10 Best Income-Producing Assets Under $10K You Can Own Now

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve got around $10,000 set aside, and you’re not just looking to let it sit there.

You want to put that money to work.

You want something that brings in steady monthly income, maybe even while you sleep.

Sounds about right?

Well, you’re not alone…

A lot of people are asking the same thing:

What’s the best way to invest a small chunk of money and actually see returns?

They’re hunting for low-cost, income-generating assets that don’t require a Wall Street degree to start.

That’s exactly why we put this guide together.

We spent weeks researching the market, digging into real numbers, and finding the most practical, beginner-friendly income-producing assets you can get into with under $10K.

Whether you’re just starting your investment journey or testing the waters as a side hustle entrepreneur, these options will suit you.

So, let’s dive in…

Our List Of TOP 10 Income-Producing Sssets Under $10K:

1. Grow Your Cash With High-Yield Savings Accounts

A high-yield savings account is one of the best income-producing assets you can get for less than $10k.

A high-yield savings account works like a regular savings account but pays you a higher interest rate.

You deposit money and the bank pays you a small percentage each year.

Online banks today offer you rates around 4% (APY Annual Percentage Yield).

If you put in $10 000, you earn about $400 in a year at 4%.

While this venture won’t turn your $10K into $100K fast, it will allow you to enjoy steady income for years.

You can open an account with no minimum deposit at banks like EverBank or Peak Bank.

Peak Bank pays you up to 4.44% APY as of July 2025 (no minimum required). (Source).

Keep in mind that these accounts have no monthly fees.

You keep your money safe under the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), up to $250 000 per person, per bank.

You can also withdraw or move money anytime without penalty.

Some banks even have added features to make saving easier, such as:

• They let you set up automatic transfers from checking to savings.

• You can round up card purchases and save the extra cents.

These tools help you grow your balance without thinking about it.

And the BEST part?

High-yield savings accounts carry almost NO RISK. You do not face market swings or investment losses.

Your return changes only if the bank adjusts its rate, which usually follows Federal Reserve moves.

This option fits anyone who wants a steady, hands-off income and instant access to funds in case of emergencies.

2. Lock In Earnings with Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

You also can't go wrong with certificates of deposit (CDs).

For starters, a Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a savings product that lets you earn a fixed return by locking in your money for a set period—usually 6 months to 5 years.

In exchange, the bank pays you a higher interest rate than a regular savings account.

As of July 2025, the top 12-month CDs pay up to 4.45% APY, according to Bankrate.

This means if you deposit $10 000 and leave it untouched for one year, you’ll earn around $445.

CDs are safe and insured by the FDIC, making them ideal for risk-free growth.

The only downside you need to keep in mind is early withdrawal penalties, which can cost you a portion of your earned interest.

This investment option is best if you don’t need immediate access to your funds and want a guaranteed return.

It’s a set-and-forget way to grow your money without worrying about stock market ups and downs.

3. Earn Dividends with Exchange‑Traded Funds (ETFs)

You probably already have heard about Dividend ETFs…

But did you know that they’re a simple way to earn a steady income from the stock market without picking individual stocks?

That’s right!

These funds hold a mix of companies that regularly pay dividends—cash payouts to shareholders.

A perfect example is the Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI), which holds high‑dividend companies from around the world.

As of mid-2025, VYMI yields about 4.2% annually, according to Barron’s and Morningstar.

If you invest $10 000, you can expect around $420 per year, paid quarterly.

You can choose to reinvest those dividends to grow your holdings or take the cash as income.

ETFs trade like stocks, so you can buy or sell anytime during market hours.

The Exchange‑Traded Funds (ETFs) option gives you broad exposure, low fees, and steady cash flow.

It works well for investors who want market growth plus regular income, without the effort of managing individual stocks.

4. Invest in Property with Real Estate Crowdfunding

Real estate crowdfunding lets you invest in income-producing properties without owning or managing a building.

This is made possible by platforms like Fundrise, which pool money from everyday investors to buy commercial or residential real estate.

You can get started with as little as $10, though most users begin with $1,000 or more in a taxable account.

Fundrise reports average annual returns of 6.9% after fees over the past five years.

These returns come from rental income, property value gains, or both.

Your earnings are paid through quarterly dividends, and your principal grows as the property portfolio appreciates.

Your money is typically tied up for at least five years, so this is not ideal for quick access.

Still, real estate crowdfunding is a strong option if you want to gain real estate exposure.

It lets you enter the necessary exposure without the large down payment, maintenance, or landlord duties that come with owning a property outright.

5. Lend Your Money with Peer-to-Peer Platforms

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending lets you act like a bank by lending money directly to individuals online.

Platforms like Prosper let you start with as little as $25 per loan. You spread your $10,000 across dozens or even hundreds of borrowers to reduce risk.

According to Investopedia, Prosper’s average historical return is 5.3%. Some platforms report returns between 7 and 12 %, depending on loan grades and borrower credit.

