Hey everyone! 👋 I wanted to share an update on my passive income journey, both to track my progress and to exchange ideas with this great community. A few years ago, I set a goal: build enough passive income to have more freedom and flexibility in life. I’m not at full financial independence yet, but I’m making steady progress. Right now, my investments generate €2,600/month, which significantly reduces financial pressure and allows me to reinvest, save, and enjoy life a bit more.

🔍 Where Does My Passive Income Come From?

🏠 Real Estate – €1,950/month

Real estate has been a key part of my strategy, providing a steady source of monthly cash flow. I currently own three rental properties, and here’s how they’re performing:

Dubino, Italy – Rented for €800/month

Roquetas de Mar, Spain (Property 1) – Rented for €450/month

Roquetas de Mar, Spain (Property 2) – Rented for €700/month

I like real estate because it provides stable, predictable income, and over time, the properties appreciate in value. Of course, there are challenges—tenant issues, maintenance, taxes—but overall, it’s been a solid investment.

📈 Dividend ETFs – €650/month

Besides real estate, I also invest in dividend-paying ETFs. My ETF portfolio is currently worth €127,000, and it’s structured to provide a mix of growth and income. I focus on high-yield and dividend-growth ETFs, with an average yield of around 6.14%.

ETFs require zero maintenance compared to real estate. No tenants, no repairs—just passive income that gets deposited into my account. The plan is to keep reinvesting dividends until they can fully cover my expenses.

💡 Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way

✅ Cash flow is king – Having stable monthly income gives me more options in life.

✅ Diversification matters – Real estate and ETFs balance each other out.

✅ Long-term mindset – The goal isn’t to get rich quick, but to build lasting wealth.

✅ Leverage can be powerful (but risky) – I used some debt to acquire real estate, but I keep my debt levels manageable.

🎯 What’s Next?

I’m currently debating whether to expand my ETF portfolio or acquire another rental property. Real estate offers more cash flow, but ETFs are truly passive. I might go for a mix of both. 🤔

Curious to hear from you all—how do you structure your passive income streams? Are you more into real estate, stocks, or

something else? 🚀💬

$WEBG (-4.43%)
$QQQY
$SPYY
$HIGH (-0.96%)

#realestate
#dividends
#investing
#fire

Let’s be real—financial freedom isn’t about hitting some magic number and calling it quits. It’s about building a portfolio that pays you, grows for you, and gives you options. I don’t invest to retire and sit on a beach (okay, maybe for a bit 🏝️), I invest so that money stops being a limitation in my life.

I use #degiro as my main brokerage, and over time, I’ve built an ETF portfolio that aligns with growth, income, and resilience. No chasing meme stocks, no panic selling—just consistent, strategic investing. Let me break it down. 👇

1️⃣ The Core: Stability & Global Exposure 🌍

The foundation of my portfolio is broad diversification. I don’t try to outguess the market—I own it.

✅ $VEMT (+0.07%)– Vanguard Emerging Markets Government Bonds → A bond ETF? Yep! It provides a solid yield and balances out volatility from equities.

✅ $IHYU (-0.43%) – $ High Yield Bond ETF → I want income, and this ETF helps generate cash flow without relying solely on stocks.

✅ $WEBG (-4.43%)
– Prime All Country ETF → A global equity powerhouse. If the world economy grows, I grow with it. Simple.

The goal here? Consistency, lower risk, and a smooth ride even when markets get shaky.

2️⃣ Growth Plays: Betting on the Future 🚀

While the core of my portfolio is diversified, I also target high-growth sectors to capture innovation and long-term expansion.

🔹 $QYLE (-5.01%)
– Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF → Tech exposure with an options overlay? That’s a win-win. I get the growth of tech stocks AND extra income.

🔹 $WSML (-4.27%)
– MSCI World Small Cap ETF → Small caps can be volatile, but they often outperform in the long run. This gives me exposure to future market leaders before they blow up.

I’m not trying to find the next Tesla—I’m betting on a basket of companies that will define the future.

