7 Passive Income Ideas to Help You Work Less, Live More
I wanted a way to earn income that truly aligned with me, something that fit my
passions, gave me flexibility, and brought balance and wellbeing into my life.
But instead, I kept chasing quick fixes that never worked.
In this article, I’ll share 7 Passive Income Ideas, the pros, cons, and what’s really
involved, so you can see which one fits your values, energy, and lifestyle. By the
end, you’ll have a clearer path that is right for you.
Then, when you’re ready to go deeper, my free five-day mini video series will help you pinpoint your strategy and introduce you to the framework that helped me create a business and a life I love.
Craig & I (Paula) exploring Margaret River
I want to be totally upfront with this as I think there is a bit of a misconception with how to
earn passive income and it being totally hands off. That is out there of course, if you win lotto
or get a great inheritance however, passive income that you can realistically earn is money you
grow without having to constantly trade hours for it. It doesn’t mean “set and forget,” but it
does mean doing the upfront work and building income streams that keep working, even
when you’re resting, travelling, or simply living life.
It’s a powerful tool for regaining your time, energy, and presence. It’s not about getting rich
quick, it’s about creating a business you are passionate about that supports your life, not one
that consumes it.
Curious what that could look like in real life and not the instagram boss babe version? Let me
show you next up.
Best suited to: Long-term thinkers, independents, future-focused planners
What it is: Invest in property, then rent it out, either short or long-term. A property manager can
handle the day-to-day.
How it helps you: Once it’s set up, it offers consistent income with minimal input. If you’re
looking to slowly step away from your current business, this can be a powerful piece of the puzzle.
Why it matters: It’s a long-term wealth strategy that aligns beautifully with your goals for time
freedom and future security. (And if you’re curious, my husband Craig helps more on this, yes, I’m
giving him a well-earned shout-out!).
Pros:
- Long-term wealth builder – A solid step toward financial freedom and future security
- Consistent income – Once set up, it can provide reliable, ongoing cash flow
- Low day-to-day involvement – Property managers can handle the details, so you don’t have to
- Aligns with slower living – Gives you breathing space while still growing your nest egg
- A beautiful complement to other income streams– Especially if you're gently stepping back from your current business
Cons:
- High upfront investment – It usually requires a decent deposit and lending capacity
- Not risk-free – Property markets shift, and vacancies or repairs can impact cash flow
- Still some responsibility – Even with a manager, you’re the owner, so decisions land with you
- Less flexible than online options – Tied to a location, and less liquid than digital income streams
- Learning curve – Especially around finance, property strategy, and regulations (luckily, Craig’s got this one )
Let’s Keep It Real
These aren’t “get rich quick” schemes. As you can see, the common theme is that
they require upfront setup and real, intentional work. They’re sustainable, soul-
aligned business models that grow with you and offer genuine flexibility,
purpose, and peace. Like anything worthwhile, there’s some risk, but truly most of these
options are low risk and within your control, especially compared to traditional
businesses. Property is the exception, as it usually involves a larger upfront
investment.
I learnt how to show up and step into this world without needing to be techy, flashy, or perfect. I
will help you learn more structure, support, and clarity, without feeling burnout.
Right now, I’m focused on one model that aligns with my lifestyle and the things I’m passionate
about. But the beautiful part is, you get to choose your pace. It's not a one-size-fits-all business
model. You get to build something that feels like freedom to you, and something you’re truly
excited about.
Craig & I at Craddle Mountain, Tasmania
You’re a heart-led, deeply motivated person who loves nature, slow living, and the freedom to
adventure. But right now, you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, and unsure how to make a
change.
Maybe you’ve tried outsourcing, scaling, or simplifying it still feels like you’re running on empty,
stuck in a cycle that no longer fits the life you want.
That’s exactly why I created these free workshops-to help you explore aligned, sustainable
income streams that support you, your values, and your lifestyle.
Imagine having the space to breathe again. The flexibility to enjoy slow mornings, beach walks,
or unplanned time with loved ones-while your income starts to grow in the background.
Click below to get started. You can create a life that feels like yours again.