You earn income as borrowers make monthly payments that include both principal and interest.

However, defaults can happen. If a borrower stops paying, you may lose part of your investment.

That’s why diversification is crucial in this investment field. You should spread your money across many loans to avoid falling prey to defaulters.

P2P lending is a viable path if you want a hands-off income stream but can handle some level of risk.

It offers you better returns than most bank accounts, but without full protection on your capital.

6. Operate ATMs for Steady Fee Income

Buying and running an ATM can be a steady way to invest your $10k and earn a monthly income.

A basic retail ATM costs around $2,300.

After buying one, you should install it in a high-traffic location like a gas station, barbershop, or convenience store.

This way, the machine will earn you fees each time someone makes a withdrawal (the earnings typically range from $2 to $3 per transaction.

After covering expenses like maintenance and cash loading, owners report earning about $399 per month, or roughly $4 784 per year per machine.

You can boost earnings by placing your machines in multiple locations.

To run an ATM, you’ll need to manage cash replenishment, monitor the system for errors, and maintain good relationships with store owners.

Some operators outsource these tasks, but that reduces profit.

This option is ideal if you’re a hands-on investors who want steady, reliable income and doesn’t mind managing logistics or working out local business deals.

7. Generate Sales with Vending Machines

Vending machines also feature on our list of top income-producing assets under $10,000.

This particular asset offers you a straightforward way to earn income in the real world.

You can buy a basic snack or drink machine for around $3,000.

Once you place it in a busy spot, e.g., an office, gym, or school, etc., it can bring in $300 to $1,500 in monthly revenue, depending on foot traffic.

After costs like restocking and maintenance, your profit usually falls between 20% and 25%.

This means a single machine can generate between $60 and $375 in net income per month, or up to $4 500 per year (Source: Vending Market Watch).

You can scale by adding more machines in high-demand locations.

To become a successful vending machine owner, you’ll need to restock items weekly, track popular products, and keep the machine clean and working.

This cheap asset is a good fit for people who don’t mind a little hands-on work and want a steady, local income source with room to grow.

8. Invest In E‑Commerce Business

Yes! You can also start an online store for under $5,000 and turn it into income income-producing asset.

A basic e-commerce website costs you about $500 when you use a template on platforms like Shopify or Wix, plus domain and hosting fees (about $10–$30 per year).

You can then use the rest of the money to buy inventory or promote your products.

You’ll also need to run ads on social media or search engines to help bring n potential buyers.

With a well-optimized site, you can easily turn your visitors into buyers.

Most D2C (direct-to-consumer) e-commerce startups report a profit margin of around 10 % in their early years.

This means if you invest $5 000 in products and marketing and generate $50 000 in sales, you net about $5 000 in profit over the year.

This translates to roughly $420 per month.

HOWEVER, this is just a typical earning range, and you can earn way more than this depending on the specific industry or e-commerce business model you invest in.

The GOOD thing about e-commerce business is that it is highly SCALABLE.

This means that with time, you can:

• Raise prices for your products

• Expand your catalog

• Sell through other marketplaces.

These simple tweaks will help you increase your store’s revenue and thus your profits!

So, Is Ecommerce Business For You?

Well, starting an ecommerce business as an income stream is for anyone looking for the perfect online business for beginners or a side hustle to earn extra income.

This business idea is ideal for anyone who can handle a bit of marketing, deal with customer questions, and keep inventory stocked.

With global e-commerce sales projected to reach $6.86 trillion in 2025, up 8.37% from 2024, getting into this field early will ensure you capture your share.

What’s more, there are several ecommerce business models to choose from, depending on your budget and skills, as outlined below:

• Start A Dropshipping Store: Dropshipping allows you to sell products online without holding inventory. This makes it one of the easiest ecommerce business models to start, as you don’t need a big initial investment. You simply set up a Shopify or WooCommerce site with a domain (about $15/year) and a basic Shopify plan ($36/month plus 2 % transaction fee). You then add products and start marketing your store to attract potential buyers. Most beginners spend $500–$1 000 on ads and apps in their first month.

• Launch a Print‑On‑Demand (POD) Shop: To start this business, you pay $0 – $100 to set up a store on a platform like Printful or Printify and buy your first design samples (this should cost you around $20–$50). You then start selling custom tees, mugs, or posters only when orders arrive, so you carry no stock. Grand View Research reports that the global market for the POD industry grew to $8.93 billion in 2024 and will hit $10.78 billion in 2025.

• Create A Subscription Box Service: A subscription-based ecommerce business requires spending about $1 000 on product samples, packaging, and a simple site or Shopify theme. Customers subscribe to a monthly curated box (whether it’s beauty, snacks, hobby kits, etc.). This report shows that the subscription box market reached $31.85 billion in 2024 and will grow at an 18.4 % annual rate through 2034.

