A $5,000 annual passive income stream from ASX shares could make a meaningful difference to many investors.
It could help cover regular expenses, fund a few extras, or simply provide more financial flexibility.
So, how would I go about building towards that amount?
Image source: Getty Images
How much you need for this passive income
The starting point is fairly simple. A portfolio with a dividend yield averaging 4% would need to be worth around $125,000 to generate $5,000 a year in dividends.
At an average yield of 5%, the required portfolio value falls to roughly $100,000.
I would probably aim somewhere within that range.
There are ASX shares offering much higher yields, but I would be careful about building the plan around them. A large yield can sometimes reflect concerns about the business or expectations that the dividend will eventually be reduced.
I would prefer a slightly lower starting yield from companies where I have more confidence in the underlying earnings.
What might I buy?
National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) is the type of passive income share I would consider.
Its strong position in business banking gives it relationships with Australian companies across lending, deposits, payments, and everyday banking. I think that provides a solid base for dividends over time.
Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) could also have a place.
Mobile and internet services have become part of everyday life, giving Telstra relatively resilient demand. The company has also made a sustainable and growing dividend an important part of its long-term plans.
I would probably add a company such as Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) as well.
Its dividend yield may not be as high, but grocery demand is dependable, and analysts expect earnings and dividends to grow over the next few years.
I like that combination because passive income does not have to mean chasing the largest payment available today. Growing dividends can become increasingly valuable over a long holding period.
Keep the income diversified
I would also spread the portfolio across several industries.
Owning only banks might produce an attractive yield, but it would leave the income stream heavily exposed to the same economic and regulatory risks.
Adding telecommunications, consumer staples, healthcare, infrastructure, or other dividend-paying businesses could make the portfolio more resilient.
Franking credits can provide another benefit for eligible Australian investors, although their value will depend on individual tax circumstances.
Once the portfolio was generating around $5,000 annually, I could take the dividends as income when I needed them. Until then, I would generally reinvest the payments and keep adding to the portfolio.
Foolish takeaway
I think a portfolio worth somewhere around $100,000 to $125,000 is a sensible starting target for generating $5,000 a year in passive income.
From there, I would focus on owning strong businesses with dividends that I believe can be maintained and, ideally, increased over time.
For me, that is a much more comfortable way to build an income stream than simply hunting for the highest yields on the ASX.
