Sick of the grind? Here's how I'd aim to replace my wage with dividend income in 2023

I could be kicking back and enjoying retirement while still raking in an average salary by 2040.

| More on:
man sitting in hammock on beach representing asx shares to buy for retirement

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

  • Building a portfolio of dividend shares capable of providing the average Australian wage might not be as expensive an exercise as it sounds
  • In fact, putting aside $250 a week could be all it takes to retire in under 24 years, thanks to the power of compounding
  • If that were my aim, I would seek out ASX value shares that are also capable of providing dividends

There are arguably two types of Australians: Those that relish the nine-to-five grind and those that don't. For those in the latter group, living a never-ending weekend while raking in a 'wage' probably sounds like a dream come true. Fortunately, ASX dividend shares can offer such passive income.

And building a 'wage' through investing in Aussie stocks need not be overly expensive.

I believe that by regularly setting aside funds to buy undervalued, high-quality ASX dividend shares, I could begin preparing an early retirement (or second wage) in 2023. Here's how.

How much do I need to invest to see my wage in dividends?

As of August 2022, the average Australian employee was paid $1,250 each week, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. That's around $65,000 annually, pre-tax. So, let's use that as our base.

If one was to realise a notable – but not impossible – annual dividend yield of 8%, one would need an $815,000 portfolio to receive around $65,000 each year in dividend income.

If you're anything like me, that's far from pocket change! Fortunately, it doesn't need to be invested all at once. Here's how I would build it up over the years.

Building a portfolio using compounding

If I were aiming to build a portfolio of dividend shares capable of growing to be worth $815,000, I'd focus on compounding my earnings for now.

By reinvesting any dividend income in shares, I could build up my holdings without forking out extra cash.

I think I could put $250 of the average $1,250 weekly wage aside to invest.

If I did so, and I could realise an 8% yield while reinvesting all my dividends, my portfolio could be worth around $815,000 in under 24 years. That could feasibly see me retiring by 2047.

If I made some lifestyle changes, I could potentially stretch my wage further.

By investing $500 a week, I could reach my goal in under 17 years. That could potentially allow me to kick back for the remainder of my 'working' days from 2040.

Identifying ASX dividend shares to buy

Of course, realising a consistent 8% dividend yield is a hard – but not impossible – ask.

Right now, S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) companies like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), and Cromwell Property Group (ASX: CMW) each offer yields of around 8%.

Though, higher yields can also come with greater risks. On the other hand, a lower yield would increase the time it would take to reach my goal.

Fortunately, I think there's a middle ground. An investor buying ASX value shares that are also capable of paying dividends may find themselves receiving higher returns when their investment's true worth is realised.

Identifying value shares is notoriously tricky. And it's likely made trickier if one is seeking passive income on top. However, it can be done.

If that was my aim, I would analyse a company's business, its true value, balance sheet, and strengths and weaknesses to assess whether it might be able to grow its valuation and payouts in the future.

Still, even the most considered investment can't be guaranteed to provide either dividends or capital gains.

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

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

These dirt cheap ASX dividend stocks could rise 25% to 30%

Analysts think big returns could be on offer from these income stocks.

Read more »

many investing in stocks online
Dividend Investing

Expecting volatility? Two ASX dividend shares with 5-10% yields

These investment options come with a healthy passive income stream. 

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Buy these top ASX dividend shares for market-beating 5% to 6% yields

These shares are being tipped as buys by analysts for income investors.

Read more »

Worried ASX share investor looking at laptop screen
Dividend Investing

This ASX dividend share has a 9.5% yield. Here's why it might be a trap

Is this 9.5% yield too good to be true?

Read more »

A senior investor wearing glasses sits at his desk and works on his ASX shares portfolio on his laptop.
Dividend Investing

An ASX dividend share yielding 6% to consider buying today before it's too late

Not many shares offer this kind of yield right now...

Read more »

A senior investor wearing glasses sits at his desk and works on his ASX shares portfolio on his laptop2
Dividend Investing

Why I think these 2 ASX dividend shares offer great buying right now

These two stocks could be two of the best dividend stocks to buy today…

Read more »

Contented looking man leans back in his chair at his desk and smiles.
Dividend Investing

Buy BHP and this ASX dividend stock in July

Let's see why analysts are bullish on these income options.

Read more »

Happy young couple saving money in piggy bank.
Dividend Investing

I'd buy 5,264 shares of this ASX 200 stock to aim for $250 a month of passive income

This business is a great candidate for large and growing income.

Read more »