A retired Canadian nurse has turned consistent investing into remarkable success, growing her Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) to more than $750,000—largely driven by one standout stock.
Known by the alias “FrizzyLizzy,” the investor began contributing to her TFSA when the program launched in 2009.
Over the years, she consistently maxed out her contributions, totaling about $109,000, and transformed it into a substantial portfolio through disciplined investing.
A Strategy Built on Consistency
FrizzyLizzy’s success wasn’t based on high-risk speculation or short-term trading. Instead, she followed a steady approach:
- Contributed the maximum amount annually
- Held 6 to 10 stocks at a time
- Focused on long-term growth
Her portfolio was diversified, with additional investments outside her TFSA, including real estate, equities, and income-generating assets.
The Stock That Made the Difference
While diversification played a role, one investment stood out above the rest—shares of Apple Inc..
FrizzyLizzy began purchasing Apple stock in 2010, 2011, and 2012, recognizing early the potential of smartphones and Apple’s competitive advantage in the market.
Over time, the stock’s strong and sustained growth significantly boosted her portfolio’s overall value.
Staying Invested Through Market Volatility
One of the key factors behind her success was her ability to remain calm during market downturns.
Despite experiencing price corrections, she resisted the urge to sell. Instead, she maintained her long-term outlook, stating that she focuses on “buying good stocks and holding onto them.”
Regular portfolio reviews with her broker also helped her stay confident in her strategy.
Currency Gains and Stock Splits
FrizzyLizzy further benefited from currency movements. Initially holding Apple shares in a Canadian-dollar TFSA, she later transferred them to a U.S.-dollar account.
As the U.S. dollar strengthened—reaching up to 1.32 CAD per USD—her investment gained additional value.
Stock splits also played a major role. Apple’s 7-for-1 split in 2014 and 4-for-1 split in 2020 significantly increased her share count, amplifying returns over time.
Rebalancing and Income Generation
Although Apple remained her top performer, FrizzyLizzy periodically sold portions of her holdings to rebalance her portfolio. She sold around $50,000 in 2020 and $12,500 in 2024.
Apple’s dividend, while modest at around 0.5% yield, has grown steadily since 2012, adding a small but reliable income stream.
Expert Perspective on the Strategy
Investment experts note that while her results are impressive, such success requires discipline and risk tolerance.
FrizzyLizzy demonstrated key investing principles:
- Consistent contributions
- Long-term holding strategy
- Emotional control during market swings
However, experts also caution that holding a concentrated portfolio of individual stocks can be risky and may not suit all investors.
FrizzyLizzy’s journey highlights the power of disciplined investing, patience, and conviction. By consistently contributing to her TFSA and holding onto a high-performing stock like Apple, she achieved exceptional growth over time.
While her success includes an element of timing and luck, her approach offers valuable lessons for investors aiming to build long-term wealth.
