15 Proven Ways to Make Passive Income in 2025 (With Real Examples)

More people are discovering automated passive income strategies to build financial security beyond traditional employment. With U.S. inflation running at 2.4% as of late 2024, creating additional revenue streams has become essential for protecting your purchasing power.

Passive income generates money without constant active work to maintain it. Your day job pays you once for your time. These income sources keep producing cash flow with minimal ongoing effort. Online course creators earn $3,000 monthly after just six months. Turo hosts make $800 monthly from a spare car. The numbers speak for themselves.

These revenue channels can supplement retirement savings or replace your full-time income entirely. Building them requires significant upfront investment—time, money, or both. Dividend stocks yield anywhere from less than 1% to over 6%. REITs must distribute at least 90% of their income to shareholders. The options vary dramatically in requirements and returns.

We'll examine 15 proven passive income methods for 2025. Each includes real-world examples and practical implementation steps. Whether you have $700,000 to invest or want to monetize existing skills and assets, there's a strategy that fits your situation.

Create and Sell Digital Products

Digital products represent one of the most accessible passive income opportunities in 2025. The digital media market projects USD 560 billion by the end of 2024, creating opportunities for creators at every experience level.

What is Create and Sell Digital Products

Digital products are intangible goods delivered electronically to customers worldwide. Templates, online courses, ebooks, stock photos, digital art, printables, mobile apps, and membership sites all qualify. Unlike physical products, you avoid inventory management, shipping costs, and warehouse space requirements.

Why Create and Sell Digital Products works

Digital products deliver impressive profit margins—typically 90% after fees since recurring costs stay minimal after creation. The digital product market size projects USD 26.06 trillion by 2034, signaling massive growth potential ahead.

Key advantages include:

• Scalability: Create once, sell infinitely without production costs
• Automation: Orders deliver instantly without your involvement using AI-powered automation systems
• Global reach: Sell to anyone with internet access
• Low startup costs: Minimal investment needed to begin

How to start Create and Sell Digital Products

Launch your digital product business:

1. Research your niche: Identify market demand and analyze competitors
2. Create your product: Start small with manageable but high-quality products
3. Set up your store: Use platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website
4. Price strategically: Research similar products to price competitively
5. Market effectively: Build an audience first through social media, content marketing, email lists, and AI chatbots for 24/7 customer engagement

Start with bite-sized product ideas to avoid burnout. Expand your offerings once you understand what your audience values most.

Successful creators begin with free lead magnets to build email lists before transitioning to paid products. This establishes trust before monetizing expertise.

Launch an Online Course

Online course creation represents a scalable business opportunity with the global eLearning market projected to reach USD 370 billion by 2026. Few passive income methods match the profit margins and automation potential of well-designed educational products.

What is Launch an Online Course

An online course delivers structured learning programs entirely through the internet, typically consisting of pre-recorded or live lectures, discussions, assignments, and assessments. These digital education products allow students to learn at their own pace from anywhere with internet access. Courses range from quick skill-building tutorials to comprehensive multi-module programs based on your expertise and audience needs.

Why Launch an Online Course works

Online courses generate 70-90% profit margins compared to physical products with slim margins. 93% of global companies are switching to online learning, creating massive market demand for quality educational content. Smart workflow management tools help course creators automate student enrollment, content delivery, and progress tracking.

The economics work because once built, delivering your course to additional students costs essentially nothing. You can sell to one person or thousands with no extra delivery costs. This scalability makes online courses powerful passive income generators.

Key advantages include:

• High profit margins: Keep 70-90% of revenue after platform fees
• Zero marginal costs: No additional expense per new student
• Growing market: Companies shifting to online training creates demand
• Recurring revenue potential: Students often purchase multiple courses from trusted instructors

How to start Launch an Online Course

Building your first profitable course:

1. Validate your idea - Research market demand and test your concept with a free workshop or mini-course
2. Build a landing page - Use marketing automation to create a dedicated page that gathers interest and pre-sells your course before building it
3. Create your course - Start with an outline and one module, then develop the rest based on initial feedback
4. Choose a platform - Options include Teachable, Thinkific, or WordPress with LearnPress
5. Market effectively - Implement strategies like webinars, email marketing, and strategic pricing

The upfront effort focuses on creating quality content and marketing systems. The long-term passive income potential makes online courses among the most rewarding financial freedom strategies for 2025.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing offers one of the most accessible entry points into passive income for 2025. The industry now generates $12.00 billion with minimal barriers to entry yet substantial earning potential for committed marketers.

