Passive income. Two words that light up the internet like a jackpot. It’s the dream, right? Money rolling in while you sleep, travel, or sip coffee in the sunshine.
I’ve been chasing that dream — and building it — for most of my life. I’ve been self-employed since I was 14, started an insurance business at 26, and at one point, my portfolio (including property) would’ve been worth over a million. But here’s the thing most people won’t tell you:
Passive income isn’t passive in the beginning.
If you want to reach the point where money shows up without trading hours for it, you’ve got to put in the work upfront, be consistent, and build systems that last. This post is my honest take on what it really takes — the good, the bad, and the powerful.
The Illusion of “Set and Forget”
Most people online sell you the idea that passive income is quick, easy, and hands-free. They make it sound like you just press a button, and boom — money starts flowing.
The reality? It’s more like building a machine. First, you research. Then, you create content. You test. You tweak. You stay up late making sure your systems are running smoothly. You show up daily before anything feels even remotely “passive.”
I’ve watched so many people give up way too early. Not because they weren’t capable, but because they were chasing the illusion of easy money, instead of the truth: passive income starts with disciplined, consistent action.
What It Actually Takes to Build Passive Income
For me, passive income today comes from the systems I’ve chosen to work on consistently. I don’t rely on one single thing. I stack systems, and I do something every single day to keep momentum going.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Sending multiple emails per day (HercuList, MLGS, safelists)
- Running solo ads to solid funnels like MAP
- Surfing 25 sites per day for activity and exposure
- Tracking all results daily
- Creating short blog posts and videos with real value
The tools I use actually allow for automation, but they don’t replace effort. I still show up. I treat this like a real business. And I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from doing everything perfectly — it comes from doing the right things repeatedly.
My Journey So Far
I’ve run a lot of businesses in my life. Some just ticked over. Some didn’t work out. But one in particular — my insurance business, launched at age 26 — was a real success. It taught me how to build something from nothing, how to serve people well, and how to manage money.
And even though I lost momentum for a while, that drive never left me. Now in 2025, I’m more focused than ever. I’ve got the experience. I’ve got the tools. And most importantly, I’ve got the why.
I’m not building just for me. I’m building for all my loved ones and our future. That’s the real fuel. That’s what keeps me going.
What I Use Today
I’m fully plugged into a couple of systems that are working for me right now:
- MAP (Multiple Income Funnel / Escape Plan): Automated follow-up, great conversions, high-ticket backend potential (up to $1,000 per sale).
- LiveGood: One of the few programs capable of hitting $100K/month just from residuals. Two strong legs built, one more and I hit Platinum.
- Traffic tools: HercuList, Frank Salinas’s ad sites, solo ads, and TrafficZest all feed my funnels with daily clicks and new leads.
- Content creation: This blog, short videos, emails, and consistent presence.
These systems all tie together. They complement each other. And when one performs, it lifts the others too.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Fall for the Dream — Build It
Look, I’m not here to sell you fantasy. I’m here to tell you the truth:
Passive income is real. But it starts with showing up when it feels like no one’s watching. It starts with being consistent when results feel slow. It starts with putting in the work most people simply aren’t willing to.
I’m doing it. I’m living it. And I’m building a future that’s worth every step.
If you want to see what I’m using and how I do it, you can check it out here:
Here’s to building real freedom.
– Terry
