The most common and well-known way to have income is by having a physical job. Although this might sound like the only way to have income, there are other options known as passive income. Passive income can become an income for the present or the future as well. Having a present income, like an investment, is one way to produce income. For the future, it can be considered a form of savings. As long as you can manage your finances responsibly, either way is a good way to start. Below are more details on different ways to produce income.
Passive Income from Investments
Passive income is defined as money earned from sources other than a traditional job, which requires little time or effort to maintain. Common sources of passive income include bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs (Exchange-traded funds), annuities, rental properties, stock dividends, and online courses. It is often described as a steady stream of unearned income that does not require active work to sustain. While it brings earnings without continuous effort, it typically requires an initial investment of time, money, or resources. Read more about it in our blog: Real Estate 101- How Everyday Investors Build Passive Income.
A related concept is residual income, the money that continues to come in after the initial effort has been completed. Examples include royalties from a book, subscription-based businesses, or cash flow from trust deed investments. While passive income may require occasional oversight, residual income emphasizes repeatable, ongoing cash flow with minimal additional work.
It is important to understand investment income, which includes various forms of earnings such as:
There are tax considerations that are important to know as well. Investment income may be subject to different tax treatments depending on your location and the type of income. For example, capital gains can be taxed at different rates than ordinary income. Understanding this can help maximize your investment returns. By diversifying your investments across the different asset classes, you can create a sustainable income stream that meets your financial goals and needs.
Passive income can provide financial freedom and diversification, but it requires significant upfront effort and may not be as lucrative as active income.
Income Producing Assets: Examples of Income Producing Assets
As mentioned above, there are various income investment strategies:
Bonds - When you buy a bond, you are basically lending money to a company or government in exchange for regular interest payments, known as coupons. There are different types of bonds, including investment bonds and savings bonds. Investment bonds can offer a higher return but come with more risk due to price changes. To receive a monthly income, consider purchasing a selection of bonds with staggered coupon payment dates. Treasury bonds are an example of a government-backed security.
Dividend Stocks - When you invest in dividend-paying stocks it allows you to receive a portion of a company’s profits. The amount you earn depends on the number of shares you own and the dividend rate. If you build a portfolio of dividend stocks, it can provide a steady income stream, especially if you choose well-established companies with a good history of consistent dividend payments. Dividend stocks have a regular payout.
Real Estate - Rental properties can generate consistent cash flow through rental income. This can be a good investment, but it also requires management and maintenance of the properties. An Airbnb is an example of a real estate short-term rental.
Mutual Funds and EFTs - These are funds that often invest in a mix of stocks and bonds. This provides diversification and a regular income through dividends and interest payments. Some funds are specifically designed for income generation.
Annuities - Annuities are financial products that provide guaranteed income, typically during retirement. They can be structured to pay fixed or variable amounts based on the terms of the contract.
Internet - The internet can also be considered an income-producing asset. There are websites such as YouTube and TikTok where social media influencers can have an income, eBook publishing and online courses are also income assets. Participating in online surveys like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks, the pay might be modest, but it is still an easy way to earn some extra cash in your free time. Offering administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs as a virtual assistant, this can include managing emails, scheduling, and social media management. Participating in the Gig Economy by finding local gigs that pay for completing small tasks, such as running errands or assembling furniture.
Ignite Funding can also be considered an income-producing investment. It offers trust-deed investments that provide passive real estate income, with potential returns of 10-12% on investments. It serves as an alternative financing option for borrowers, allowing for double-digit annualized returns paid to investors. Ignite Funding aims to provide a stable and reliable income stream for its investors.
How to Make Money with Money
There are several ways to make money other than investing in stocks and bonds. In real estate investments, you do not necessarily need to own a property to rent to provide an income. You can also consider investing in REITs, real estate investment trusts, which allow you to invest in real estate without owning physical properties.
Peer-to-peer lending, also known as loans, is another example of a passive income stream. Platforms like Lending Club allow you to lend money to individuals or small businesses in exchange for interest payments, creating another income stream.
Budgeting and money management can become very helpful to the extent that it can be more than just saving. In the future, it can become an income. Practicing money consciousness by being aware of your spending habits, you can create a budget to track where your money goes and identify areas where you can save and invest more effectively. Having an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses allows you to invest your other funds without fear of financial instability.
By employing these strategies, you can effectively turn your existing money into more money, helping you achieve your financial goals and build wealth over time.
Conclusion
There are other ways to have an income other than just having a physical job. Passive income can be a powerful tool for achieving financial independence and diversifying income sources. This can create more free time in your hands, and you can use your hobbies to make money as well. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider the initial effort and ongoing maintenance required to succeed. Also, some tips to succeed are to choose what fits you, and you want to make sure you can enjoy yourself while making money. Stay organized, especially if you engage in multiple money-making ventures. And last but not least, be cautious, make sure to research any platform or opportunity to avoid scams, and make sure it is legitimate.