What is Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing means earning commissions by promoting other companies' products or services. Someone clicks your unique tracking link and makes a purchase—you receive a percentage of that sale. You operate as an independent marketer recommending products you trust, earning rewards for successful referrals. No employment relationship with the company required.

Why Affiliate Marketing works

The performance numbers tell the story. Over 15% of affiliate marketers earn more than $50,000 annually. More than 80% of businesses run affiliate programs actively seeking promoters. Commission structures range from 3-7% for physical products to flat fees exceeding $100 per sale. ClickBank alone has distributed over $7.10 billion in affiliate commissions across 27 years.

Key advantages include:

• No product creation or inventory management
• Unlimited income potential based on performance
• Work from anywhere with internet access
• Multiple revenue streams from different programs

How to start Affiliate Marketing

Your affiliate marketing foundation:

1. Build audience relationships first - Trust comes before any product promotion
2. Choose relevant products - Select items that solve real problems for your audience
3. Join affiliate programs - Apply through direct partnerships or networks like Amazon Associates, Shopify Collabs, or ClickBank
4. Create valuable content - Develop reviews, tutorials, or guides that naturally include affiliate links
5. Target quality leads - Focus on audiences likely to convert rather than chasing high traffic
6. Monitor performance - Use analytics to identify your most profitable promotions
7. Follow disclosure rules - Always inform your audience about affiliate relationships per FTC requirements

Success requires patience and consistency. Focus on genuine value rather than quick commissions.

Rent Out Your Car or Equipment

Unused assets around your property can generate consistent monthly income. The equipment rental industry is projected to reach USD 58.49 billion by 2029, up from USD 42.64 billion in 2022.

What is Rent Out Your Car or Equipment

You allow others to temporarily use your vehicles, tools, equipment, or other physical assets for a fee. Peer-to-peer platforms handle the entire process. Cars rent through services like Turo. Equipment lists on platforms like Fat Llama, Spinlister, or specialty rental businesses for construction tools, photography gear, or baby items.

Why Rent Out Your Car or Equipment works

Cars on Turo earn an average of USD 906.00 per month. Owners keep 70% of vehicle earnings—approximately USD 634.00 monthly.

Key advantages:

• Complete ownership retained of your assets
• Set your own rates and rental schedule
• Minimal ongoing work once listings go live
• Tax deductions available if operated as small business
• Platform insurance coverage included

The approach requires managing additional wear and the rental process.

How to start Rent Out Your Car or Equipment

Begin renting your assets:

1. Select your rental niche: Vehicle rentals or specific equipment like construction tools, photography gear, outdoor equipment
2. Research platforms: Turo or Getaround for cars; Fat Llama, Spinlister for equipment, or build your own rental business
3. Check insurance coverage: Review personal policies and platform-provided options
4. Prepare your assets: Clean, maintain, and document with quality photos
5. Build compelling listings: High-quality photos with detailed descriptions highlighting unique features
6. Price competitively: Research similar rentals in your area for optimal rates
7. Create rental policies: Usage guidelines, mileage limits for vehicles, return conditions

Verify renter identities and implement tracking solutions for safety.

Dividend Stock Investing

Dividend stocks provide a time-tested approach to building passive wealth. Blue-chip companies have rewarded shareholders for decades, creating reliable income opportunities for patient investors.

What is Dividend Stock Investing

Dividend stock investing means purchasing shares in companies that distribute portions of their profits to shareholders through regular payments. These payments typically occur quarterly, although some companies pay monthly, semi-annually, or annually. Dividends create genuine passive income—actual cash flow from businesses into your investment account without selling assets.

Why Dividend Stock Investing works

Companies with consistent dividend histories represent established businesses with steady cash flows. Historical data shows dividend-paying stocks have outperformed non-dividend stocks in total return over time.

The numbers prove the strategy's effectiveness. A hypothetical $10,000 investment in an S&P 500 index fund at the end of 1993 would have grown to more than $182,000 by 2023 with dividends reinvested, versus only $102,000 without reinvestment. Over 80% of large-cap stocks in the S&P 500 currently pay dividends.