1. Is passive income truly hands-off?
Not always. You’ll need to put in work up front, but the goal is to earn long after the effort is done.
However, my workload now compared to what it used to look like is total heaven and I am so happy
with how my life looks these days.
2. How much money do I need to start?
Many methods like digital products require very little—under $500 in most cases. It also depends on
what you want to invest in to get you underway. I invested in the mentoring I felt I needed to get me
started quickly as I hadn’t done anything like this before. Which was such a small investment
compared to what a traditional brick-and-mortar business looks like.
3. Do I need special skills? Nope. Everything can be learned. You just need curiosity, an open mind
and a willingness to start.
4. What if I’m not tech-savvy?
No worries! Lots of tools and mentors exist to walk you through things step-by-step. The tech part
scared me until I started learning the step by step process, which made things very easy and simple
to follow.
5. What’s the first step I should take?
Pick one method that excites you, invest in a course (more info on course options after the
workshops) to help you get to where you need to be, and start learning. Concentrate on that one
step until you master it, and then you can concentrate on something else that excites you and keep
building if you want to. Or just stay on that one thing. There’s no perfect starting point, only
progress!
6. Do I need to be on social media to make this work?
No, you don’t need to be on social media at all. This is one of the biggest myths out there when it
comes to building an online income. You don’t need to post, go live, or build a following if that’s not
your vibe. Many people have built successful online businesses without being on Instagram,
Facebook, or TikTok. The training I followed teaches you how to create systems that work behind
the scenes, quietly, efficiently, and without putting yourself out there online if you don’t want to. If
you're more private or just not into the whole social media thing, that’s totally okay. There’s still a
path forward that fits you.
Want to Know More About Aligned Income
Unlock the FREE 5 day Mini Video Series & Start Researching
Aligned Income that starts to gives you your life back
️️️️You can listen to the article here ⬆️
What if five days gave you clarity on a passive income path that actually fits you? ⬇️
What if five days gave you clarity on a passive income path that actually fits you? ⬇️
"In order to change your life, you need to change your priorities". Mel Robins.
What if five days gave you clarity on a passive income path that actually fits you? ⬇️
Finding the Right Passive Income
Idea: Lessons I Learned That Can
Help You
I’m Paula, a heart-led, adventure-loving woman who once ran two busy hospitality
businesses with my husband. On the outside, we were thriving, but behind the
scenes, I was feeling totally burnout, constantly “on,” and missing the moments
that matter. After losing both my parents and my husband’s parents before they
could enjoy retirement, I knew life was too short to keep living in constant overdrive.
This probably isn’t the first time you’ve looked into passive income. But if you’re anything
like I was, what’s been holding you back are the scammy vibes and overhyped promises.
I tried different business paths, traditional models and network marketing. Searching for
a way to design life on my own terms, only to realise (the hard way) that misaligned
models can’t create the life you’re dreaming of.
What does work is building something you’re passionate about, deeply aligned with who
you are, and supported by a strong framework that removes the tech fears, scammy vibes,
and overwhelm, so you can start a business you actually love.
I wanted a life that gave me flexibility, supported my wellbeing, and allowed me to earn
with integrity. At first, I saw passive income as a quick exit strategy, but I soon realised I
needed something sustainable, something that could bring balance, flexibility, and joy
instead of more stress.
That’s when I discovered a values-led, beginner-friendly way to build passive income,
without hype, scams, or tech overwhelm. It gave me the flexibility to work from anywhere,
earn with integrity, and live life on my own terms.
As you read, you’ll start to notice which models align with your passions, and which you
can cross off your list, so you can start creating a slower, more intentional life that
supports your wellbeing and happiness, just like I did.
If you have ended up here, you might be feeling burnt out by the daily drudgery of your
business, staff, overwhelm, anxiety, and pressure. You've built a successful business or
businesses, but your business feels like it owns you, not the other way around.
You’re craving more balance for overall wellbeing, breathing space to do what you want when
you want to, and spending time out in nature, but you’re not quite sure how to make that shift
authentically and realistically. You’re a deeply motivated, heart-led woman who loves
adventures but also runs a very busy business or businesses.
