How to generate $50,000 of passive income from ASX shares each year

Here's how to make the share market your own personal ATM.

| More on:
Happy couple at Bank ATM machine.

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

Wouldn't it be great if you could generate $50,000 of passive income from ASX shares?

This might be enough for you to quit your day job and let your investments do the work for you.

And while $50,000 in passive income each year might seem like a pipe dream, history shows that is achievable.

Though, it doesn't happen overnight. It will take a long-term approach and a disciplined investment strategy.

How to make $50,000 in passive income with ASX shares

The first step is to make regular investments into high-quality ASX shares.

If you can invest $1,000 a month you could gradually build a substantial portfolio over time.

You may want to consider allocating your investment across a range of reliable dividend paying ASX shares, focusing on established companies with a track record of sustainable payouts.

But it's important to note that we don't want to withdraw our dividends in the near term.

That's because by reinvesting your dividends back into the market, you can take advantage of compounding returns and grow your portfolio at a faster rate.

Many ASX shares offer dividend reinvestment plans (DRPs). These allow shareholders to automatically reinvest their dividends in additional shares, often at a discounted price. Exploring these options can be a big boost to your investment strategy.

Compounding returns

Historically, the share market has generated a return of approximately 10% per annum.

There's no guarantee that this will happen in the future, but we're going to base our calculations on this figure.

If you were to achieve a 10% annual return and invest $1,000 a month, in 10 years you would have grown your portfolio to approximately $200,000.

While this is a sizeable figure, it's still a little soon to start typing up your resignation letter.

Based on a 5% dividend yield, a $200,000 portfolio would provide investors with passive income of $10,000. We need to keep going.

The good news is thanks to compounding, your portfolio will really start to explode in value from here.

For example, if we fast-forward another 10 years, all else equal, your portfolio will have ballooned to approximately $725,000.

We're getting closer. A 5% yield on this portfolio would generate passive income of $36,250.

But don't worry, it will take just three more years of $1,000 per month investments and 10% returns to get us to our end goal.

At that point, your portfolio would be worth $1 million and an average 5% dividend yield across it would produce $50,000 of passive income.

Overall, this demonstrates what is possible with ASX shares. It just takes a combination of patience, diversification, investing in quality, and consistent reinvestment of dividends.

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

Happy young woman saving money in a piggy bank.
How to invest

$20k invested in these ASX 200 shares 10 years ago is worth…

Let's see how these stocks have performed since back in 2014.

Read more »

A young well-dressed couple at a luxury resort celebrate successful life choices.
How to invest

How to build a million-dollar portfolio with ASX shares

These are the steps to take to build a seven-figure investment portfolio.

Read more »

Hands reaching high for a trophy with a sunset in the background.
How to invest

I'm taking Warren Buffett's advice for when ASX shares are at record highs

Would the Oracle of Omaha continue to buy shares when the market is at a record high?

Read more »

Beautiful young couple enjoying in shopping, symbolising passive income.
How to invest

If an investor puts $500 per month in an ASX shares portfolio, here's what they could have in 10 years

Harnessing the power of compounding can bring you great wealth...

Read more »

Man holding fifty Australian Dollar banknote in his hands, symbolising dividends, symbolising dividends.
How to invest

How much would I need in an ASX share portfolio to earn $500 a month?

Want a monthly income boost? Here's one way you could do it.

Read more »

A person holds their hands over three piggy banks, protecting and shielding their money and investments.
How to invest

I'm preparing for an ASX stock market crash in 2025

Whatever happens next year, my portfolio will be ready...

Read more »

Cheerful boyfriend showing mobile phone to girlfriend in dining room. They are spending leisure time together at home and planning their financial future.
How to invest

My ASX share portfolio is up 40% in 2024! Here's my strategy for 2025

Investing in quality companies paid off in 2024. Here's what I did.

Read more »

Young happy athletic woman listening to music on earphones while jogging in the park, symbolising passive income.
How to invest

Here's my $3 a day ASX passive income plan for 2025

ASX dividend stocks provide a unique path for building a passive income stream.

Read more »