Dividend aristocrats have raised dividends for at least 50 consecutive years, demonstrating extraordinary financial stability. This track record indicates businesses that prioritize shareholder returns through market cycles.

How to start Dividend Stock Investing

Build a successful dividend portfolio with these criteria:

1. Target companies with at least 10 years of growing dividend payments annually
2. Examine financial health indicators like free cash flow and payout ratios
3. Focus on moderate dividend yields between 3-5% rather than chasing unsustainably high yields
4. Diversify across 5-7 industries to mitigate sector-specific risks
5. Consider REITs, utilities, consumer staples, and energy companies—sectors known for higher dividends

Analyze the dividend payout ratio (dividends as percentage of earnings) and dividend growth rate to identify sustainable opportunities. This approach requires patience but delivers increasing passive income streams that can last decades.

Start a YouTube Channel

YouTube offers creators multiple ways to generate passive income once their channels gain momentum. Content creators report making $9.66 per 1,000 video views. Others generate over $7,000 from a single video.

What is Start a YouTube Channel

A YouTube channel lets you create, upload, and manage video content on the world's second-largest search engine. You can feature traditional on-camera content or use "faceless" approaches like voiceovers, screen recordings, or stock footage with narration. YouTube's algorithm prioritizes watch time and click-through rate above everything else.

Why Start a YouTube Channel works

YouTube provides multiple income sources:

• Ad revenue (YouTube takes 45% of standard video ad income)
• Channel memberships for recurring monthly payments
• Sponsorships available to smaller creators
• Affiliate marketing opportunities
• Product sales through YouTube Shopping

The platform rewards consistency and quality content. One successful creator notes her first imperfect videos built an audience that eventually produced substantial passive income. You don't need millions of subscribers—smaller channels with targeted niches often achieve strong results.

How to start Start a YouTube Channel

To launch your YouTube presence:

1. Choose a specific niche with growth potential
2. Test sub-niches with 2-3 videos each to find what works
3. Create your channel through a Google account setup
4. Verify your account to unlock additional features
5. Track key metrics like click-through rate and watch time
6. Consider outsourcing editing to save time

Track performance data and focus on winning content formats. You can expand into merchandise or digital products once you've established your audience.

Sell Stock Photography

Stock photography platforms provide creators with direct access to global marketplaces where businesses pay for visual content. Top contributors earn between $20 to $700 per photo, creating scalable income streams from visual assets.

What is Sell Stock Photography

Stock photography means creating and uploading high-quality images to specialized marketplaces where businesses, publishers, and content creators purchase usage rights. Platforms like Shutterstock, Getty Images, and Adobe Stock handle the entire sales process—marketing, transactions, and licensing—while paying photographers a commission from each sale. Your portfolio can include lifestyle shots, landscapes, business imagery, or niche content, with each image potentially generating income for years.

Why Sell Stock Photography works

The economics are straightforward. Once uploaded, images sell repeatedly with zero additional effort. Shutterstock alone has paid contributors over $1 billion in the past 15 years. Successful photographers report earning $4,200 monthly from approximately 9,500 images across multiple platforms.

Key advantages include:

• Recurring sales: Each image can sell hundreds of times
• Global reach: Access to worldwide marketplace demand
• Passive income: No ongoing work after upload
• Portfolio scaling: More images equal more earning potential
• Multiple platforms: Distribute the same content across different marketplaces

Results vary significantly based on content quality and market demand.

How to start Sell Stock Photography

Begin by researching top platforms—Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Getty Images—and understanding their submission requirements. Create diverse, high-quality images focusing on in-demand niches like technology, lifestyle, and business content. Authenticity sells better than traditional "stocky" content.

Consider using services like Wirestock to distribute to multiple marketplaces simultaneously. Optimize each image with detailed keywords and descriptions to improve discoverability. Start with existing photos while building your portfolio systematically.

Patience is essential—many successful stock photographers took years to build sustainable income streams.

Build a Niche Blog

Building a specialized blog creates reliable passive income for creators who understand their audience. Success stories range from USD 7,000 monthly to over USD 8,400 in just nine months for bloggers who focus their efforts.

What is Build a Niche Blog

A niche blog targets a specific topic area instead of covering everything. These specialized sites serve particular audience segments with detailed content that solves their specific problems. The strategy works best when you choose an umbrella theme with 4-5 related sub-topics or content pillars.

