5 steps to bring in $1,000 per month in passive income

It could be income aplenty for investors following these steps.

| More on:
business man with cigar, counting cash, CEO, business executive

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

  • Generating passive income is something that anyone can do
  • Having a plan is key to making it a success
  • Five steps you can take to generate income are listed below

If you're wanting to generate passive income with ASX shares, there are a few key steps to follow to make this a reality.

5 steps to growing your passive income

First up, you'll want to invest in shares that pay sustainable dividends. This means looking for companies with strong earnings, manageable payout ratios, and positive long term outlooks. Some examples on the ASX could include Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

Next, it's important for investors to build a diversified portfolio. Don't just invest in one or two ASX shares, spread your risk across a variety of sectors. This will help you weather any ups and downs in the market and increases your chance of generating stable passive income.

The Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY) could be just the ticket for this step. It provides investors with easy access to a diverse group of high-yield ASX dividend shares.

Thirdly, it could be worth thinking about franking credits. These are tax credits for Aussie investors who receive dividends from ASX shares. You will probably want to look for shares that pay fully franked dividends so you can maximise your after-tax return.

Moving onto the next step, it could be smart to reinvest your dividends instead of withdrawing the payouts. Doing this allows you to buy more shares in the companies you already own (sometimes at a discount). This will help you to compound your returns and increase your passive income over the long-term.

Finally, it is important to monitor your portfolio regularly. This includes keeping an eye on the performance of each share, making changes if necessary. This will help you to maximise your passive income and minimise your risk.

All in all, if all goes to plan, by following these steps, once you have grown a portfolio valued at $240,000 and have an average yield of 5% across your portfolio, you will be generating $12,000 of passive income a year (the equivalent of $1,000 a month) with potential to grow further in the future.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Dicker Data. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Dicker Data and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on How to invest

A man balances on a tightrope across rocks above the sea at sunset.
How to invest

The risk of not taking risks with your ASX shares

One financial expert has a simple message for anyone not investing in shares.

Read more »

A young male worker climbs a ladder.
Share Market News

Investing in shares now 'part of the ladder' to buying a home

Investing in shares can speed up the process of generating enough cash for a home deposit, expert says.

Read more »

Seven men and women of different ages and nationalities put their heads together and smile as they look down at the camera.
How to invest

4 ASX stock investments to instantly diversify your portfolio

There are plenty of opportunities to diversify your portfolio through ASX investments.

Read more »

Man holding fifty Australian Dollar banknote in his hands, symbolising dividends, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

For a shot at $5,000 a year in passive income, buy 710 shares of this ASX stock

I think every passive income investor should have this ASX dividend stock in their portfolio.

Read more »

Two surfers, one older and one younger, high five with big smiles on their faces.
How to invest

Strategies for successfully navigating market volatility

Master the art of navigating market volatility and learn to ride the waves of the ASX for long-term growth and…

Read more »

property prices represented by person holding on to miniature house
Share Market News

Shares vs. property: Record stock ownership amid landlords' exit

Household wealth derived from owning shares just hit a record $1.4 trillion.

Read more »

A young cool man sits in a private jet wearing headphones and casual clothing.
How to invest

No savings? I'd use Warren Buffett's methods to retire rich with ASX shares

Want to retire with a big bank balance? This could be the way.

Read more »

Man holding a calculator with Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
How to invest

$20,000 invested in these ASX shares 10 years ago is worth how much?

Have the shares been a good place to invest?

Read more »