Making movements
First, treat the TFSA as a bill you pay yourself, not as a leftover. The January action that can improve results most quickly is contributing early in the year, rather than waiting until later. More months invested means more time compounding, and it reduces the chance of missing the mark when expenses pile up in the spring and summer.
Second, make it automatic and measurable. Choose an amount that fits your budget, set up a transfer for the day after payday and increase it when your income increases or a debt disappears. Track contributions in one easy place so you don’t accidentally contribute too much. If you withdraw from your TFSA in 2025, that withdrawn amount will become contribution room again in January 2026, so you can replenish what you withdrew and restart tax-free growth. If you’re nervous, keep a small cash cushion outside the TFSA so you don’t have to sell at a bad time.
Third, choose an investment that will keep you invested. If you want to grow the TFSA, leaving it in cash is usually a slow grind. A long-term plan tends to work better for companies or broad funds that can grow their profits, survive recessions and continue to develop over many years. Diversify, avoid constant tinkering and reinvest distributions when possible. Also pay attention to the fees. A 2% fund fee quietly eats away at your compound growth, especially if you’re trying to catch up in your 50s.
Consider DSG
Descartes Systems Group (TSX:DSG) is a quiet compounder that many Canadians overlook. It sells logistics and supply chain software that helps companies plan shipments, manage transportation, and handle customs and compliance matters. When software becomes part of daily business operations, customers are reluctant to switch. This can support stable, repeatable revenue. Over time, e-commerce and higher delivery expectations continue to push companies toward better logistics tools.
The latest quarterly results support that idea of a stable engine. For the third quarter of 2026 ended October 31, 2025, Descartes reported total revenue of $187.7 million and net income of $44.7 million, in addition to adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of $85.5 million. It ended the quarter with $239.9 million in cash. For a new investor, this mix shows real profitability and financial flexibility, not just growth at any price.
Performance over time makes Descartes TFSA friendly, but you still need patience. Such stocks can look expensive because the market pays for sustainability and a long runway. It could also lag risk-on rallies as investors look for flashier stories. The test is whether it continues to convert revenue into cash and remain relevant as logistics becomes increasingly digital and data-driven. Furthermore, Descartes usually trades at a premium because recurring revenue and strong margins are rare. At the time of writing, the company was trading at around 47 times forward earnings, with forward multiples still reflecting expectations for continued growth. Paying is fine, but it raises the bar and shares can fall even if the company remains healthy.
In short
But that’s why DSG can be a solid stock for a 50-year-old looking to boost a TFSA quickly, as long as fast also means consistent. It works best as part of a portfolio that continues to feed you, especially in January, while also holding something broader for diversification. Buy it with a long horizon, keep your position size sensible and let consistency do the heavy lifting. In early January, stay steady and repeat.
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