3️⃣ Passive Income: Money That Works for Me 💸

I don’t just invest for capital appreciation—I want cash flow too. That’s where my dividend-focused holdings come in.

💰 $HPRO (-3.93%)
– FTSE EPRA Nareit Global → Real estate exposure without the hassle of managing properties. It provides solid, steady income.

💰 $QQQY
– IncomeShares Nasdaq

💰 $SPYY
– IncomeShares S&P 500

The dream? My portfolio generating enough passive income to cover my expenses. That’s when you stop trading time for money.

4️⃣ The Wild Card: Emerging Markets 🌎

I believe in global diversification, and that means looking beyond just the U.S. and Europe.

🌏 $DEMD (-3.92%)
– Emerging Markets Equity Income → I want to be positioned where the next economic growth boom happens. Emerging markets are risky, but over time, they have massive upside potential.

It’s a long-term bet, but one I’m willing to take.

5️⃣ How I Maximize Returns: Options & Leverage 🔥

Now here’s where I take things to the next level. I don’t just hold ETFs—I make them work harder for me.

📌 Selling cash-secured puts → I generate extra income by selling puts on ETFs I already want to own. It’s a smart way to get paid to wait for a better entry point.

📌 The ‘Buy, Borrow, Die’ strategy → Instead of selling assets and paying taxes, I plan to borrow against my investments, keeping my capital compounding while accessing liquidity tax-free.

These strategies separate those who just invest from those who build wealth strategically.

Final Thoughts: Investing is a Marathon, Not a Sprint 🏆

I don’t check my portfolio daily. I don’t freak out when markets drop. I trust the process, the long-term game, and my ability to stay consistent.

At the end of the day, financial independence isn’t about a number—it’s about having the freedom to make choices based on what YOU want, not what your paycheck dictates.

🔥 What’s your investing strategy? Do you use options, dividend ETFs, or emerging markets in your portfolio? Let’s talk! Drop a comment below! 🚀💰 #FIRE
#Investing
#ETFs
#FinancialFreedom

Have you ever asked yourself: How much money do I need to walk away from the 9-5 grind forever? 🤔

Most people believe that retirement is a number on a bank statement… but let me tell you something: Retirement isn’t about money. It’s about FREEDOM. 🚀

The 4% Rule: Truth or Myth?

The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement often revolves around the 4% Rule—the idea that if you withdraw 4% of your portfolio each year, you’ll never run out of money. Sounds simple, right? But is it ENOUGH?

Let’s break it down:

✅ Want to live on $40,000 per year? You need $1M invested.

✅ Need $80,000 per year? You’re looking at $2M.

✅ Dreaming BIGGER? If you want $200,000 per year, your target is $5M.

Sounds like a lot? Here’s the TRUTH: You don’t need to retire, you need to build ASSETS that pay for your lifestyle! 💡

The Real FIRE Formula 🔥

1️⃣ Grow Your Income – Stop thinking small! The fastest way to FIRE isn’t just cutting lattes, it’s increasing your EARNING power. 💪

2️⃣ Invest in Cash-Flow Assets – Stocks, ETFs, real estate, businesses… Don’t just save money, make it WORK for you! 📈 $WEBG (-4.43%)
$SPY (-5.34%)
$VWCE (-5.52%)

3️⃣ Sell PUT Options Like the New Heroes of FIRE – $QQQY
$SPYY Selling cash-secured puts on strong stocks and ETFs is becoming a game-changer for FIRE seekers. It’s a low-risk way to generate extra income, build positions at a discount, and keep your capital working for you! 💰🔄

4️⃣ Think Beyond "Retirement" – The happiest FIRE achievers don’t just quit working, they design a life of passion and purpose. ❤️

The Ultimate FIRE Question

How much do YOU really need to feel free? Not just financially, but mentally, emotionally, spiritually.

The goal isn’t just a number—it’s the LIFE you want to live. 🌎

Comment below: What’s YOUR FIRE number? Are you using options to speed up your journey? Let’s build that future together! 🚀🔥 #fire
#passiveincome
#options
#etf
#realestate
#reit
#stock