For the majority of my 20s, my primary financial ambition was to stay out of debt. However, once I reached the age of 30, I became more serious about money management. I not only established a retirement and emergency savings account, but I also began working hard to increase my net worth through passive income.
While the transition from debt avoidance to active wealth building may seem daunting, it's a crucial step in securing long-term financial stability. This shift in mindset often comes with increased financial literacy and a better understanding of the power of compound interest. As we mature, we tend to recognize the importance of not just saving money, but making our money work for us through strategic investments and income-generating assets.
One fast method I accomplished this was simply changing where I kept my money. For more than a decade, the majority of my money was in a checking and savings account with a bank that paid very little interest. After moving all of that money to a bank with a high-yield savings account and CD, I was able to make hundreds of dollars in interest each year.
This simple yet effective strategy highlights the importance of being proactive with one's finances. Many individuals unknowingly leave money on the table by keeping their funds in low-interest accounts. By taking advantage of high-yield savings accounts and CDs, consumers can significantly boost their passive income without taking on additional risk. It's a prime example of how a little financial savvy can go a long way in maximizing returns on existing assets.
While generating that money is a significant boost to my finances, I also hope to quadruple the passive income I receive from my high-yield savings account and CD each year. Here are three strategies I use to accomplish this goal.
I support a passive income side venture.
I normally invest a large portion of my money in a high-yielding one-year CD. Once the CD matures, I use a portion of the interest I received that year to start a passive income side hustle.
For example, last year I created a new online course with $250 from the money I made on my CD. The money allowed me to pay for a course hosting platform, a virtual assistant, and a video editor.
Once the course was released, it generated a variable amount of passive money each month (ranging from $150 to $600). Not only was I able to double my initial investment, but the funds also enabled me establish a new recurring passive income source.
This approach demonstrates the power of leveraging initial passive income to create additional income streams. By reinvesting earnings into a side venture, individuals can potentially multiply their passive income exponentially. It's a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and the opportunities available in today's digital age. However, it's important to note that while online courses can be lucrative, success often depends on factors such as market demand, course quality, and effective marketing strategies.
I transferred it back to another high-yielding account.
At the end of the year, I review all of my high-yield savings accounts and CDs to find banks that provide the best rates. I also transfer part of the money I earned in interest the previous year to new accounts.
At the beginning of this year, I transferred $2,000 in passive income from my high-yielding accounts into a 12-month CD with a 5% interest rate.
By reinvesting a percentage of the passive income received on these accounts each year, I can ensure that the money continues to grow and eventually doubles.
I invest in an index fund.
While the majority of the methods I reinvest my gains from these high-yield accounts involve no risk, I do invest a part of the money in an index fund.
Previously, I chose the S&P 500 index fund since it is comprised of around 500 of America's largest and most profitable companies. It is also known to have a long-term annual return of around 10%.
While it may take seven to ten years for the money in this index fund to double, there is no assurance. I consider this a long-term investment, and once the money is in the index fund, I leave it alone.
This diversification strategy is a cornerstone of sound financial planning. By allocating funds across different investment vehicles - from low-risk CDs to potentially higher-return index funds - investors can balance their portfolio to align with their risk tolerance and financial goals. The S&P 500 index fund, in particular, has been a popular choice for many investors due to its broad market exposure and historical performance. However, it's crucial to remember that past performance doesn't guarantee future results, and all investments carry some level of risk.
