Geldanlage: Die häufigsten Fehler beim Sparen mit ETFs – und wie Sie sie vermeiden

Passive income remains an elusive concept for many people, causing their minds to race with questions. The allure and success of financial gurus promoting passive income ideas on social media lies in the psychological satisfaction it provides. Valentin Haas, a psychologist and executive coach, explains that the allure of passive income stems from three main desires: security, freedom, and relief.

When someone feels trapped in a repetitive cycle, the mere thought of breaking free can trigger a sense of relief and elation, releasing the hormone dopamine in the brain. This dopamine release is often attributed to the promise of a solution, even if the situation remains unchanged. Haas notes that videos, success stories, and promises like "Save X amount and live off the earnings forever" generate a genuine dopamine boost.

However, those who delve deeper into passive income offerings often find little concrete information. Despite the lack of specifics, the response to passive income questions largely hinges on several factors: an individual's current income and expenses, the method and rules used to build wealth, and finally, how one can structure their wealth to generate a steady income stream.

To clarify the various paths to passive income, the Handelsblatt's editorial team interviewed several experts and presents four investment strategies that all aim to achieve this goal.