Starting from scratch: How ASX investors can grow a $50k passive income in just 11 years

An intense investing regime has the potential to produce a whopping annual income in next to no time.

| More on:
A woman looks quizzical while looking at a dollar sign in the air.

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

  • Investing on the ASX can produce a notable passive income stream
  • But what if you only had 11 years to play with?
  • By investing a hefty next egg now, or a substantial sum each week, one could receive $50k of dividend income annually by 2034

What would a $50,000 annual passive income get you? Perhaps a new car every year, multiple luxury international holidays, or even an early retirement. That passive income could be yours in just 11 years with some strategic – and perhaps intense – investing on the ASX.

It's no doubt been done before, and it might even be done again. But it won't be easy.

It will likely take a lot of capital, a diverse portfolio of quality dividend shares, a pinch of good luck and, of course, the magic that is compounding.

Indeed, compounding is a key part of billionaire investor Warren Buffett's "secret sauce".

So, how exactly might one build a $50,000 passive income in just 11 years? Let's take a look.

How much do you need to invest to realise a $50k passive income?

First, one should consider the average dividend yield on offer from their prospective ASX shares. That is, the ratio between their cost and how much they pay out in dividends each year.

The higher the dividend yield, the less an investor will need to fork out to earn $50,000 in passive income each year.

However, sustaining a high dividend yield can be challenging for a company. Thus, I personally believe a lower, reliable dividend yield is more attractive than higher, less sustainable offerings.

Let's say one could earn an above-average dividend yield of 6%. At that rate, an ASX investor would need a portfolio worth around $835,000 to receive $50,000 of passive income a year.

That's a hefty sum for most. Fortunately, it doesn't need to be invested in one sweep.

How to build an $835k dividend portfolio in 11 years

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 9.55% on average each year over the last three decades. While such a return isn't guaranteed for the coming three decades, let's assume it will hold out for the next 11 years.

At that rate, one would need to invest $46,150 each year – or $887.50 a week – for 11 years to build a portfolio worth $835,000.

Though, in that time, they would have forked out just $507,650 – that's compounding, folks!

On the other hand, if you had a sizeable nest egg to invest initially – say $200,000 – it would take just $16,000 of additional annual investment to reach our figurative target in 11 years.

Expanding the horizon

Of course, such an intense investing strategy won't suit most Aussies' budgets. But what if you had 25 years to play with?

Well, a $9,100 annual investment – assuming a 9.55% return – could see one with an ASX portfolio capable of providing $50,000 of passive income in that time. That equals just $175 a week.

It's worth remembering, however, that no investment is guaranteed to provide returns and past performance isn't an indication of future performance.

Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

Scott just revealed what he believes could be the 'five best ASX stocks' for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 3 April 2025

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

Calculator and gold bars on Australian dollars, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

 2 ASX dividend shares worth their weight in gold

Analysts rate these income options very highly. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Person holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Share Market News

5 ASX dividend shares to buy and hold for the next 20 years

Analysts think these shares could be great long term picks for income investors.

Read more »

A young male ASX investor raises his clenched fists in excitement because of rising ASX share prices today
Dividend Investing

This dirt cheap ASX stock offers a stunning 11% dividend yield

Big money could be made from this dividend stock according to Goldman Sachs.

Read more »

Close-up of a business man's hand stacking gold coins into piles on a desktop.
Dividend Investing

Brokers say these excellent ASX dividend stocks are top buys

Let's see what sort of yields are on offer with these shares.

Read more »

Cropped shot of an attractive young female scientist working on her computer in the laboratory.
Healthcare Shares

Own CSL shares? You're getting a dividend paycheque today

There's a silver lining to today's sell-off.

Read more »

An executive in a suit smooths his hair and laughs as he looks at his laptop feeling surprised and delighted.
Dividend Investing

3 strong ASX dividend stocks for income investors to buy

Brokers have put buy ratings on these stocks. Let's see why they are bullish.

Read more »

Happy man holding Australian dollar notes, representing dividends.
Dividend Investing

Buy these ASX dividend shares for 4% to 7% yields

Experts are tipping these shares as buys for income investors. Let's see why.

Read more »

Hand of a woman carrying a bag of money, representing the concept of saving money or earning dividends.
Dividend Investing

2 ASX dividend giants trading at bargain prices after market dip

Is now the time to look at these 2 dividend players?

Read more »