How Much Do You Need to Invest to Get $400 a Month in Dividends?

Creating passive income this high doesn’t come cheap, but you can still save about $30,000 investing today rather than at 52-week highs.

| More on:

If you’re looking to create passive income from investing in a solid dividend stock, there are quite a few things to consider. Of course, the first point of contention is how much can you and should you invest in the first place?

With that in mind, most of your portfolio should be structured with the help of your financial advisor. There should then be a bit left over each month for you to put towards investments, such as a solid dividend stock. And if you have a fair amount to invest from years of savings, then now is a great time.

Consider the market

The first consideration you need to make is looking at the market when deciding on the dividend stock you’re going to buy. This might sound obvious, but you also may misunderstand me. Right now is a bear market that’s likely headed towards a recession. But rather than thinking it’s a poor time to buy, it’s a great time if you find the right dividend stock.

Of course, you need to consider what could do well or at least survive well enough during a recession if you need the money. If you don’t, what company could create long-term gains by purchasing them today at lower prices?

For me, that means going essential. Whether it’s basic materials, utilities, healthcare, or other essential services, you want to look for companies that will be necessary no matter what happens. That includes during a recession. But here’s a top choice to consider.

Consider this dividend stock

If you want an essential company that’s going to provide you with a solid dividend, then I would look to NorthWest Healthcare Properties (TSX:NWH.UN) as a great long-term option. The company has stable cash flow coming in from the leasing of healthcare properties around the world. It has a 14-year average lease agreement as well as a 97% occupancy rate.

NorthWest stock is also a steal. Shares are down about 40% at the time of writing. You can therefore get a dividend yield at 9.56% — all while it’s trading at 7.38 times earnings!

Now, how much would you need to invest in this dividend stock to create that $400 per month?

Consider the cost

The reason I’m going with NorthWest here is because it’s so darn cheap. That’s in terms of valuation but also cost in general. You can pick it up as of writing at just $8.56 per share. So, let’s now compare what you would pay now compared to what you would have paid at 52-week highs for $400 per month.

COMPANYRECENT PRICENUMBER OF SHARESDIVIDEND (ANNUAL)TOTAL PAYOUT (ANNUAL)FREQUENCYTOTAL INVESTMENT
NWH.UN — Now$8.566,000$0.80$4,800Monthly$51,360
NWH.UN — Highs$146,000$0.80$4,800Monthly$84,000

That’s right; you save over $30,000 if you want to create $400 per month in passive income. Furthermore, this could be cash set aside in your TFSA, meaning it would be all tax free, with plenty left over for other investments.

Again, just make sure most of your investments are put in low-risk, conservative choices that are done alongside the advice of your financial advisor. If so, you’ll be set up for a long life of solid income.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has positions in NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust. The Motley Fool recommends NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

young adult uses credit card to shop online
Dividend Stocks

Forget Telus: A Cheaper Dividend Stock With More Growth Potential

Quebecor (TSX:QBR.B) stands out as a great, cheaper-looking dividend stock with more growth.

Read more »

resting in a hammock with eyes closed
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks That Could Help You Sleep Better at Night

Two TSX dividend payers offer very different ways to earn income — one from grocery seafood; the other from restaurant…

Read more »

Young adult concentrates on laptop screen
Dividend Stocks

What’s the Average TFSA Balance at Age 30 in Canada?

Explore the benefits of a TFSA in Canada. Discover how to maximize your savings and investment potential for the 2026…

Read more »

a person watches stock market trades
Dividend Stocks

This TFSA Stock Pays a 6.5% Monthly Dividend – and It’s Worth a Look This Month

This TFSA-friendly Canadian monthly dividend payer blends stable income with a growing asset base.

Read more »

copper wire factory
Dividend Stocks

2 Canadian Energy Stocks I’d Buy and Hold Right Now

When energy markets get choppy, these two Canadian stocks offer very different ways to keep cash flow and long-term demand…

Read more »

middle-aged couple work together on laptop
Dividend Stocks

How to Build Your Own Pension Using Canadian Dividend Stocks

Build your own pension using Canadian dividend stocks by combining stability, income growth, and long‑term compounding for a stable retirement…

Read more »

doctor uses telehealth
Dividend Stocks

A Monthly-Paying Dividend Stock Yielding 6.6% That’s Worth a Look

Given its defensive healthcare-focused portfolio, improving financial performance, strong balance sheet, and solid growth outlook, VITL would be an excellent…

Read more »

Muscles Drawn On Black board
Dividend Stocks

Canadian Defensive Stocks to Buy Now for Stability

Looking for a mix of stability, growth, and income? These two quality Canadian stocks are top defensive stocks to own.

Read more »