Passive Income
Earnings from investments or side ventures that require little ongoing effort, crucial for financial freedom.
What You Need to Know
Passive income refers to money earned with minimal effort on the part of the recipient. This can be generated through various means, such as rental properties, dividends from stock investments, or royalties from creative work. For instance, if you invest $100,000 in a rental property that generates $1,200 per month in rent, you earn $14,400 annually, a significant return with relatively little day-to-day management once the property is set up.
A common misconception is that passive income requires no work at all. In reality, generating passive income often involves upfront investment of time, money, or both. For example, creating an online course may take weeks of planning and recording, but once it’s launched, it can provide income with minimal ongoing effort. Another mistake is underestimating the need for proper management; neglecting a rental property can lead to financial losses.
To maximize your passive income potential, start by investing in assets that appreciate or generate cash flow over time. Consider diversifying your sources, such as combining real estate with dividend-paying stocks. Aim for a passive income stream that covers your essential expenses, which can give you more freedom in your career choices. The key takeaway is to view passive income as a strategy for building wealth and securing financial independence, rather than a get-rich-quick scheme.
Related Calculators & Tools
Put your knowledge into action with these interactive tools:
Retirement Planning Suite
Complete retirement dashboard: analyze savings gap, model withdrawal strategies with Monte Carlo simulation, and optimize Social Security claiming
Investment Risk Stress Test
Test your portfolio against historical market crashes - see losses, recovery times, and prepare for downturns
Budget Planner
Simple budget tool that categorizes income vs expenses with visual charts
Related Terms in Taxes
Active Income
Active income is earnings from work, crucial for meeting immediate expenses and building wealth.
Discretionary Income
Discretionary income is the money left after essential expenses, crucial for saving and investing.
Earned Income
Earned income is money received from working, crucial for tax calculations and financial stability.
Effective Tax Rate
Your actual tax rate—total taxes paid divided by total income. Lower than marginal rate because of brackets and deductions.
Estate Tax
A tax on the transfer of assets after death, impacting wealth distribution and inheritance.
Estimated Taxes
Estimated taxes are prepayments of income tax owed, helping you avoid penalties and manage cash flow.