Why Build a Niche Blog works

Multiple revenue streams make niche blogs profitable: display advertising yields USD 13-17 per 1,000 visitors, affiliate marketing commissions, digital products, membership sites, sponsored content, and related services. The real advantage comes from building authority—readers pay for organized, expert information even when similar content exists elsewhere.

How to start Build a Niche Blog

To build your first profitable blog:

1. Choose a profitable topic that balances your expertise with market demand
2. Verify competition exists—this indicates profit potential
3. Research keywords using tools like Semrush
4. Set up reliable hosting and WordPress
5. Create 50,000+ words of quality content (approximately 50 posts) before expecting SEO results
6. Focus on content that attracts buyers, not just browsers

Write and Sell an eBook

eBook publishing delivers consistent passive income with minimal overhead costs. Some authors generate $4,200 monthly from their digital publications.

What is Write and Sell an eBook

An eBook is a digital book readers access on computers, smartphones, e-readers, or other devices. Content creators distribute these downloadable files without physical production costs. The eBook market continues expanding, making 2025 an exceptional year for digital publishing.

Why Write and Sell an eBook works

eBooks create genuine passive income:

• Complete passive revenue streams
• Minimal production costs versus print books
• Full ownership and control over content, pricing, distribution
• Royalties up to 70% through platforms like Amazon KDP

How to start Write and Sell an eBook

Launch your eBook business:

1. Select an evergreen niche with proven demand
2. Create quality content—consider AI tools to streamline writing
3. Format properly (.mobi for Amazon, .ePub for others)
4. Design a professional cover that captures attention
5. Write compelling descriptions highlighting benefits
6. Build a mailing list for effective marketing
7. Use KDP Select for initial 90 days to maximize visibility

Create an App

App development represents a technology-focused path to passive income. Mobile applications are projected to generate USD 626.39 billion in revenue by 2030.

What is Create an App

Creating an app means developing software for smartphones or tablets. You combine user-focused design with technical implementation to solve problems through digital interfaces. Apps come in two main types: native apps (built for specific platforms like iOS or Android) and Progressive Web Apps (PWA) that blend web and native technologies.

Why Create an App works

Apps generate ongoing revenue through multiple channels:

• In-app purchases
• In-app advertising
• Subscription fees
• Sponsorships
• Affiliate marketing

The business model works because you build once and earn repeatedly. Successful apps solve three key requirements: consumer needs, business goals, and proper technology implementation.

How to start Create an App

To develop your first app:

1. Research your market - Find your target audience and confirm your idea has business potential
2. Define the problem your app solves - Every profitable app addresses specific user pain points
3. Choose a monetization strategy - Pick from advertising, paid downloads, subscriptions or in-app purchases
4. Select your platform - Choose iOS, Android or cross-platform development
5. Consider no-code options - App builders like Appy Pie work for non-technical creators

App success requires ongoing improvements and quality maintenance. Platforms update their operating systems regularly.

Invest in REITs

Real estate investment trusts offer ordinary investors access to income-producing properties without direct ownership headaches. The REIT market delivers reliable passive income through regular dividend payments, making it an attractive option for 2025 investors.

What is Invest in REITs

REITs are companies that own, operate, or finance income-generating real estate across various sectors. These investment vehicles pool capital from numerous investors, enabling participation in large-scale property investments without purchasing real estate directly. REITs must distribute at least 90% of their taxable income as dividends to shareholders.

Why Invest in REITs works

REITs offer impressive dividend yields, typically higher than other dividend-paying stocks. Key advantages include:

• Portfolio diversification beyond traditional stocks and bonds
• High liquidity—most REITs can be bought or sold instantly
• Professional property management without landlord responsibilities
• Potential for capital appreciation as property values increase

How to start Invest in REITs

Getting started with REITs requires just a few steps:

1. Open a brokerage account online or through a broker's app
2. Research different REIT types using your broker's screening tools
3. Consider various investment approaches—individual REITs, REIT ETFs, or mutual funds
4. Aim for 5-15% portfolio allocation depending on your risk tolerance
5. Monitor your investments periodically for performance

Consider holding REITs in retirement accounts like IRAs for optimal tax efficiency.

