How an Ottawa couple grew their TFSA to $1.3 million

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 28, 2026

An Ottawa couple grew their tax-free savings accounts to over $1.3 million by consistently investing in growth stocks like Shopify and Nvidia, with Bree managing the portfolio using a buy-and-hold strategy. Their success highlights how combining aggressive TFSA investments with conservative assets like a pension and mortgage-free home equity can balance risk and secure financial stability.

An Ottawa couple has successfully grown their tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs) to a combined value exceeding $1.3 million by following a consistent investment strategy focused primarily on growth stocks. Bree, an accountant nearing retirement, manages the couple’s TFSAs, while her husband Kay, a retired labourer, prefers a more cautious approach and leaves the portfolio decisions to her.

The cornerstone of their TFSA portfolio’s growth has been a significant investment in Shopify Inc., a technology company with a highly volatile stock. Bree’s interest in Shopify was sparked in 2016 after visiting the company’s Ottawa offices. Impressed by the innovative workspace and the emphasis on employee autonomy, she believed the company was well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing trend toward e-commerce.

Her conviction was further strengthened during a 2018 discussion within her investment club, the Ottawa Share Club. At that time, some members contemplated taking profits after Shopify’s stock had risen significantly. However, Bree decided to hold her shares, influenced by a fellow investor’s confidence that the stock would continue to climb. This decision proved prescient as Shopify’s stock surged, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when consumer behavior shifted heavily toward online shopping. Bree capitalized on this run-up by selling substantial portions of her holdings in mid-2022, securing six-figure gains, while retaining some shares in the hope of further appreciation.

Another key contributor to their TFSA growth was Nvidia Corp., whose shares Bree purchased based on recommendations from an investment advisory service, 5i Research. She also credits a mix of financial media, including the BNN Market Call television program, and insights from a longtime friend she met at a DIY investment workshop for aiding her stock selection, although she tends to have a higher tolerance for market fluctuations than her friend.

Despite some losses among other stock picks in their portfolio of about 30 holdings, the couple’s overall returns have been impressive. Bree attributes the success largely to a buy-and-hold approach focused on growth stocks, combined with her willingness to endure market volatility.

The TFSAs represent the couple’s more aggressive investments, while their broader financial situation includes registered retirement savings plans, non-registered accounts valued at approximately $1.3 million (which Bree plans to move under professional management), over $800,000 in mortgage-free home equity, and Bree’s defined-benefit pension plan. These more conservative assets provide a financial safety net, ensuring that even if the TFSA portfolio had underperformed, Bree and Kay would be able to maintain their lifestyle.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.