In 2016, I made a pivotal decision: I took a sabbatical, loaded my family into a small RV, and traveled to Costa Rica.
Upon my return in 2017, I stepped down from my role as a private banker at National Bank to focus on my venture: Dividend Stocks Rock. I also took charge of my pension account with National Bank, publicly showcasing the portfolio from that time to provide a tangible case study. I dedicated 100% of these funds to dividend growth stocks.
In August 2017, I received $108,760.02 in a restricted retirement account, meaning I couldn’t contribute additional funds, and growth would stem exclusively from capital gains and dividends. I don’t disclose my portfolio performance to brag or imply that others should imitate my approach; my intention is merely to demonstrate how I handle my portfolio each month, sharing both victories and obstacles so that others may glean insights from my experience.
Big Beautiful Bill?
Since Trump’s election victory last November, the media has fervently generated considerable buzz. By media, I refer to both traditional platforms and modern channels like podcasts, blogs, YouTube, and other influencers. Hype and anxiety attract attention and clicks, sustaining many livelihoods.
However, any conjecture starting with phrases like “could, would, should, potentially, may, etc.” should be disregarded as mere chatter. Why? Because spending your life scrutinizing countless possibilities is pointless.
Ultimately, the scenarios you invest time in will likely not happen as expected.
Thus, it’s unnecessary to adjust your portfolio for the upcoming Big Beautiful Bill, just as it’s unnecessary to ready your home for a potential Chinese invasion—both are possibilities, but we haven’t reached that point yet. Nevertheless, I will provide further information about the Bill and discuss why it’s not worth losing sleep over at this moment.
First, let’s examine my portfolio.
Performance Overview
Analyzing the figures as of June 5th, 2025:
Initial investment in September 2017 (without additional contributions): $108,760.02.
Current portfolio worth: $295,593.90
Dividends received: $5,184.57 (TTM)
Average yield: 1.75%
Performance in 2024: +26.00%
VFV.TO= +35.24%, XIU.TO = +20.72%
Dividend growth: +12.22%
Total return since inception (Sep 2017 – June 2025): 171.79%
Annualized return (since September 2017 – 91 months): 14.09%
Vanguard S&P 500 Index ETF (VFV.TO) annualized return (since Sept 2017): 15.36% (total return 195.60%)
iShares S&P/TSX 60 ETF (XIU.TO) annualized return (since Sept 2017): 11.19% (total return 123.60%)
Dynamic sector allocation calculated by DSR PRO as of June 5th, 2025.
Big Beautiful (Bill) Noise, Same Strategy
What’s the Big Beautiful Bill?
The Big Beautiful Bill, conveniently called BBB, is a comprehensive 1,000-page legislation featuring numerous reforms. Passed by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives in May, it is now in the Senate, where Republicans are aiming for a vote before the July 4th recess.
The bill addresses various subjects, particularly Section 899, which seeks to override existing tax treaties and impose a punitive tax regime against nations perceived to have unfair tax practices, such as Canada’s digital service tax.
Experts foresee potential impacts for Canada under Section 899, with heightened withholding tax on U.S. dividends for Canadian investors, starting at 5% annually and possibly escalating to 50% over a number of years.
This might also supersede the current Canada-U.S. Tax Treaty, affecting the 0% U.S. withholding tax on dividends in registered retirement accounts like RRSPs or RRIFs.
In summary, all U.S. dividends could face additional taxation.
Why it doesn’t matter
Such news spreads quickly and incites anxiety, yet it’s not crucial: the bill hasn’t been enacted.
Many have asked why I haven’t extensively discussed tariff news in recent months. Now you know: it’s largely just noise. Little has happened to date, and further confusion is expected. I’ll concentrate on tariffs only when they become officially enforceable—this could take another 6 months or more!
Regarding the BBB, we are currently in a speculative stage. Nothing has been officially signed or ratified into law. The bill encounters challenges related to its proposed federal deficit implications and suggested Medicaid reductions.
The Senate is likely to amend these aspects to include fiscal savings and adjust Medicaid provisions. Following Senate endorsement, the bill will return to the House for text reconciliation. If both chambers concur, it will be sent to President Trump for his approval.
Only at that point should concerns arise, although, to be honest, worrying is unnecessary. Here’s what to do if you feel the urge to worry.