It’s Not Just About the Money (But the Money Helps!)

A few years ago, I made a decision that left most people scratching their heads: I left my high-paying job at an investment bank to live on just ￡500 a month.

Crazy, right? But here's the thing—it wasn’t just about money. It was about rethinking work and life entirely. Today, I’ve built a life where I work on my terms, doing what I love while still spending quality time with my kids. Passive income made this possible.

But let’s bust a myth right away: passive income isn’t about never working again. It’s about freedom—the freedom to focus on what truly matters to you. For me, that’s growing my wealth, mentoring others, and leaving a legacy for my kids. For you, it might mean retiring early, launching a passion project, or just spending more time with family.

Let me share a story about my friend George. He’s the perfect example of someone who thought he needed a fortune to start building passive income. Spoiler alert: he didn’t.

Why It’s Not All About Retirement

When I told George I still work despite having financial freedom, he couldn’t wrap his head around it.

“Why don’t you just retire?” he asked.

The answer is simple: I love what I do. Finding new property deals, creating courses to help others, mentoring aspiring investors—it doesn’t feel like work because I’m passionate about it.

Sure, if your dream is to retire early and spend your days golfing, passive income can help you do that. But for many, including me, it’s about choosing to work on what excites us.

What About Starting From Scratch?

George’s next question hit closer to home:

“I don’t have any savings left after the house move. Can I even start?”

My answer: Yes, you absolutely can. You just need the right strategy.

Getting Started with Passive Income: Action Steps

Here’s what I told George—and what I’d tell anyone looking to begin their passive income journey:

1. Invest in Your Education Before diving in, learn the ropes. There are countless property strategies, from rent-to-rent to deal sourcing. A solid education will help you pick the right one and avoid costly mistakes.
2. Start Small If you have limited capital, consider: Rent-to-Rent: Lease a property, then sublet it (with the landlord’s permission). Deal Sourcing: Connect property buyers and sellers, earning a commission.
3. Leverage Your Network Building relationships with investors can unlock opportunities and funding for bigger projects.
4. Think Long-Term Passive income isn’t an overnight fix. It’s about steady growth. For most, it starts as a side hustle before becoming a full-time lifestyle.
5. Focus on Passion Projects Whether it’s property, teaching, or something else, find an income stream that aligns with your interests. That way, it won’t feel like “work.”

The Reality of Passive Income

Building passive income requires effort, especially at the start. For me, it began with ￡500 a month and a whole lot of determination. Today, I’ve turned that into a multi-million-pound property portfolio.

If you’re tired of the 9-to-5 grind, it’s time to take the first step. Whether it’s learning, saving, or exploring new strategies, your future self will thank you.

What’s stopping you from building your own passive income? Let’s start the conversation below!