£10k in savings? Here’s how it could be used for a 4-figure second income

Jon Smith explains how a second income can be built up over time to yield strong results, with reinvestment being a key factor in making it work.

| More on:

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.

Array of piggy banks in saturated colours on high colour contrast background

Image source: Getty Images

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.

Having savings in the bank is great. But with surplus money that isn’t needed for a rainy day, keeping money on a cash account might not be the best move. Instead, these funds can be used for generating a second income via the stock market. If an investor had £10k to deploy, here’s a potential strategy worth considering.

Getting the basics right

The idea revolves around reinvestment. What I mean by this is when an investor buys a dividend share and receives an income payment, a decision needs to be made. Either the money gets spent, or it can be used to buy more of the same stock. If the latter is chosen, it can speed up the process of generating a large second income further down the line. Of course, this takes patience and discipline, but it can make a big difference over time.

Another important concept is time. Making a significant amount of money for a second income derived from the stock market doesn’t happen overnight. Those that preach get-rich-quick schemes need to be very careful. In my experience, it takes time to build up a portfolio. Yet, this isn’t a bad thing, as it allows a more diversified pot of stocks to be created.

One contender

One stock that an investor could consider including in this strategy is Investec (LSE:INVP). The specialist bank and wealth manager has experienced a 3% share price fall in the past year. The current dividend year is 7.15%, well above the FTSE 250 average.

I think it’s a good income share because it’s underpinned by solid financial performance. The latest annual report showed a 7.8% rise in operating profit, passing £1bn for the first time. Thanks to this, the dividend for the full-year was hiked from 34.5p the year before to 36.5p. The fact that the management team used some of the profits to pay out to shareholders shows that they have this as a focus.

I think Investec could slot in nicely in a long-term income portfolio. It has been paying out a constant dividend for over a decade. Even during the pandemic it continued to make payments, which is noteworthy.

It’s true that one risk is its exposure to South Africa. Some may view operations over there as potentially unstable due to the political or economic situation over there. Yet even with this, the UK business can (and does) help to diversify geographical concerns.

Talking numbers

If an investor was smart in the stocks selected, I think a blended average yield of 7% is realistic. If the dividends were reinvested, after six years the total pot could be worth £15.2k. In the following year, this could make £1,064. Of course, this isn’t guaranteed. But it shows the potential for the monetary possibilities.

Jon Smith 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 Dividend Shares

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

Legal & General shares yield a staggering 8.7% – will they shower investors with income in 2026?

Legal & General shares pay the highest dividend yield on the entire FTSE 100. Harvey Jones asks whether there is…

Read more »

A pastel colored growing graph with rising rocket.
Investing Articles

With its 16% dividend yield, is it time for me to buy this FTSE 250 passive income star?

Ithaca Energy’s 16% dividend yield looks irresistible -- but with tax headwinds still blowing strong, can this FTSE 250 passive…

Read more »

DIVIDEND YIELD text written on a notebook with chart
Investing Articles

This superb FTSE dividend gem has a forecast yield of 7.5%!

This FTSE insurer has a high dividend yield that is projected to rise and looks extremely undervalued -- a rare…

Read more »

British coins and bank notes scattered on a surface
Investing Articles

Should I invest £20,000 in this FTSE 100 heavyweight to target a £1,740 second income?

An 8.7% dividend yield from an established FTSE 100 company looks like a golden opportunity to earn a second income.…

Read more »

A pastel colored growing graph with rising rocket.
Investing Articles

How much higher can Lloyds shares go after climbing 70% in 2025?

Lloyds Bank shares have rewarded patient investors with some cracking gains this year. But dividend yields aren't looking so great…

Read more »

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

Passive income? Here’s the real magic of owning dividend shares

Dividend shares can be great investments. But the secret to success comes from looking past the cash the company pays…

Read more »

ISA Individual Savings Account
Investing Articles

How much do you need in an ISA to target a £3,500 monthly passive income?

Stuffing your cash under the mattress isn't the way to earn passive income, but a Stocks and Shares ISA can…

Read more »

estate agent welcoming a couple to house viewing
Investing Articles

Just look at the amazing dividend forecast for Taylor Wimpey’s shares!

Taylor Wimpey’s shares are among the highest yielding on the FTSE 250. James Beard takes a look at the forecasts…

Read more »