This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Why Do We Avoid Creating Passive Income Streams?
Recently, I read several articles that discussed young people earning six figures monthly or yearly from passive income streams, and they made it look so damn easy. I thought to myself if they can do it, why doesn’t everyone else do it? It’s not difficult, and it doesn’t take a genius to mimic what they’ve done.
But, here’s the thing, creating a passive income stream requires an initial investment. Sometimes that initial investment is money, but often that initial investment is time.
Think about it; when you create a new product, you must invest time into building it, which takes patience, consistency, and diligence. Most people don’t want to invest this time.
However, if they did, they would experience a gigantic surge in income for work completed in the past. How do you think getting financial rewards feels? Awesome. While you’re sleeping, you’re earning.
There is always a second option, though. You can spend the rest of your life working for every dollar you earn, which means you’ll be trading time for money indefinitely.
The rewards from hourly and salary work often come quicker, but passive income rewards are more significant. If you can get comfortable with the pain of self-discipline, then you can make passive income your primary income. Most people never build passive income that covers their living expenses. It’s something most people dream about but never experience. But it’s a choice; it all comes down to choice.
35 Ways To Build Passive Income
The College Investor published an article that discusses 35 ways to create passive income streams. There are plenty more, but here is an excellent start:
1. Dividend Stocks
2. Rental Properties
3. High Yield Savings Accounts And Money Market Funds
4. Crypto Passive Income Opportunities
5. CD Ladders
6. Annuities
7. Invest Automatically In The Stock Market
8. Invest In A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust)
9. Invest In A Business
10. Invest In Student Income-Share Agreements
11. Refinance Your Mortgage
12. Pay Off Or Reduce Debt
13. Peer-to-Peer Lending
14. Don’t Forget Your Matching Contributions
15. Sell an eBook Online
16. Create a Course on Udemy
17. Selling Stock Photos
18. Licensing Music
19. Create an App
20. Affiliate Marketing
21. Network Marketing
22. Design T-Shirts
23. Sell Digital Files on Etsy
24. List Your Place On Airbnb
25. Rent Out Your Space
26. Car Wash
27. Rent Out Your Car
28. Vending Machines
29. Storage Rentals
30. Laundromat
31. Cashback Rewards Cards
32. Cashback Sites
33. Get Paid To Have An App On Your Phone
34. Use Cashback Apps
35. Save On Your Utilities
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.