7 Ways Smart Investors Are Earning Passive Income Today
Imagine this: You’ve been diligently saving for retirement, envisioning a comfortable future where you can finally relax and enjoy life. But as time passes, the rising cost of everyday essentials—groceries, housing, utilities, and healthcare—slowly erodes the value of your savings. With inflation averaging 2.4% in 2024 (Statistics Canada), traditional returns of 2–3% barely keep pace—if at all. To truly grow your wealth, you need to explore smarter, more creative passive income strategies. This means that each year, the purchasing power of your money decreases, potentially leaving your nest egg insufficient to maintain your desired lifestyle in retirement.
In today’s economic reality, passive income isn’t just a bonus—it’s a financial lifeline. Relying solely on low-interest savings or investments that barely keep pace with inflation means you might find yourself struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. More investors are realizing they need smarter, more reliable ways to grow their wealth and stay afloat—without having to work harder or longer.
Whether you’re focused on retirement, growing your wealth over time, or simply want your money to work harder for you, passive income offers a practical and accessible solution. It lets you earn steadily without constantly trading your time for dollars.
Here are 7 ways investors are earning passive income in 2025—including one strategy many don’t yet know about: investing in real estate without managing physical property.
1. High-Interest Savings Accounts and GICs
Simple, and safe—many investors rely on these to grow their savings with minimal risk. But while your capital is protected, your returns are usually modest and may not keep up with inflation.
The challenge: After inflation and taxes, real returns may be close to zero, meaning your purchasing power could shrink over time.
2. Dividend Stocks
Investors often look to dividend-paying stocks or ETFs from stable sectors like banks or telecom for steady, long-term income—especially when held in a TFSA or RRSP for added tax advantages.
The challenge: Market volatility can cause dividends to be reduced—or stock values to fall—putting your capital at risk.
3. Rental Properties
Buying a condo or duplex and renting it out has long been a Canadian wealth-building strategy. Monthly rental income can add up—especially in tight housing markets.
The challenge: Being a landlord takes time, money, and energy. From tenant issues to repairs and maintenance costs, direct ownership isn’t passive for most people.
4. Cash-Back and Loyalty Programs
Whether it’s credit card cash-back or grocery store rewards, many consumers earn passive perks just by spending on everyday items.
The challenge: While helpful with everyday spending on necessities like gas and groceries, these returns are small and don’t actively grow your wealth.
5. Employer-Matched RRSP or Group Investment Plans
An employer-matched RRSP is one of the easiest ways to earn passive income—free money just for saving. But not all workers have access, and even those who do, often do not take advantage of their company’s program.
6. Automated Investing Apps (Robo-Advisors)
Some platforms have made it easier than ever to invest “on the go” with low fees and automated portfolio management.
The challenge: While convenient, these investments still rise and fall with the market and often focus on long-term growth over consistent monthly income.
7. Investing in Real Estate Through Equiton
Here’s a strategy most investors don’t know about—and one that’s changing the game for passive income.
Equiton offers private real estate investment funds that allow everyday people to invest in income-generating properties—without being a landlord. You invest your money, and our experienced team handles everything: property selection, management, tenant relations, and maintenance.
You simply receive consistent monthly income, backed by real estate performance.
Our key real estate funds, which offer monthly income include:
Apartment Fund
- Targeted annual net returns of 8–12%* through monthly distributions and capital appreciation
- Diversified portfolio of Canadian residential properties
- Truly passive, meaning you have no landlord responsibilities
- Access our DRIP (Dividend Reinvestment Plan) program to reinvest your monthly income and receive a 2% bonus, accelerating wealth growth by compounding your returns automatically
*See Offering Memorandum.
Income & Development Fund
- Targeted annual net return of 12-16%* over a 10-year period through monthly distributions, capital appreciation and special distributions from completed development projects
- Professionally managed with a focus on diversification and growth
*Past performance is not an indicator of future performance. Dependent on investment, Fund and trust unit class of investment. Please see Offering Memorandum.
Why Invest with Equiton
At Equiton, we believe successful real estate investing takes both insight and expertise, and we bring a thoughtful approach to both. Here’s why partnering with us makes sense:
- Proven Past Performance: Our investment funds target annual net returns of 8–16%* and have delivered positive results since inception.*
- Experienced Leadership: Our management team brings an average of over 20 years of real estate investment expertise, consistently delivering solid outcomes for investors.
- Value Creation: We take a hands-on, research-driven approach to uncovering opportunities and building long-term value across our portfolio.
- Customer Focus: We’re committed to putting the needs of our clients first, offering personalized service, dedicated support, and easy-to-understand investment options that align with your goals.
- Full Transparency: You’ll always know where your money is going—our performance data and investment details are available online, and as a client, will be delivered to your inbox regularly.
*Past performance is not an indicator of future performance. Dependent on investment, Fund and trust unit class of investment. Please see Offering Memorandum.
Why Earning Only 2–3% Isn’t Enough
If your passive income sources only match inflation, your money isn’t really growing—it’s standing still. Worse, after taxes and fees, you may fall behind.
Equiton’s funds target returns of 8-16%, so your money doesn’t just hold its value—it grows, generating income and building long-term wealth.
Why Settle? Make Your Money Work Harder
Earning passive income is more than a trend—it’s a smart strategy for financial freedom.
Equiton’s real estate funds offer a unique solution that gives you access to real property income without the responsibility of ownership. Whether you’re an investor—or even an employee—you can put your money to work more efficiently and enjoy the benefits of passive income every month.
Want your money to do more? Explore Equiton’s real estate investment solutions and start earning smarter.
