11 Passive Income Ideas You Can Start With $100 or Less

✨ Introduction

Let’s be real—who wouldn’t love to make money while sipping iced coffee or watching Netflix? Passive income sounds like a dream, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to get started. In fact, you can kickstart some amazing money-making systems with just $100 or less.
Ready to plant some wealth seeds? Let’s dive in.

💼 What You Might Need

• A laptop or smartphone

• Internet connection

• A PayPal or Stripe account

• Basic Canva or writing skills

• Your favorite playlist (trust me, it helps)

1. Start a Print-on-Demand Store

Platforms like Redbubble, TeeSpring or Etsy + Printify let you design mugs, shirts, and tote bags without holding inventory.
Tip: Use free Canva templates and your $100 for Etsy ads or product mockups.
Picture This: You upload a cozy “dog mom” mug design, head to bed, and wake up to a sale notification.

2. Sell Digital Products

Think planners, Instagram templates, budget trackers—people are obsessed with downloads they can start using instantly.
Tip: Use your $100 to buy a premium Canva subscription or Etsy Plus to boost visibility.
Picture This: You sip coffee while Etsy pings you with another $7 sale for your “Minimalist Budget Binder.”

3. Buy a Vending Machine Route (Mini Style!)

Yes, even a mini candy machine counts. You can find tabletop machines on Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
Tip: Use your first $100 to buy one and place it in a salon or office with good foot traffic.
Picture This: M&Ms making money for you while you binge your favorite show.

4. License Your Photography

If you love snapping pics, upload them to stock photo sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.
Tip: Use your $100 to buy basic photo editing presets or a ring light.
Picture This: Your beach photo from last summer just earned you $12 while you were on a walk.

5. Write and Sell an eBook

Got a story, how-to, or niche knowledge? Write a short eBook (5,000–10,000 words) and sell it on Amazon KDP.
Tip: Use Reedsy for formatting or Fiverr to design a $20 cover.
Picture This: Someone across the globe buys your guide on "How to Bake Without an Oven."

6. Start Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest

Share trending products or roundup pins linking to your fave Amazon finds or digital tools.
Tip: Use your $100 for Tailwind (scheduler) or templates to make viral-style pins.
Picture This: You pin a “Morning Routine Must-Haves” and it brings you daily clicks and cash.

7. Create a Low-Maintenance Blog

Write 5–10 helpful posts, monetize with ads or affiliate links, and let SEO do its magic.
Tip: Use your $100 for a year of hosting (like Bluehost) and a domain name.
Picture This: A post you wrote three months ago still brings in $45/month in affiliate income.

8. Invest in Dividend Stocks (Fractional Shares)

Platforms like Robinhood or Public let you buy a piece of big companies and get paid dividends.
Tip: Start small with companies that pay quarterly dividends.
Picture This: You get a little “thank you” payout just for holding onto shares.

9. Flip Free or Cheap Stuff Online

Find freebies or underpriced items on Craigslist or thrift stores and resell them.
Tip: Use your $100 to clean, stage, or slightly upgrade the item.
Picture This: A $5 frame you painted sells for $30 on Etsy. Score.

10. Rent Out Household Items

List your tools, camera gear, or party supplies on rental sites or Facebook.
Tip: Use $100 to buy something people frequently need like a popcorn machine or folding table.
Picture This: You’re at brunch while your projector earns $25 across town.

11. Create an Audio Meditation or Sound Pack

You don’t need a studio—just a quiet room and free software like Audacity. Sell it on Gumroad, Etsy, or your own site.
Tip: Spend part of your $100 on a mic (like the Blue Snowball or Fifine).
Picture This: Your 10-minute “Calm Morning Meditation” becomes someone’s go-to...and they paid for it.

🎯 Conclusion

Passive income doesn’t have to start with thousands. Sometimes, all you need is $100, a good idea, and a little bit of hustle. Pick one from this list, take the leap, and start letting your money work while you rest.