Here’s how I’d start with £1,000 and target a second income worth £18,903!

A second income can be the holy grail of investing. Dr James Fox explains how he’d kick things off with a small sum, and aim for a substantial income.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Young mixed-race woman jumping for joy in a park with confetti falling around her

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

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.

Lots of us invest so that one day we can take a second income to support our life plans. But for many of us, it seems a little farfetched, or unachievable.

So, here’s how I could get started with just £1,000.

The ISA

If I were starting from scratch today, I’d kick things off by opening a Stocks and Shares ISA. That’s because it offers enticing tax benefits for UK residents.

Gains made within the ISA, whether from capital appreciation or dividends, are shielded from capital gains tax and income tax.

This means that any profits generated from my investments remain entirely mine, enhancing the overall returns.

This means I can grow my wealth within a Stocks and Shares ISA and take a passive income without paying any tax. It’s a hugely efficient vehicle.

Please note that tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in future. The content in this article is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended to be, neither does it constitute, any form of tax advice. Readers are responsible for carrying out their own due diligence and for obtaining professional advice before making any investment decisions.

Contributing regularly

If I’m starting with £1,000, it would make sense to regularly contribute to my portfolio, thus fuelling my ambitions of growing my wealth. This approach accelerates the wealth-building process.

Contributing consistently, even if it’s a modest sum like £100 a month, enhances the compounding effect.

Over time, these contributions become powerful drivers of financial growth, transforming a humble beginning into a substantial investment portfolio.

It’s not just about the starting amount. It’s about the ongoing commitment to building a robust financial future.

Compounding for glory

The true alchemy in wealth-building lies in compounding.

When I consistently contribute to my portfolio, I’m not just adding money. I’m fostering a cycle of exponential growth.

Compounding turns my initial £1,000 and subsequent contributions into a snowball effect.

Each contribution earns returns, and as these returns accumulate, they also generate more returns.

Over time, the compounding effect transforms my humble contributions into something much larger.

It’s the snowball rolling down the hill, gaining momentum and size with every turn, transforming a modest start into a wealth-building juggernaut.

Consistency and compounding are the dynamic duo of financial success.

Bringing it all together

It’s important to note that if I invest poorly, I could lose money. If my investments lose 50% in value, I’d have to gain 100% to get back to where I was.

This is why it’s vital that I do my research and take advantage of democratising platforms, like The Motley Fool, to help me make wise investment decisions.

Many novice investors aim to earn between 6% and 10% annually. So, if we bring together the above, and assume 8%, here’s how my portfolio could grow over 35 years.

Created at thecalculatorsite.com

As we can see, the portfolio grows faster as time goes on. After 35 years, I’d have £247,210, and that’d be enough to generate £18,903 annually without having to touch the principal.

While it’s a long period of time, this is a substantial passive income having only put aside £100 a month. I could also consider increasingly my contributions in line with inflation to increase the pace of growth.


Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

James Fox has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Two white male workmen working on site at an oil rig
Growth Shares

Here’s where experts expect the BP share price to go next year

Jon Smith runs through top bank and broker forecasts for the BP share price and also adds in his own…

Read more »

Santa Clara offices of NVIDIA
Investing Articles

Here’s why the Nvidia stock price matters even if you don’t own it!

Christopher Ruane explains why he reckons any big moves in the Nvidia stock price could potentially have larger impact across…

Read more »

Silhouette of a bull standing on top of a landscape with the sun setting behind it
Investing Articles

1 top brand I’m buying in my Stocks and Shares ISA for the next 5 years 

Ben McPoland reveals why he’s ready to pump more cash into this rising sportswear powerhouse inside his Stocks and Shares…

Read more »

Thoughtful man using his phone while riding on a train and looking through the window
Dividend Shares

A dividend portfolio yielding 7% could generate this amount of monthly passive income

Jon Smith talks through why he thinks a 7% yield for a passive income portfolio can be achieved and how…

Read more »

Shot of an young mixed-race woman using her cellphone while out cycling through the city
Investing Articles

My only penny stock is up over 80% in 6 months!

Paul Summers is very picky when it comes to allowing penny stocks into his ISA portfolio. But the one he…

Read more »

Investing Articles

See what I’d have today if I’d split £20k between the best and worst FTSE 100 stock 5 years ago

Harvey Jones shows how just one FTSE 100 stock can transform an entire portfolio, and why mathematics ultimately favours long-term…

Read more »

Illustration of flames over a black background
Investing Articles

Here’s why using ChatGPT to buy UK shares could destroy your wealth…

Research from consumer website Which? underlines how using ChatGPT to choose UK shares to buy can be a dangerous game.

Read more »

Buffett at the BRK AGM
Investing Articles

Warren Buffett’s done brilliantly in nervous markets. Here’s why!

Christopher Ruane explains how some investing techniques used by Warren Buffett have helped him do well in situations where others…

Read more »