.
iShares Diversified Monthly Income ETF
Combines dividend equities, bonds and REITs to seek consistent monthly distributions with modest long-term growth.
Watch: Distributions may include return of capital and can change; its fee is the highest in this shortlist.
Granite REIT
A conservatively funded industrial REIT with a 63% Q1 2026 AFFO payout ratio and properties across five countries.
Watch: Property values, rates, tenants and foreign exchange can move the unit price.
Global X High Interest Savings ETF
Deposits with major Canadian banks provide a low-volatility place for near-term withdrawals and money waiting to be invested.
Watch: Not a growth investment, not CDIC-insured, and its distribution falls when Canadian short-term rates decline.
A practical way to choose
You do not need all six. Start with the role your plan is missing, and avoid adding funds simply to collect more ticker symbols.
XEI covers Canadian dividends while XDG adds U.S. and international quality companies.
ZMI and XTR combine equities with bonds and other income assets. Compare them before owning both.
GRT.UN adds real estate; CASH is for near-term liquidity, not long-term growth.
A plain-language guide for age 65+
TD Easy Trade is a self-directed investing app for a phone or tablet—it is not available in a desktop browser. You make every investment decision yourself. If you are unsure, pause and speak with a qualified adviser or TD Easy Trade support.
free trades each year; TD lists $9.99 per trade after the annual allowance.
maintenance fee and no minimum balance, according to TD’s supplied pricing page.
is TD’s stated minimum starting amount. A small starting amount does not remove investment risk.
Use TD’s links to the Apple App Store or Google Play. Existing TD customers can begin with their EasyWeb or Connect ID. New customers choose Start an Application.
New TD customers need government-issued photo identification, a valid SIN, Canadian residency, and contact details. Review every pre-filled item before continuing.
Easy Trade offers TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, and Cash accounts. To invest inside a TFSA, select the TFSA and add cash—but first confirm your available contribution room. A transfer into a TFSA is a contribution unless completed as a qualifying direct transfer.
In the app, search XEI. Confirm the result says iShares S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF and is listed in Canada before tapping Buy. This identification step helps avoid trading a similarly named security.
Choose the TFSA you funded, then enter either a dollar amount or number of units. Review the order type: a market order prioritizes execution, while a limit order sets the highest price you will pay but may not fill. Choose how long the order should remain open under Good ’til.
Check the symbol, account, Buy action, amount, estimated cost, order type, and Good ’til choice. Read every warning. Only then tap Agree & Send Order, and open Go to Order Status to see whether the order filled, remains open, or was rejected.
Process and pricing checked against the TD Easy Trade overview and Help Centre pages saved July 13, 2026. Pricing, app wording, and features can change; review TD’s current details before acting. Partial-share orders below one share have separate pricing.
Before investing
Keep near-term spending in cash.
Money needed in the next 1–3 years should not depend on a stock-market recovery.
Look at total return.
A distribution can include option income or return of capital. Yield alone is not wealth creation.
Check TFSA room.
Overcontributions can trigger penalties; withdrawals restore room only in the next calendar year.
Review personal fit.
Pension income, spending, time horizon and ability to tolerate losses matter more than any ticker list.