How I'd aim to build a growing passive income from ASX dividend shares

Earning money for doing nothing is the dream and the share market could be key to unlocking this.

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When it comes to generating a steady stream of passive income, there are few investment options that can rival the potential of ASX dividend shares.

Countless investors have generated significant wealth from the share market in recent decades and I'm confident it will be the same again in the future.

How can you grow your passive income with ASX shares?

To construct a robust foundation for a growing passive income, I would focus on several key principles.

Firstly, I would look to invest in companies with a proven track record of consistently paying dividends. This ensures a reliable income stream and offers peace of mind amid market fluctuations.

Secondly, I believe it is important to diversify my holdings across several different sectors to mitigate risk. By spreading my investments across industries such as financials, travel, resources, healthcare, and consumer goods, I can protect my passive income from the impact of sector-specific challenges that pop up now and then.

Failing to do this could lead to significant portfolio and passive income volatility. Just look at what happened to dividend-payers such as Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) and Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) during the pandemic.

Additionally, I would pay attention to the dividend yield and payout ratio of a particular ASX dividend share. A payout ratio that looks stretched could mean dividend cuts are on the horizon if things take a turn. Whereas a company that offers an attractive yield with a relatively low payout ratio would have the ability to maintain or even grow its dividend if its earnings took a hit one year.

Think long-term

In order to take advantage of compounding, I would also take a long-term approach when buying ASX dividend shares. By reinvesting dividends back into my portfolio, I can harness the power of compounding returns, which can significantly boost my passive income potential over the years.

In all, building a growing passive income from ASX dividend shares is entirely possible. It just needs a combination of careful consideration, diversification, and a long-term mindset. By following these principles, investors can lay the foundation for a sustainable income stream that could grow materially over time.

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 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.

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