We have some exciting news to share! The Motley Fool UK has now become The Twelfth Magpie -- an independent, UK-owned company, led by our long-serving UK management team — Mark Rogers, Chris Nials and Heather Adlington. In practical terms, it’s the same team you know, now fully focused on serving our UK readers and members.

Just as importantly, our approach remains unchanged: long-term, jargon-free, and on your side. This site is our new home, and there will be extra tweaks made across the coming few days as we settle in. So if anything looks a little off, please bear with us!

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.

No savings? I’d buy these 2 stocks to start earning passive income today

Here, this Fool targets a FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 stock he think’s investors should consider when looking to generate passive income.

| More on:
British Pennies on a Pound Note

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.

Starting out on an investment journey with no savings can be daunting. However, I think one of the best ways for investors to begin growing their funds is by targeting passive income.

Its often thought that we need a large sum of cash to start generating a lot of money from investing in income stocks. But this is far from true. And over time, smaller pots of cash can begin to grow.

XXX

If I had to start today, here are two stocks I’d target.

FTSE 100 stalwart

My first stop would be Legal & General (LSE: LGEN). In terms of passive income opportunities, in my opinion, I’d be hard-pressed to find many better options out there.

As I write, it currently offers investors a dividend yield of just above 9%. This places it fifth in terms of the FTSE 100 highest payers. It also sits firmly above the average of the index (3%-4%).

What’s more, the business introduced a plan to drive shareholder rewards. With it already generating £3.6bn in cumulative dividends, it’s on track to reach its target of £5.6bn-£5.9bn by next year.

Now, I do have a few concerns with Legal & General. To start, the stock has taken a hit in recent times due to the volatility seen in the financial sector following issues earlier this year. And it’s yet to recover from this.

In addition, the firm’s CEO, Sir Nigel Wilson, has been at the helm for more than a decade. However, he’s set to step down at the end of the year and this could spark uncertainty.

Regardless, as a business with a strong customer base, I remain bullish on the stock for the long term.

FTSE 250 growth stock

My next choice would be the exciting FTSE 250 company Games Workshop (LSE: GAW). The business has experienced major growth in the last five years. And as a result, so has its dividend.

Currently, Games Workshop yields around 4.5%. In the last decade, this has grown a whopping 400%.

It’s not only a growing dividend that I’m attracted to. Despite headwinds, the business has been able to post consistent double-digit revenue growth in the last few years, including 14% in its latest update.

One of the largest threats to the business is rising competition as powerhouses such as Disney try and grab a share of its lucrative market. Therefore, to offset this, it’s placed a larger emphasis on non-plastic revenue streams. The most noticeable of these is its upcoming series on Amazon.

It’s been successful in passing on costs to consumers as inflation continues to eat away at its bottom line. Yet should costs continue to rise, potential further price hikes could see customers looking elsewhere.

With its loyal customer base, I’m not too concerned about this. And with it highlighting its growth capabilities in recent times, I think the years ahead have the potential to be exciting for the business.

What I’d do

If I were starting today, I’d strongly consider both companies. I already own Legal & General stock. But with any spare cash in the weeks ahead, I’m looking to buy some shares in both. I think other investors should consider these stocks too.

John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Charlie Keough has positions in Legal & General Group Plc. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Amazon.com and Games Workshop Group Plc. 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

Friends and sisters exploring the outdoors together in Cornwall. They are standing with their arms around each other at the coast.
Investing Articles

£503 buys 14 shares in this FTSE 250 stock that returned 23.9% annually for the last 15 years

This FTSE 250 stock has averaged a huge return for 15 years. At today's price, £503 buys 14 shares. But…

Read more »

Black woman using loudspeaker to be heard
Investing Articles

£1,000 buys 25 shares in this FTSE 100 stock that’s returned 29.2% annually for the last 10 years

This FTSE 100 mining stock has returned close to 30% a year for a decade. At 3,995p, £1,000 buys 25…

Read more »

Female student sitting at the steps and using laptop
Investing Articles

Down 47%, is this growth stock finally worth buying in May?

With a £288m order book and a hidden pipeline of defence and nuclear contracts, is this growth stock now too…

Read more »

House models and one with REIT - standing for real estate investment trust - written on it.
Investing Articles

2 REITs yielding 7%+ to consider for passive income in 2026

A REIT backed by the NHS and another backed by Tesco and Sainsbury's with both yielding 7%+. Here's why I'm…

Read more »

Woman riding her old fashioned bicycle along the Beach Esplanade at Aberdeen, Scotland.
Investing Articles

Just 97 shares of this UK dividend stock generate £238 in passive income

A 5.7% yield, £238 in passive income from just 97 shares, and one of the most divisive dividend stocks on…

Read more »

ISA coins
Investing Articles

£10,000 in an ISA generates a second income of…

The London Stock Exchange is home to some of the world's most generous dividends. But how big a second income…

Read more »

Shot of a senior man drinking coffee and looking thoughtfully out of a window
Investing Articles

Expert recommendations: 2 top income stocks yielding 7%+!

With yields of 7.2% and 7.8% respectively, these two income stocks are catching the eyes of institutional analysts. Should investors…

Read more »

Illustration of flames over a black background
Investing Articles

3 top income-focused stocks to buy in May 2026, according to experts

Looking for a stock to buy for income in May 2026? Experts have flagged these three UK dividend shares as…

Read more »