Who doesn’t love the idea of making money while you’re doing absolutely nothing? 

Passive income is the way—cash rolls in while you’re binge-watching Netflix, traveling the world, or just catching up on your beauty sleep. Best part? It’s more doable than you think. With a little upfront hustle, you can set up income streams that work hard while you hardly work.

1. Rent your stuff—because sharing pays!

You don’t have to own property to make rental income. Got stuff people might need? Rent them out!

  • Your car: Use platforms like Turo to rent out your ride when you’re not using it.
  • Gear and gadgets: Cameras, drones, tools, and even musical instruments can bring in cash on rental sites like RentMyEquipment.
  • Clothes: Rent out that fancy dress or tux you bought for one event. Apps like Style Lend make it easy and secure.

2. Create a digital product once, sell it forever

If you’ve got a skill or knowledge to share, turn it into a product. Think e-books or online courses.

  • Brigit tip: Sites like Gumroad or Etsy make selling digital downloads a breeze. Spend a weekend creating, and then watch the sales roll in indefinitely.

3. Invest in dividend stocks—AKA cash flow you can count on

Investing might sound boring, but dividend stocks are the gift that keeps on giving. Buy shares of companies that pay dividends, and you’ll get paid just for owning them (you don’t even have to sell your shares!).

  • Fun twist: Pretend you’re a business partner in your favorite brands. Every time your stock earns you dividends celebrate with a coffee (or even champagne).

4. Launch a YouTube channel

Yes, you can get paid for posting videos of your cat doing funny things—or teaching people how to do something cool. YouTube’s ad revenue program lets you earn money once you’ve built an audience.

  • Hack: Focus on evergreen content like tutorials or reviews that stay relevant for years and keep pulling in views.

5. Start a blog (yes, they’re still a thing)

Blogs can be cash cows if you pick the right niche and monetize with ads or affiliate links.

  • Quick win: Write about something you already know about and enjoy—like travel, food, or tech. Use affiliate programs like Amazon Associates to earn a commission on products you recommend when people buy them.

6. Peer-to-peer lending

You can be the bank and earn interest by lending money to others through platforms like Prosper or LendingClub. It’s a win-win!

7. Earn royalties for your creative side

8. Build a vending machine empire

Okay, ‘empire’ might be a little bit of a stretch, but vending machines can be a surprisingly lucrative side hustle. Rent a machine, find a good location and get permission (think busy office buildings or gyms), stock it, and collect those quarters.

After you get it set up, your only job is refilling it. Passive income, one candy bar at a time.

9. Real estate without the landlord headaches

If owning property feels like too much, look into these alternatives:

  • REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts): Invest in real estate without actually buying property. REITs pay dividends based on rental income from the properties they manage.
  • Airbnb: Got a spare room? Rent it out on weekends or during big events in your area. You can also rent out your whole house when you go on vacation.

10. Cashback apps: the lazy person’s passive income

Use cashback apps like Rakuten or Honey to earn money on purchases you’re already making. It’s not a fortune, but hey… free money is free money. Get it!

11. License your photos or videos

If you’re always snapping pics or recording cool moments, sell your content to stock photo or video sites. Every time someone uses your shot, you get paid. Royalties, baby!

12. Affiliate marketing: Promote, post, profit

Got a following on social media or a blog? Sign up for affiliate programs and earn commissions for every sale that goes through your unique links.

13. Automate an online store

Platforms like Shopify make it easy to start a drop-shipping business. You sell products online without worrying about inventory or shipping—your suppliers handle all the heavy lifting!

14. Invest in index funds

Not into the stock-picking game? Index funds are the ultimate “set it and forget it” investment. They track entire markets, so your money grows alongside the economy.

15. Turn your hobby into a hustle

Do you knit, paint, or make furniture? Sell your creations online or at local markets. With a little marketing, your passion can fund itself—and even earn you a little profit.

Work smarter, not harder

Passive income takes some upfront effort, but once it’s set up, you can enjoy the flex of making money with minimal ongoing effort. Whether you’re saving for something big, paying down debt, or just want a financial safety net, these hacks will get you there—one passive dollar at a time.

So grab your favorite notebook (or budget app) and start brainstorming. Before you know it, you’ll be living the dream: earning while you chill.