Joy Wasted with KB Dickey

I heard someone say, “The only reason you have a job is because your money is unemployed.” Whew! Let that sink in for a second.

It hit me like a ton of bricks because, honestly, most of us are out here hustling, grinding, and working like our lives depend on it—but what about our money? Is it just sitting on the couch, eating chips, and watching Netflix? If so, it’s time for a wake-up call! Your money needs to clock in and start pulling its weight.

Why Building Income-Producing Assets Is Non-Negotiable

Here’s the deal: You can only work so many hours in a day. Your energy has limits. But you know what doesn’t? Assets. When you put your money to work, it doesn’t take coffee breaks, it doesn’t call in sick, and it doesn’t complain about overtime.

If you’re tired of trading time for money, you must start building income-producing assets while you’re still working your job. And trust me, I know—it can feel overwhelming at first. But you don’t have to overhaul your whole life overnight. It starts with small, consistent moves.

So, What Can You Do Right Now?

Let’s get into some practical, no-fluff tips to get your money off the couch and into the game.

1. Start with What You Know

Think about your skills, hobbies, and things you already enjoy. Are you good at teaching? Try creating a course online. Got a knack for design? Start selling digital products. When you build on what you already know, the learning curve doesn’t feel as steep.

2. Invest in the Market

Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds—get familiar with them. I’m not saying you need to turn into a Wall Street guru overnight, but putting even a small amount of money into the market can start building passive income. And don’t sleep on compound interest—it’s like magic that works in your favor over time.

3. Look Into Real Estate

I know, I know—this one sounds expensive, but hear me out. Real estate doesn’t always mean buying a mansion to rent out. You can start small, like house-hacking (renting out a room) or investing in REITs (real estate investment trusts).

4. Get Into Affiliate Marketing

Love talking about your favorite products or services? Why not get paid for it? With affiliate marketing, you earn a commission for every sale made through your recommendation. It’s a low-cost way to start generating some extra cash.

5. Sell What You Already Own

Ever heard of decluttering for dollars? Look around your home—there’s probably stuff sitting around that you don’t need anymore. Sell it on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or wherever. Use that cash to invest in something that grows your income.

6. Start a Side Hustle

From freelancing to selling handmade goods, there are endless ways to start earning on the side. The key is to choose something that doesn’t drain you after a long day of work.

7. Network and Learn

Get in rooms where money and opportunities are being discussed. Find mentors, attend workshops, or listen to podcasts that teach you how to grow assets. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel—learn from people who’ve already done it.

The Key Is to Just Start

Here’s the thing: Most people never get started because they feel overwhelmed. They think, “I don’t have enough money,” or “I don’t know enough yet.” But perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.

You don’t need a million dollars to start building income-producing assets. You just need the willingness to take that first step. Put one dollar to work. Start one small hustle. Learn one new skill.

Because here’s the kicker: The longer you wait, the longer your money stays unemployed. And let’s be real—if you’re showing up every day for your 9-to-5, your money can at least show up, too.

So, what’s your next move? Are you ready to put your money to work? Let’s talk about it in the comments—because the only thing standing between you and financial freedom is action. Let’s get it!

Rich Auntie aka Joy Junkie