Passive income has become one of the most talked-about financial goals in recent years—and for good reason. The idea of earning money without constantly trading time for dollars is appealing to almost everyone. Whether you want extra vacation money, financial security, or the ability to retire early, passive income can help you move closer to those goals. But despite what social media may suggest, passive income is not “easy money.” Most passive income streams require time, effort, skill-building, or upfront investment before they begin generating consistent returns. The good news? Once established, these income streams can continue earning with much less daily involvement than a traditional job. Here’s a closer look at what passive income really is, popular ways to create it, and how to get started. What Is Passive Income? Passive income is money earned from a source that requires minimal ongoing work after the initial setup. Unlike active income—where you are paid directly for ...