Passive Income: How Much Do You Need to Invest to Make $625 Per Month?

This retirement passive-income stock proves why investors need to always take into consideration not just dividends but returns as well.

| More on:
Confused person shrugging

Source: Getty Images

When considering passive income, it’s important to include both dividends and capital returns in your investment strategy. Dividends offer a direct income stream. Providing regular payouts that can be used for monthly expenses or reinvested for compounding growth. Meanwhile, capital returns involve the appreciation of your investment’s value over time, allowing you to grow your wealth while still enjoying the benefits of periodic income. Together, these two components form a powerful strategy to build a consistent, sustainable passive income.

If your goal is to generate $625 per month, relying solely on dividends can be challenging unless you have a significant amount of capital invested. Many investors may find it difficult to allocate that much capital. This is where capital returns play a crucial role. Choosing stocks that not only provide dividends but also have strong growth potential can supplement your income. This happens through the appreciation of your investments, thus reducing the need for an overwhelmingly large upfront investment.

Chartwell stock

Chartwell Retirement Residences (TSX:CSH.UN) is a prime example of a passive-income stock. One that checks both boxes for dividend income and growth potential. The company offers a forward annual dividend of $0.61 per share at writing, with a dividend yield of 3.78%. What makes Chartwell particularly attractive is that its business is rooted in an evergreen industry: senior living. With a growing aging population in Canada, demand for retirement residences is projected to rise steadily.

Chartwell’s recent performance shows that the passive-income stock reported a significant 43.2% increase in funds from operations (FFO) in the third quarter of 2024. This surge was largely due to improved occupancy rates and strategic enhancements to its portfolio. FFO is a critical metric for real estate investment trusts (REITs) like Chartwell, as it represents the cash available for distribution to shareholders. This strong growth indicates that the company is not only maintaining but improving its ability to pay dividends.

Chartwell has also been proactive in positioning itself for long-term growth. In 2024, the passive-income stock completed over $1.2 billion worth of strategic transactions. These included acquiring high-quality properties and selling off non-core assets, which has optimized its portfolio for better returns. These actions are expected to enhance Chartwell’s revenue streams, paving the way for continued dividend stability and capital appreciation.

Looking ahead

Operational efficiency is another area in which Chartwell has excelled. In the third quarter, the passive-income stock reduced its staffing agency costs by 43% year over year through improved recruitment and retention strategies. Lower costs translate to higher profit margins. This directly benefits shareholders by ensuring the sustainability of dividends.

The future outlook for Chartwell looks promising. Occupancy rates, which stood at 88.5% at the end of the third quarter, are projected to reach 90.2% by the end of 2024. Higher occupancy directly impacts revenue and profitability, further supporting the company’s capacity to pay dividends and potentially increase them over time.

For those focused on passive income, Chartwell offers a unique combination of monthly income and long-term growth. By integrating both dividends and capital returns into your investment strategy, you can ensure that your portfolio works for you in multiple ways. Dividends provide immediate cash flow, while capital appreciation enhances your wealth over time. Chartwell’s consistent dividend payouts, strong financial performance, strategic initiatives, and focus on operational excellence make it a standout choice for anyone looking to achieve a $625 monthly income goal.

Bottom line

Passive income should not be limited to one source. By diversifying across both dividends and capital returns, you create a well-rounded strategy that offers stability and growth. In fact, here is how much you would need to invest to create $625 per month, or $7,200 per year, with the same returns over the last year.

COMPANYRECENT PRICENUMBER OF SHARESDIVIDENDTOTAL PAYOUTFREQUENCYINVESTMENT
CSH.UN – now$16888$0.61$541.68monthly$14,208
CSH.UN – 49%$23.84888$0.61$541.68monthly$21,169.92

You could create returns of $6,961.92 and $541.68 in dividends, totalling $7,503.60 annually or $625.30 per month! Chartwell exemplifies this approach, providing a reliable stream of passive income today and promising growth opportunities for tomorrow. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your portfolio, Chartwell is a compelling choice to help you achieve your financial aspirations.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

senior relaxes in hammock with e-book
Dividend Stocks

Top Picks: 3 Canadian Dividend Stocks for Stress-Free Passive Income

For investors looking to pick up reasonable dividend income, but also want to sleep well at night, here are three…

Read more »

Real estate investment concept with person pointing on growth graph and coin stacking to get profit from property
Dividend Stocks

A 7.4% Dividend Yield to Hold for Decades? Yes Please!

Think all high yields are risky? MCAN Financial’s regulated, interest-first model could be a dividend built to last.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold for 20 Years

Three TSX dividend stocks built to keep paying through recessions, rate hikes, and market drama so you can set it…

Read more »

diversification is an important part of building a stable portfolio
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Passive Income: 2 TSX Dividend Stocks to Consider Now

Building out a passive income portfolio with great TSX dividend stocks is easier than it sounds. Here are 2 stocks…

Read more »

top TSX stocks to buy
Dividend Stocks

How to Build a TFSA That Earns +$200 of Safe Monthly Income

If you want to earn monthly income, here is a four-stock portfolio that could collectively earn over $200 per monthly…

Read more »

Printing canadian dollar bills on a print machine
Dividend Stocks

My Blueprint for Generating $113/Month Using a $20,000 TFSA Investment

If you put $20,000 in and divide it 50/50 between both the companies, you could bring in around $113 in…

Read more »

A person's hand cupped open with a hologram of an AI chatbot above saying Hi, can I help you
Dividend Stocks

Is Telus Stock a Buy for Its Dividend Yield?

With a growth plan that is leveraging Telus' artificial intelligence advantages, Telus stock is positioning for strong long-term growth.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

1 Outstanding Canadian Dividend Stock Down 10% to Buy and Hold for Years 

Explore the current challenges facing dividend stocks in the telecom sector and adapt to changing market conditions.

Read more »