Passive income used to mean things like rentals or dividends. Now people are finding other ways to bring in money without clocking in every day. Most take some setup, but once they’re running, they can keep paying with little effort.
Renting Out Storage Space
Empty garage, basement, or shed? Platforms now connect homeowners with people who need affordable storage. It’s often less hassle than renting a full property and can bring in steady monthly income.
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Creating Print-on-Demand Products
Artists, designers, and even hobbyists can upload designs to sites that handle printing and shipping. From t-shirts to coffee mugs, you earn a cut each time someone buys your design. Once the artwork is uploaded, sales can roll in with little maintenance.
Licensing Digital Photos
If you have a camera and an eye for composition, you can upload photos to stock image sites. Each time someone downloads your image, you earn a commission. It’s a way to monetize travel shots, product images, or even everyday moments.
Selling Digital Templates
Resumes, social media graphics, planners—if you can create a useful template, there’s a market for it. Platforms like Etsy make it easy to sell downloadable files. Customers can buy them anytime, without extra work from you.
Car Advertising
Some companies will pay you to wrap your car with their branding. As long as you drive your usual routes, you get paid each month. It’s low effort, but availability depends on your location and driving habits.
Investing in REITs
Real Estate Investment Trusts let you invest in real estate without buying property yourself. They pay dividends from rental income or property sales. Many can be purchased through regular brokerage accounts, making them more accessible than ever.
Renting Out Tools and Equipment
From power tools to pressure washers, you can rent out items you don’t use often. Apps make scheduling and payments simple, and you can set your own rates. This works especially well in neighborhoods where people prefer borrowing over buying.
Selling Audio or Music Tracks
Musicians and sound designers can sell audio clips for podcasts, videos, or games. Each license purchased puts money in your account. Once uploaded, these tracks can keep selling for years.
Crowdfunding Small Businesses
Some platforms let you invest small amounts into local businesses in exchange for a share of profits. It’s a way to support entrepreneurs while building another income stream. Be sure to research risk levels before committing.
Renting Out Parking Spaces
In busy areas, parking is at a premium. If you have an unused driveway or assigned space, you can rent it out monthly. This is especially valuable near offices, event venues, or transit stations.
Monetizing Online Courses
If you have expertise in a subject, you can create and sell video lessons. Once the course is recorded and uploaded, it can continue to earn from new students. Popular topics range from cooking to coding.
Writing an E-Book
Self-publishing makes it easy to sell e-books on platforms like Amazon Kindle. Once written and uploaded, you earn royalties every time a copy is sold. Popular niches include how-to guides, short stories, and niche expertise topics.
Turning Small Ideas Into Ongoing Earnings
The best passive income streams start with something you already have—skills, space, or unused assets. Set them up once, and they can continue to earn while you focus on other goals.
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The article 12 New Ways Americans Are Earning Passive Income first appeared on Cents + Purpose.