Recently, I sat down with a client of mine, Amanda, to discuss goals and the future. This is a summary of our 3 hour conversation...

Stop Chasing Passive Income Myths—Start Building Income Layers That Work.

Income and solo-preneuership is about Freedom—freedom to build, grow, and eventually, retire on your own terms.

But far too often, business owners and solopreneurs neglect one crucial element: creating income streams that replace their working income in retirement.
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​Amanda, a veterinarian and entrepreneur, is actively tackling this challenge by exploring real estate investing, digital products, and mentorship opportunities.

Her journey highlights the necessity of income stacking, smart leverage, and diversification—concepts every entrepreneur must consider to achieve financial independence.

Key Takeaways from Our Conversation:

1.Passive Income is a Myth—Think “Semi-Active” Instead

Many believe that real estate, digital products, or affiliate marketing will generate money while they sleep. While these can build wealth, Amanda emphasized the reality: truly passive income takes years of structuring, refining, and maintaining.

Instead of waiting for “set-it-and-forget-it” money, focus on semi-active income streams—investments and businesses that require minimal effort but remain sustainable. Whether it's real estate cash flow, automated digital sales, or structured mentorship programs, these streams still require oversight but provide flexibility.

2. Income Stackingis the Key to Financial Freedom

Relying on a single income stream—even as an entrepreneur—is risky. Amanda is implementing an income-stacking approach, where she builds multiple revenue sources that complement each other.

For instance:
- Her pet training course integrates referral partnerships with shelters and rescues.
- Real estate investments provide long-term cash flow.
- Coaching and affiliate programs generate recurring revenue.

This layered approach de-risks financial dependence on one source, making the transition into financial independence smoother.

3.LeverageWorks When Used Wisely

Amanda highlighted that many entrepreneurs hesitate to use leverage—whether in real estate or business—because of the perceived risk. However, the right leverage, such as seller financing or strategic partnerships, can accelerate growth without taking on excessive debt.

The key is controlling the risk:
- Investing in income-producing assets
- Using creative financing (owner-financing, joint ventures)
- Structuring deals that minimize out-of-pocket expenses

When used strategically, leverage isn't a liability—it's a wealth accelerator.

The Bottom Line: Stop Hoping for Retirement—Start Engineering It

If you’re a solopreneur without a clear strategy for retirement, start taking small, strategic actions today:
- Identify income streams beyond your primary business
- Build semi-active revenue sources to reduce workload
- Use leverage intelligently to maximize returns

Entrepreneurship shouldn’t end in financial stress—it should create financial independence. The question is: Are you setting yourself up for that reality?