Peer-to-Peer Lending

P2P lending eliminates banks from the equation, connecting investors directly with borrowers through online platforms. This creates opportunities for higher returns than traditional savings while maintaining relatively predictable income streams.

What is Peer-to-Peer Lending

Peer-to-peer lending connects you directly with individuals or businesses seeking loans through online marketplaces. These platforms manage the entire lending process—loan applications, credit assessments, and payment collection. Most P2P loans are unsecured personal loans, though secured options exist. You're essentially becoming the bank, earning interest on money you lend out.

Why Peer-to-Peer Lending works

P2P lending delivers returns that traditional savings accounts can't match. Investors report earning over 10% annually—significantly higher than current savings rates. The advantages include:

• Higher returns than traditional fixed-income investments
• Access to diverse borrower pools across different risk levels
• Default rates typically run just 2-3% for business and consumer loans
• Low entry barriers with investments starting at $25 per loan

The math works because you're cutting out the middleman. Banks typically pay you 1-2% while lending your money at 8-15%. P2P platforms split that difference more favorably.

How to start Peer-to-Peer Lending

Getting started requires minimal setup:

1. Research platforms like Prosper for track record and borrower quality
2. Open an account and complete identity verification
3. Fund your account with your initial investment amount
4. Set investment criteria based on risk tolerance and target returns
5. Use automated investing tools to diversify across multiple loans

Many successful P2P investors diversify across low, medium, and high-risk loans to optimize returns while limiting default exposure. Start small to understand the platform dynamics before scaling up your investment.

High-Yield Savings or CDs

High-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit represent the safest passive income methods in 2025. These options deliver modest returns with minimal risk and government protection for your principal.

What is High-Yield Savings or CDs

High-yield savings accounts offer interest rates significantly higher than traditional savings—currently averaging 4.5% APY compared to the national average of 0.42%. CDs are time-bound deposits with fixed terms from three months to five years that typically offer higher rates for locking up your money.

The key difference? High-yield savings provide flexible access to funds anytime. CDs impose penalties for early withdrawal.

Why High-Yield Savings or CDs works

Both options are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor, making them extremely safe investments. High-yield accounts offer:

• Higher interest than traditional savings accounts • Easy access to funds when needed
• Potential for rate increases with improving market conditions

CDs deliver:

• Higher fixed rates than savings accounts • Guaranteed returns regardless of market fluctuations • Protection against rate decreases

How to start High-Yield Savings or CDs

Getting started with high-yield savings:

1. Research online banks offering competitive rates (currently up to 5.00% in 2025)
2. Check minimum balance requirements and fees
3. Complete the online application process

Getting started with CDs:

1. Determine your time horizon—longer terms yield higher rates
2. Compare options at banks and brokerages
3. Understand early withdrawal penalties (typically 3-6 months' interest)

Both options create passive income streams requiring virtually no ongoing management once established.

Rent Out Storage Space

Empty spaces around your property can generate steady monthly income with virtually no ongoing work required. The self-storage industry stands at USD 58.26 billion and grows 7.5% annually through 2030.

What is Rent Out Storage Space

This approach converts unused property areas into rental units for people needing extra storage. Garages, basements, attics, sheds, or closets all work. Peer-to-peer platforms like Neighbor.com connect space owners with renters seeking alternatives to traditional self-storage facilities. These marketplaces handle bookings, payments, and customer support—making the process hands-off for hosts.

Why Rent Out Storage Space works

The income potential requires minimal effort. Monthly earnings range from USD 100-600 for garages, USD 100-500 for driveways, USD 75-400 for basements, and USD 50-300 for smaller spaces. Most renters visit just 3-4 times per year. Peer-to-peer storage costs run approximately 50% less than traditional storage facilities, ensuring consistent demand.

How to start Rent Out Storage Space

Getting started takes five simple steps:

1. Clean and prepare your space with secure access
2. Take quality photographs with good lighting
3. List on platforms like Neighbor.com, StoreAtMyHouse, or Stache
4. Research local rates to set competitive pricing
5. Create clear rental agreements with access rules

Check your local zoning regulations and HOA rules before listing. Consider additional insurance coverage since standard homeowner policies may exclude business activities.

Crowdfunded Real Estate

Real estate crowdfunding has opened property investing to ordinary people. Previously exclusive opportunities now welcome smaller investors through online platforms. The global market reached USD 11.50 billion in 2022 and projects growth to USD 161.00 billion by 2030.

