How to Build a Powerful Passive-Income Portfolio With Just $12,000

Do you want to turn those savings into even more cash? Make automated contributions, pick up some dividend stocks, and consider this monthly producer.

| More on:
Pile of Canadian dollar bills in various denominations

Source: Getty Images

Saving up $12,000 to invest might seem like a big goal. But breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps makes it much more achievable. Let’s say you set aside $1,000 each month. By the end of just one year, you’d have your $12,000. If $1,000 a month feels like too much of a stretch, consider saving $500 a month instead. While it will take you two years to reach your goal, you’re still on track to build a solid investment fund. Another way to look at it is saving about $230 a week, which is roughly the cost of skipping a couple of dinners out or a few impulse buys. Whether you save a little bit each week or a bigger chunk each month, having a plan in place will help you reach that $12,000 goal and get you ready to start investing.

Make it automatic

Automated contributions for investing are like setting your financial future on autopilot. You make a smart decision once and then watch as your investments grow over time without having to lift a finger. By automatically contributing a set amount to your investment account each month, you ensure that you’re consistently investing, no matter what the market is doing. This approach, known as dollar-cost averaging, can help smooth out the ups and downs of the market. Potentially lowering your average cost per share over time.

Another great perk of automated contributions is that it helps you build wealth effortlessly. Since the money is transferred automatically, you’re less likely to miss a contribution or spend that money elsewhere. It’s like paying yourself first! Plus, as your contributions accumulate and grow with the power of compounding, you might be surprised at how quickly your investment account can grow.

Get in on dividends

Dividend stocks are like the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to building a passive-income portfolio. Every time a company pays out a dividend, it’s essentially handing you a portion of its profits just for being a shareholder. Over time, these payouts can add up, providing you with a steady stream of income without having to sell any shares. What’s more, many companies increase their dividends regularly. This means your income can grow year after year, all while you sit back and watch your portfolio flourish.

Another reason dividend stocks are great for building passive income is the power of reinvestment. By reinvesting your dividends back into more shares of the same stock, you’re taking advantage of compounding. This is the process where your money earns more money. It can significantly accelerate the growth of your portfolio over time. It’s a cycle that, with patience, can turn a modest investment into a substantial source of passive income.

A dividend stock to consider

Mullen Group (TSX:MTL) could be a strong contender for building a passive-income portfolio, and the numbers certainly make a solid case. With a forward annual dividend yield of 5.79%, Mullen Group offers a generous payout. This yield is particularly attractive when compared to the market average. Plus, it’s well-supported by a payout ratio of 53.73%.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Mullen Group PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.ca

This indicates that the company is managing its dividends responsibly while still leaving room for potential growth. Additionally, Mullen Group’s consistent dividend payments, with a history of annual yields averaging around 5.19% over the past five years, show its commitment to rewarding shareholders.

Beyond the dividends, Mullen Group’s solid financials also add to its appeal as a long-term investment. The company boasts a return on equity (ROE) of 12.74%. This reflects efficient management and a strong ability to generate profits. With a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 10.82, the stock appears to be reasonably priced. Potentially offering value to investors looking to enter at a good price point. In fact, here’s what that $12,000 could earn.

COMPANYRECENT PRICENUMBER OF SHARESDIVIDENDTOTAL PAYOUTFREQUENCYPORTFOLIO TOTAL
MTL$14.44831$0.84$698.04Monthly$12,000

That’s right — $698.04 from just one click! The combination of a stable dividend yield, solid profitability, and a relatively low price-to-earnings ratio makes Mullen Group an attractive option, especially for those looking to build a passive-income portfolio with a reliable and potentially undervalued stock.

Should you invest $1,000 in Mullen Group Ltd. right now?

Before you buy stock in Mullen Group Ltd., consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Mullen Group Ltd. wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $21,345.77!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 24 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 4/21/25

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe 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.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Dividend Stocks

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Invest $7,000 in My TFSA for $660 in Tax-Free Annual Income

Canadians looking for ways to make the most of the new TFSA contribution room should consider investing in these two…

Read more »

Doctor talking to a patient in the corridor of a hospital.
Dividend Stocks

This Dividend King Paying 7.5% in Monthly Income Is a Must-Have

This high-yield TSX stock might not be a textbook Dividend King, but its reliable monthly payouts and improving financials make…

Read more »

path road success business
Dividend Stocks

How to Invest $50,000 of Tax-Free Cash as Canada-US Trade Uncertainty Escalates

Few Canadian stocks are as easy a choice as this one, making it perfect during volatile periods.

Read more »

monthly desk calendar
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Generate $200 in Monthly Income With a $7,000 Investment

Want to establish $200 in monthly income (or even more?) Here's an easy way to start today that will provide…

Read more »

Printing canadian dollar bills on a print machine
Dividend Stocks

Got $25,000? Turn it Into $250,000 in a TFSA as the Canadian Dollar Rises

Investing doesn't have to be risky or difficult, especially with this top stock.

Read more »

A woman shops in a grocery store while pushing a stroller with a child
Dividend Stocks

Where Will Loblaw Be in 3 Years?

Loblaw (TSX:L) stock could be a stellar performer as tariffs and headwinds move in on Canada's economy.

Read more »

customer uses bank ATM
Dividend Stocks

Where Will National Bank Be in 5 Years?

National Bank of Canada (TSX:NA) stock still looks like a great deal at these levels.

Read more »

A worker overlooks an oil refinery plant.
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Industrial Stock to Buy With $3,000 Right Now

Aecon is a value stock that's benefiting from strong infrastructure spending today and in the years to come.

Read more »