You care about living with intention, you're all in on having a growth mindset, helping others,
and creating a life that feels meaningful, not just busy. That’s exactly why I created this article.
I’m breaking down a handful of business ideas that are aligned, authentic, and practical, no
fluff, no hype, just honest insights I wish I had when I started looking for something more soul-
led beyond our hospitality life.
What if.....
Five days of videos helped you turn your unique strengths and passions into a passive income strategy that provides balance and flexibility, and builds a life you love. ⬇️
Table of Contents Page
1. My Story, Why It's Important To Build an Income That's Aligned With You
2. What Passive Income Really Is (And What It Isn’t)
3. Which Passive Income Idea Is Right For You
3.1. Affiliate Marketing
3.2. Digital Products
3.3. Online Courses or Memberships
3.4. Online Coaching or Mentoring
3.5. Ecommerce or niche products in Online Stores
3.6. YouTube or Podcasting (with Monetisation)
3.7. Rental Properties
"Keep in mind, you don’t need a full plan or all the answers right now, just a willingness to
learn and explore a new path that feels more aligned and authentic for you." I will dive in deeper
through the free workshops and emails to continue to fine-tune this with you.
Best suited to: Introverts, helpers, slow-living seekers, aligned communicators
What it is: You share products or programs you genuinely believe in and love yourself. When
someone purchases through your unique link, you earn a commission.
How it helps you: You don’t need to create anything from scratch. You simply show up in a way
that feels good to you, helping others find things that support them. This is especially ideal if you’re
looking to step back from a business that demands your time and energy around the clock.
Why it matters: It’s one of the easiest and most low-risk ways to get started. Many down-to-earth,
authentic women in my community (myself included) began here, with step-by-step guidance, zero
tech experience, and absolutely no desire to be dancing on Reels.
Pros:
- Freedom & Flexibility – Work from anywhere, on your terms
- Aligned Income – Share products you genuinely love and know will help your audience
- Scalable & Sustainable – Once set up, it can earn in the background
- Adventure-Friendly – Systems run while you're out living your life
- Great for introverts who don't want to be splashed on socials
Cons:
- Setup Takes Time – Learning what works and building systems
- Consistency Matters – Building trust and authority doesn’t happen overnight; you need to do the reps to get better with this
- Tech Learning Curve – Some backend setup (but it’s learnable, especially with support and framework!)
Best suited to: Creatives, introverts, organisers, thinkers
What it is: Think printables, templates, or ebooks. You create them once, and they continue to
sell on platforms like Etsy.
How it helps you: You can tap into your creativity, organisation skills, or lived experience,
without having to show up daily. It’s a slower, soul-aligned build that runs quietly in the
background.
Why it matters: This option gives you more flexibility and space, allowing you to reconnect
with your energy and values while still bringing in income.
Pros:
- Create once, sell many times – Income continues without daily effort
- Soul-aligned & creative – Use your wisdom, lived experience, or knack for organising
- No need to show up constantly – Perfect for slow mornings, beach walks, and time with loved ones
- Flexible & low overhead – No shipping, no inventory, just freedom
- Builds over time – A gentle, sustainable path to financial breathing space
Cons:
- Upfront effort – Takes time to create something valuable and well-designed
- Marketing required – People won’t find it if you don’t share it (but you don’t need to be pushy)
- Learning curve – Platforms, tools, and tech can feel overwhelming at first (once again, there is support and framework for this)
- Results take time – It’s not instant—but it’s real
Best suited to: Heart-led teachers, sharers, guides, introverted leaders
What it is: Turn your knowledge or passion into a course or community. Record once and offer
ongoing value.
How it helps you: Instead of repeating yourself or trading hours for client calls, your course works
while you rest, explore, or take that long-overdue holiday.
Why it matters: It gives you freedom and fulfillment, while helping others grow.