What is Crowdfunded Real Estate

Crowdfunded real estate pools money from multiple investors through online platforms to finance property purchases or developments. You can buy shares of individual properties or invest in funds holding multiple properties. Some platforms require as little as USD 10 to start, making real estate accessible without massive capital requirements.

Why Crowdfunded Real Estate works

This approach delivers multiple business advantages:

• Diversification: Spread investments across multiple properties easily
• Lower entry barriers: Participate without massive capital requirements
• No management responsibilities: Skip landlord headaches completely
• Expanded access: Discover opportunities previously unavailable

Investment opportunities were once limited to accredited investors—only 8.25% of American adults. Regulation crowdfunding now enables anyone 18+ to participate.

How to start Crowdfunded Real Estate

To begin investing:

1. Research platforms based on availability, investment types, and minimum requirements
2. Evaluate fee structures—including sourcing and management fees
3. Check if investments are open to non-accredited investors
4. Verify tracking tools for monitoring performance
5. Understand liquidity options and withdrawal terms

Real estate investments carry substantial risk, including potential capital loss.

Quick Reference Guide

The 15 passive income strategies vary dramatically in startup requirements, earning potential, and time investment. This comparison helps you identify which methods align with your current situation and goals.

Notice how methods requiring immediate capital (dividend stocks, REITs) offer instant income, while content-based strategies (courses, blogs) demand months of upfront work before generating returns. Your choice depends on whether you have more money or time to invest.

Conclusion

Building passive income streams takes patience, but the financial security makes every hour of upfront work worthwhile. We've examined 15 proven methods—each with real earning potential and clear implementation steps.

Your starting point depends on your current resources and skills. Begin with a 5% APY high-yield savings account today, then expand into dividend stocks or crowdfunded real estate as your confidence grows. Someone with photography skills can build toward $4,200 monthly from stock images. Others with unused garage space can generate $600 monthly rental income immediately.

The truth about passive income: it's rarely passive at the beginning. Most methods require substantial upfront effort before becoming hands-off revenue generators. Your initial work pays dividends for years afterward.

Smart entrepreneurs combine multiple streams from this list. Start a niche blog while investing in dividend stocks. Create an online course while exploring peer-to-peer lending opportunities. The key lies in selecting methods that match your strengths and available capital.

These 15 approaches offer reliable starting points regardless of how the passive income landscape evolves beyond 2025. Your journey toward financial independence begins with choosing one method and taking action today.

Ready to start building your passive income portfolio? Pick the strategy that fits your situation best and begin implementation this week.

FAQs

Q1. What are some effective passive income strategies for 2025?‍

Some effective passive income strategies for 2025 include creating and selling digital products, launching online courses, affiliate marketing, renting out assets like cars or equipment, and dividend stock investing. These methods can generate ongoing revenue with minimal day-to-day effort once established.

Q2. How much can I realistically earn from passive income sources?‍

Earnings from passive income sources vary widely. For example, successful online course creators can earn around $3,000 monthly after six months, while top stock photographers report making $4,200 monthly from approximately 9,500 images. Dividend stocks typically yield 3-5% annually, and rental income from storage spaces can range from $50 to $600 per month.

Q3. What are the initial investment requirements for different passive income streams?‍

Initial investment requirements differ across passive income streams. Digital products and blogging have low startup costs, while dividend investing and real estate crowdfunding require more capital. Online courses and app development fall in the medium range. Some methods, like renting out existing assets, mainly require time investment rather than money.

Q4. How long does it take to start earning passive income?‍

The time to first income varies by method. High-yield savings accounts and dividend stocks can provide immediate returns, while building a successful blog or YouTube channel may take 6-9 months or longer. Creating and selling digital products or online courses typically requires several months of upfront work before generating consistent passive income.

Q5. Are there any low-risk passive income options for beginners?‍

Yes, there are low-risk options suitable for beginners. High-yield savings accounts and Certificates of Deposit (CDs) offer modest but guaranteed returns with FDIC insurance. Peer-to-peer lending platforms allow investments starting at $25 per loan portion. Selling digital products on established marketplaces like Etsy or Gumroad can also be a relatively low-risk way to start generating passive income.