Passive income investing: I'd buy ASX dividends shares to make $1,000 a month without working

Considering a side hustle? Here's how I'd make extra cash without the work.

a dog sleeping with cucumbers on his eyes

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • I believe that investing in ASX dividend shares could see me realising more than $1,000 of passive income each month in less than two decades
  • And all it would take is $150 a week
  • Here's how I would invest if I was aiming to lighten my workload without reducing my take-home pay

Want $1,000 of monthly passive income? Yes please! I believe that by consistently investing in ASX dividend shares and making the most of compounding, I could cut back on my nine-to-five without sacrificing my financial well-being.

Here's how I would build an ASX portfolio capable of providing $1,000 of passive income each month, starting today.

How I'd build $1,000 of monthly passive income

Imagine receiving a consistent income while enjoying hobbies, holidaying, or even sleeping. It might sound like a dream, but I think I could make it a reality by investing strategically in ASX dividend shares over the coming years.

Indeed, by investing $150 a week – around $7,800 annually – I think I could be bringing in $1,000 a month in less than two decades. And that's before considering capital gains or franking credits.

Let's assume I invested $150 a week in stocks capable of paying a generous (but not outlandish) average dividend yield of 6.5% and reinvested any and all dividends I received.

By doing so, I could boast a portfolio worth more than $209,000 in 16 years. Meanwhile, I would have forked out just $125,000 – that's the power of compounding!

At that point, my ASX dividend shares could bring in $13,585 each year – or around $1,132 a month.

How I'd find ASX dividend shares to buy

But which stocks I choose to invest in could make or break my passive income investing strategy.

While buying the highest-yielding shares might seem like the best way to grow dividend income, I think the sustainability of a company's payouts is far more important.

My passive income plan relies on long-term growth. Therefore, I'd look for shares with a strong balance sheet and a history of paying consistent dividends.

And I'd look for them in a variety of shapes, sizes, and sectors. That's because one of the best ways to protect a portfolio over the long term is to diversify.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I would look for quality ASX dividend shares trading at good prices.

By buying in at a good price, I believe I could start my investment off on the right foot and potentially kickstart my returns.

However, even the most considered investment isn't guaranteed to provide returns, and past performance doesn't indicate future performance.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Dividend Investing

A padlock wrapped around a wad of Australian $20 and $50 notes, indicating money locked up.
Dividend Investing

An ASX dividend stalwart every Australian should consider buying

This business offers everything an income-focused investor could want.

Read more »

Happy young woman saving money in a piggy bank.
Dividend Investing

Buy 100 shares of this premier dividend share for $150 in passive income

Here’s why this dividend stock remains a favourite for passive income.

Read more »

Three people in a corporate office pour over a tablet, ready to invest.
Dividend Investing

Broker names 2 ASX dividend shares to buy before it's too late

Bell Potter is urging income investors to buy these shares.

Read more »

Two plants grow in jars filled with coins.
Dividend Investing

31%: This could be the best dividend growth stock on the ASX

Let's get into why.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Dividend Investing

1 excellent ASX dividend stock, down 60%, to buy and hold for the long term

This beaten down stock could be a top pick for income investors. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A young woman looks happily at her phone in one hand with a selection of retail shopping bags in her other hand.
Dividend Investing

These 2 ASX dividend shares are great buys right now

These stocks offer a strong level of payouts. Here’s why…

Read more »

Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.
Dividend Investing

2 ASX dividend stocks tipped to deliver 7% to 10% yields in 2026

Big yields and major upside could be on offer with these shares according to brokers.

Read more »

Flying Australian dollars, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

This 4.6% dividend stock sends cash to investors every single month

This dividend stock is off to a flying start.

Read more »