Pros:
- Heart-centered & personal – Share your journey and wisdom in a way that feels deeply human
- Low overhead, low barrier to entry – Start with just your experience and a Zoom link
- Perfect first step – Gain confidence, clarity, and refine your process for future digital offers
- Flexible structure – You choose your clients, your hours, and your boundaries
- Deeply fulfilling – Create real transformation in people’s lives without burning out in the process
Cons:
- Still trades time for money – Not passive (yet), so can affect your schedule
- Emotional energy – Requires presence, holding space, and managing boundaries
- Can feel scary at first – Putting yourself out there, especially if you’ve never coached before
- Not scalable on its own – But a beautiful stepping stone to more sustainable income
Best suited to: Empaths, connectors, nurturers, experienced guides
What it is: Offer your guidance, life experience, or business knowledge in a one-on-one or small
group format.
How it helps you: This can be a stepping stone into more passive models. Many women start with a
few aligned clients, then build evergreen (create once and keep inspiring people with a set and
forget) content from their process.
Why it matters: It’s heart-centered and personal, and perfect if you want to make an impact without the overwhelm of scaling a traditional service-based business.
Pros:
- Heart-led & personal – A beautiful way to make a real difference using your lived experience
- Low startup costs – No products or inventory, just your time, wisdom, and presence
- Flexible & intentional – You choose when, where, and how you work with clients
- Great stepping stone – Helps you refine your process to eventually turn into a digital product or passive offer
- Deeply fulfilling – Connects you with soul-aligned humans who truly value what you have to share
Cons:
- Still trades time for money – Not fully passive (yet), so it can impact your schedule
- Requires showing up – You’ll need to be present and hold space, which can be draining if not managed
- Can feel vulnerable at first – Especially if you’re new to putting yourself “out there”
- Boundaries matter – Without them, it’s easy to over give or burn out again
Best suited to: Creative visionaries, values-driven product lovers, minimalists
What it is: Sell physical or digital products in a curated online store. Think wellness goods, van
life gear, or slow living essentials.
How it helps you: You can automate your store with dropshipping or small-batch fulfilment,
freeing you up to focus on living, not logistics.
Why it matters: You get to combine your values and lifestyle with income, without needing to
“hustle harder.”
Pros:
- Aligned with your lifestyle – Sell products that reflect your values (think wellness, van life, slow living)
- Creative & meaningful – Curate or design something that feels purposeful, not just profitable
- Automated options – Use drop shipping or fulfilment services to avoid handling stock
- Scalable – Can grow gradually without needing a team or storefront
- Blends passion with profit – A way to share what you love while creating income
Cons:
- Upfront setup time – Designing, sourcing, and setting up your store takes energy
- Learning curve – Platforms, product photos, pricing - it’s a lot at first
- Customer service still exists – Even with automation, occasional questions or issues pop up
- Marketing required – Just like anything online, you need a strategy to get eyes on your products
Best suited to: Storytellers, teachers, creatives, extroverts, and comfortable introverts
What it is: Create valuable content that gets monetised through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links.
How it helps you: You build once, and the content continues working for you, long after you’ve
hit “publish.”
Why it matters: You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be authentic. This is a beautiful long-
term strategy if you love storytelling, sharing, or inspiring others.
Pros:
- Long-term impact – Your content keeps working for you long after it’s published
- Authentic connection – A beautiful way to share your story, values, and message with heart
- Multiple income streams – Monetise through ads, sponsorships, affiliate links, or digital products
- Perfect for storytellers – If you love talking, teaching, or inspiring, this can feel natural and fun
- Low barrier to entry – You don’t need to go viral—just be real and consistent
Cons:
- Slow build – Growth takes time and consistency before income flows in
- Requires showing up – Especially early on, you’ll need to be visible and available
- Tech learning curve – Editing, uploading, thumbnails, audio, can feel a bit overwhelming at first
- Needs a plan – Without a strategy, it’s easy to burn out or get discouraged
- Not fully passive (at first) – But content can become evergreen and income-generating over time
Hi, I’m Paula, a real human (Not AI) helping you figure out how to earn from anywhere with alignment!
Myself (Paula) and my pooch Hudson exploring Broome, WA
Me (Paula) meditating at the beach
