How to retire early with enormous passive income

It may be possible to retire comfortably in a little over 20 years by doing this.

| More on:
Smiling elderly couple looking at their superannuation account, symbolising 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

For those aiming for an early retirement and substantial passive income, ASX shares could be the key.

Over the past 30 years, the market has boasted an impressive average total return of 9.6% per annum. This makes it a prime candidate for those seeking financial independence sooner rather than later.

Let's look at how ASX shares can pave the way to a comfortable and even early retirement.

Retiring early with enormous passive income

To begin our journey, it's important to understand the financial benchmarks for retirement.

According to Australian Super, a single household requires $50,207 per year for a comfortable retirement, while a couple needs $70,806. This affords regular leisure activities, meals out, holidays, premium private health insurance, home improvements, and ownership of a reasonable car.

For a more modest retirement lifestyle, the figures stand at $31,867 (singles) and $45,946 (couples). This affords occasional leisure activities, limited meals out, ownership of a basic car, small home repairs, one annual domestic holiday, and basic private health insurance.

Assuming the historical average total return persists, which is not guaranteed, investors can strategically leverage ASX shares to achieve these retirement goals.

With 6% dividend yields achievable with ASX shares, you would need the following investment portfolios to deliver the desired amount of annual passive income:

  • Singles Comfortable – $837,000
  • Couples Comfortable – $1.2 million
  • Singles Modest – $530,000
  • Couples Modest – $770,000

The good news is that history shows that it is possible to grow your investment portfolio to these levels. By consistently investing in a well-diversified portfolio of ASX shares, individuals can harness the power of compounding and capital appreciation. Reinvesting dividends and staying committed to a long-term strategy can expedite the journey to early retirement with substantial passive income.

For singles, starting with $10,000 and then investing $10,000 per annum would turn into $840,000 after approximately 22 years if it generated an average annual return of 9.6%.

For couples, starting with $10,000 and then putting $14,000 into the market each year would get you to $1.2 million over the same period.

And for a modest retirement, you could achieve the desired level of passive income in approximately 18.5 years by investing the same amounts.

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.

More on How to invest

A business person holds a big balloon in front of their face.
How to invest

I'm fine with a stock market crash. You might be too

This article might leave you longing for a ride to the downside.

Read more »

Humorous child with homemade money-making machine.
How to invest

How I'd fill an empty ASX share portfolio to build a $500 monthly passive income machine

Building an ASX passive income portfolio simpler than you may think.

Read more »

A smiling woman with a handful of $100 notes, indicating strong dividend payments
How to invest

How to realistically turn a $7,000 ASX share portfolio into $75,000 by 2030

The Australian share market is a great place to grow your wealth. Over the years, countless Aussies have constructed ASX…

Read more »

Happy young couple saving money in piggy bank.
How to invest

4 steps to becoming rich with ASX stocks

These are the steps I would take to grow my wealth materially.

Read more »

Person with a handful of Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Investing Strategies

Want cash like Warren? How to stack paper without ditching ASX shares

Life is about trade offs.

Read more »

five people in colourful blow up tubes in a resort style pool gather and smile in a relaxed holiday picture.
Dividend Investing

5 simple steps to earning $500 in monthly ASX passive income

Almost any investor can build a $500 monthly passive income from ASX dividend shares.

Read more »

A businesswoman on the phone is shocked as she looks at her watch, she's running out of time.
How to invest

How timing the market can cost you big dollars

And one simple way ASX investors can avoid the urge...

Read more »

Legendary share market investing expert and owner of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett
How to invest

5 easy ways to invest like Warren Buffett with ASX shares

Here’s how we can imitate Warren Buffett with ASX shares.

Read more »