My TFSA was in negative territory for years until recently.  I invested mostly in stock IPO's offered by the banks and got burned.  The good IPO's seem to disappear before you have a chance to make a decision, and usually only the more lowly IPO's are left for the rest of us.  If I had invested in real real estate instead I would be much further ahead than my TFSA or RRSP.   I dream of making millions tax free, but like most its just a dream.  The few that are smart enough, or lucky enough, or just have the free time to investigate and invest wisely in stocks to make the big buck investing decisions, I dream of joining the ranks some day.