While it might seem that the world of RRSPs gets forgotten in the summer heat, my Internet Wealth Builder RRSP Portfolio has been enjoying a tremendous six-month surge, raking in a 6.7% gain despite the Bank of Canada pausing interest rate cuts.

Launched back in February 2012, this portfolio has two key aims: safeguard capital and outperform GIC rates. With an original value of $25,031.92, it’s appreciated significantly, achieving a staggering 225.3% total return over 13.5 years, translating to an average annual growth rate of 9.16%—far exceeding our target.

So what’s in this stellar portfolio, you ask? It’s a diverse mix of ETFs and stocks, making it essential for anyone wishing to replicate this success to set up a self-directed RRSP.

Current Holdings Overview

Let’s dive into the specifics of what’s working and how these investments have fared since the last review in early September.

Highlights of the Portfolio

1. **iShares 0-5 Years TIPS Bond Index ETF (XSTP-T)**: Offers inflation protection through U.S. Government notes. It dropped $0.35 since February but delivered solid distributions totaling $0.845 per unit.

2. **CI High Interest Savings ETF (CSAV-T)**: Added at $50, its stability comes from investing in major Canadian bank deposits, yielding $0.648 per unit so far.

3. **BMO S&P/TSX Banks Equal Weight Index ETF (ZEB-T)**: Exposure to Canada’s top six banks reaped a gain of $6.04 a unit with distributions of $0.855.

4. **iShares Edge MSCI Minimum Volatility USA Index ETF (XMS-T)**: Invests in less volatile U.S. stocks, making it safer—and it posted a slight gain.

5. **BMO Low Volatility Canadian Equity ETF (ZLB-T)**: Up $6.61 with robust quarterly distributions, focusing on major low-risk stocks.

6. **BMO Low Volatility International Equity ETF (ZLD-T)**: Boosted by $1.20 this period, it hedges against currency risk while providing solid distributions.

7. **Brookfield Corporation (BN-T)**: A diversified leader in real estate and infrastructure, it gained $2.68 with dividends totaling $0.252.

8. **Enbridge (ENB-T)**: With a juicy 5.7% yield, it appreciated $6.44 since the last review.

9. **Fortis Inc. (FTS-T)**: This interest-sensitive powerhouse rose $8.17, offering generous dividends too.

10. **Manulife Financial (MFC-T)**: Although it dipped, it provided three dividends, balancing out slight losses.

11. **Interest Cash Holdings**: With a balance of $2,946.12 at EQ Bank, we earned $29.46 in interest.

Why No Changes?

Despite minor fluctuations, every investment turned a profit this period, led by Fortis and Enbridge. The portfolio's solid mix grants it notable downside protection, so I’m keeping the strategy unchanged.

We’ll reinvest retained earnings, buying additional units in XMS and ZLB, further enhancing our position.

With our cash balance climbing to $3,061.22, I'm shifting it to Tangerine Bank for a promotional 4.5% interest rate.

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for my next review in February. This RRSP is thriving, and I’m eager to see where it goes!