How I’d Invest $500/Month to Target $1,784/Year in Passive Income

Canadians who can stick to a monthly contribution can churn out big passive income with stocks like Mullen Group Ltd. (TSX:MTL).

| More on:

Canadians have been squeezed by rising inflation and the most aggressive interest rate-tightening policy from the Bank of Canada (BoC) in over 15 years. In this climate, it is a luxury to have additional income streams that help us keep on top of our obligations. The establishment of a strong and consistent passive-income stream should be considered a milestone for all serious investors. However, most Canadians do not have a large chunk of cash lying around to build a passive-income portfolio overnight.

Today, I want to explore how you can target monthly savings contributions that will help build a super passive-income portfolio.

How much should you save every month to hit our passive-income target?

According to recent data, the median income in Canada is $68,400 after taxes. That mark is bolstered by higher-than-average income rates in provinces like Alberta and Ontario. To be conservative, we will operate under the assumption that the average Canadian salary falls between $50,000 and $65,000.

The “golden rule” of monthly or bi-weekly savings contributions tends to target the 10% mark. So, for a Canadian making $68,400 annually, the expectations are that individual should be able to stash monthly savings of nearly $600. For our hypothetical today, I want to bring that number down to a more manageable $500 per month. Over a five-year period, we will seek to grow our nest egg to $30,000, so we have some cash to play with. Below are two monthly dividend stocks that can help us achieve our goals.

Here are two monthly dividend stocks that can help us generate big passive income

Mullen Group (TSX:MTL) is an Alberta-based company that provides a range of trucking and logistics services in Canada and the United States. Shares of this dividend stock have dropped 2.9% month over month as of close on June 22. The stock is still up 4.7% so far in 2023.

Shares of Mullen Group closed at $15.25 on Thursday, June 22. Once we have reached $30,000 after five years of monthly $500 contributions, we can snatch up 800 shares of this stock for $12,200. Mullen Group offers a monthly dividend of $0.06 per share. That represents a solid 4.7% yield. This purchase will allow us to generate monthly passive income of $48.

Slate Grocery REIT (TSX:SGR.UN) is a Toronto-based real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and operates grocery retailers in the United States. Shares of this REIT fell nearly 1% in yesterday’s trading session.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2023, Slate Grocery REIT achieved rental revenue growth of 30% to $50.7 million. Meanwhile, net operating income (NOI) increased 23% to $39.8 million. Moreover, adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) jumped 1.1% to $13.3 million.

This REIT closed at $12.72 on June 22. For our passive-income portfolio, we can snag 1,399 shares of Slate Grocery REIT for a total price of $17,795.28. The REIT offers a monthly dividend of $0.072 per share, which represents a superb 9% yield. This investment means we can churn out monthly passive income of $100.72 going forward.

Bottom line

COMPANYRECENT PRICENUMBER OF SHARESDIVIDENDTOTAL PAYOUTFREQUENCY
MTL$15.25800$0.06$48Monthly
SGR.UN$12.721,399$0.072$100.72Monthly

Canadian investors who commit to a monthly contribution of $500 to their passive-income portfolio will really start to see this strategy pay off in five years’ time. At that point, you will be able to churn out monthly passive income of $148.72 with our $30,000 nest egg. That works out to annual passive income of $1,784.

Fool contributor Ambrose O'Callaghan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Mullen Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Put $10,000 to Work in a TFSA Right Now

I’d use a dual strategy of income and growth if I had $10,000 to put to work in a TFSA…

Read more »

money goes up and down in balance
Dividend Stocks

Got $14,000? Turn Your TFSA Into a Cash-Gushing Machine

A $14,000 TFSA can start producing tax-free income immediately if you focus on steady cash-flow businesses with reliable payouts.

Read more »

leader pulls ahead of the pack during bike race
Dividend Stocks

How Do Most Canadians’ TFSA Balances Look at Age 30?

Here's how you can grow your TFSA balance faster than your neighbour.

Read more »

alcohol
Dividend Stocks

4 Canadian Dividend Stocks That Could Help You Build $500 in Monthly Income

Monthly dividend stocks like Tourmaline Oil and Northland Power are prime candidates to build your dividend income.

Read more »

Canada day banner background design of flag
Dividend Stocks

5 Canadian Stocks I’d Buy if I Wanted Instant Income

These TSX picks offer “get paid now” income, but they range from steadier REIT cash flow to a higher-growth monthly…

Read more »

young people stare at smartphones
Dividend Stocks

Telus vs. Rogers: 1 Canadian Telecom Stock I’d Buy Today

Rogers may not flash a 9% yield like TELUS, but its improving balance sheet and cheaper valuation look more compelling…

Read more »

Concept of multiple streams of income
Dividend Stocks

Top Stocks to Double Up on Right Now

Investors can double up their positions in three top stocks that continue to outperform amid heightened volatility.

Read more »

middle-aged couple work together on laptop
Dividend Stocks

3 Stocks Worth a Serious Look for Long-Term Canadian Investors

Long-term Canadian investors can anchor their portfolio on three stocks that can preserve capital and help build serious wealth.

Read more »