Earning $1,000 a month in passive income from shares sounds ambitious, but it is achievable.
The key is to stop thinking in terms of quick wins and instead focus on building a portfolio of reliable, cash-generating businesses over time.
On the ASX, dividend-paying shares and income-focused funds make this goal particularly realistic for patient investors.
Here is how I would think about building a $12,000-a-year passive income stream, step by step.
Where to start
A $1,000-a-month income stream equates to $12,000 a year in dividends.
If a portfolio delivers an average dividend yield of around 5%, that means a portfolio value of roughly $240,000. At a 6% yield, the required capital falls closer to $200,000.
These figures are not small, but they are achievable over time through a combination of regular investing, dividend reinvestment, and patience.
The focus should be on sustainable dividends, not the highest yield available today.
Build your portfolio
In the early years, investors may want to focus on ASX shares that have the potential to grow over the long term.
This might mean shares such as ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), or Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).
What we are looking for is a 10% per annum average return, which is in line with historical averages.
If we can achieve that, then it would take just 10 years of investing $1,000 a month to build a $200,000 investment portfolio. One further year of compounding would take us to approximately $240,000.
Focus on passive income
Now we have the portfolio to the size we want, we can focus on building the foundations of a passive income portfolio.
This is where we should be looking for ASX shares with predictable cash flows and a track record of paying dividends through different economic conditions.
One example is Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS). Telstra operates in a defensive industry and generates steady cash flow from its mobile and network businesses. While it is not a high-growth stock, its dividends can play an important role in providing income stability.
Another is APA Group (ASX: APA). APA owns and operates critical gas infrastructure across Australia, with long-term contracts that support consistent distributions. Assets like these are often well suited to income-focused portfolios.
These types of businesses are not exciting, but reliability matters far more than excitement when building passive income.
In addition, retail businesses like Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) and Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) can sometimes offer attractive dividend yields when trading at sensible valuations. These companies are more cyclical, but when managed carefully, they can meaningfully boost income.
The key is diversification. No single stock should be responsible for too much of the monthly income target.
Foolish takeaway
Passive income from ASX shares is not reserved for professionals or retirees.
With a clear income target, the right mix of ASX dividend shares, and a long-term mindset, building a $1,000-a-month income stream is a realistic goal for everyday investors.
