Geldanlage: Aktien, Anleihen, ETFs, Optionen: So klappt es mit dem Nebenverdienst ohne Arbeit

Passive income often causes a mental block for many people. They imagine the need for appointments instead of doing what they feel like doing, all without worrying about the question of who will pay. This allure likely contributes to the popularity of self-proclaimed financial strategists who loudly promote their ideas for passive income on social media.

Psychologically, the concept of passive income addresses three main desires: security, freedom, and relief. Valentin Haas, a psychologist and leadership coach, points out that when someone feels trapped in a routine, the mere thought of resolving the situation can trigger a sense of relief, resulting in a surge of dopamine. This is due to the belief that an escape has been found, even though the situation remains unchanged.

Videos, success stories, and promises such as "Save sum X and you can live off it forever" generate a genuine dopamine rush. However, once one delves deeper into the available options, there is often a lack of concrete details. Despite this, there are few questions where concrete figures play a significant role. Whether passive income can work depends on several factors: current earnings and expenses, how and according to what rules wealth is built, and finally, how one manages to create an ongoing income stream.

To differentiate the various paths to passive income, the Handelsblatt's editorial team interviewed several experts and presents four investment strategies that can all lead to the same goal.