• Open an Etsy Shop for Handmade or Digital Goods: If you have some handmade items or digital goods that are in demand, you can also sell them online. To start your store, you’ll need to pay $0.20 per listing and a 6.5 % transaction fee plus a 3 % + $0.25 payment processing fee when you sell. Some of the products to consider include list crafts, art prints, or digital downloads. Many sellers start with under $300, covering initial listings, minimal supplies, and promotion.

As you can see, each model fits different strengths. Dropshipping and print-on-demand need little startup cash and no inventory.

Subscription boxes need more upfront work and stock, but earn steady monthly fees.

Etsy works well if you make or design items yourself.

Expert Tip: Pick the model that matches your skills and budget, then follow best practices in marketing and customer service to turn your e-commerce site into a true income asset.

Related: How Long Does $10K Take To Turn Into 100K?  (Real Examples)

Do You Need Help Launching A Profitable E-commerce Business?

Being a beginner in the e-commerce industry can be tricky. You must learn many things before you can enjoy your e-commerce business as an income asset.

That is why we help you get set up fast. We help you skip the long learning phase so you can jump straight to earnings.

How do we do that? We build you a revenue-ready e-commerce business in just 14 days.

Your store comes fully functional with the following crucial features:

• Professional branding

• Market-validated products

• Automated cash systems and order tools

• Conversion-optimized store

• 30-day post-launch support

• Full ownership and operational control

Who Can Benefit From This Program?

If you’re a new investor looking for the cheapest assets to buy or a professional who wants a side business that doesn’t take up much of your time, this is a highly suitable option for you.

NOTE that with our revenue-ready ecommerce business, you can start enjoying passive income right away.

For more details on how you can own an e-commerce business today and collect monthly income, check out our E-commerce Acceleration Program.

9. Publish eBooks To Earn Royalties

Do you enjoy writing or have knowledge worth sharing? If yes, you should consider self-publishing an eBook.

This can be a smart way to turn your creativity into a steady income.

With platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you can write and publish your book for free.

You just need to spend around $300–$500 on a good cover design and editing.

Once your eBook is live, you earn up to 70% royalties on every sale. This is especially true if you price it between $2.99 and $9.99.

And if you enroll in Kindle Unlimited, you’ll also earn money every time someone reads your book through the subscription.

According to a 2024 survey by Speculative Faction, the average self-published author earned about $12,749 per year.

Some earn far more, especially those who write in popular niches or build a loyal reader base.

The key is writing something helpful or entertaining, and marketing it well through Amazon ads or social media.

This path works best if you enjoy writing and are willing to promote your work to reach readers.

10. Create Digital Courses For Ongoing Income

If you’re good at something others badly want to learn? This could be Excel tricks, basic photography, budgeting, or even baking.

If yes, you can turn that knowledge into a digital course that keeps earning over time.

Platforms like Teachable, Gumroad, and Thinkific make it easy for you to host and sell your course without needing tech skills.

With an initial investment of around $300–$500 (for a decent mic, lighting, and screen recording software), you can create clear, helpful video lessons.

Let’s say you price your course at $50. Just 200 students over time would bring in $10,000 in revenue. And you earn this without needing to constantly sell 1-on-1 services.

And here’s the BEST part:

Once your course is live, it becomes a semi-passive asset. You might need to update content once in a while or respond to student questions…but most of the work is done upfront.

This is a great option if you're comfortable teaching, enjoy helping others, and can promote your course through social media, blogs, or email lists.

Many creators even bundle courses or offer upsells for added income.

If you can teach it, you can sell it and build a long-term income stream in the process.

What Are the Cheapest Income-Generating Assets?

The cheapest income-generating assets are essentially those that cost almost nothing to start and still pay you steady returns.

Some of the cheapest income-generating assets to consider include:

• One such asset is an online high-yield savings account. It often has no minimum deposit and pays around 4 % APY (you earn $40 per $1 000 in a year).

• Another option is a certificate of deposit, which requires as little as $500 and pays about 4.45 % APY, so $500 grows by $22 in a year.

• You can also buy one share of a dividend ETF for about $82 and earn a roughly 4 % yield, or $3.30 per share each year.

•  Peer-to-peer loans are also worth considering. They let you start with $25 per loan and have returned about 5.5 % historically, so $1 000 spread across many notes yields about $55 per year.

• Real‑estate crowdfunding on a platform like Fundrise starts at $10 and has averaged 6.9 % annual returns, so $100 grows by $6.90 per year on average.

These five options let you begin with very small sums and still collect income.

Where To Invest $10,000 for Passive Income?

If you’re wondering where to invest $10K for passive income, this is your part. We advise you to split your $10,000 to help you build a steady cash flow with low risk.

Follow this example, you could:

• Put $4 000 into a high-yield savings account for about $160 per year in interest.

• Lock $3 000 in a one-year CD at 4.45 % for another $134.

•  Buy $2,000 of a dividend ETF at 4 % yield to get $80 in dividends.

• Lend $500 via peer-to-peer platforms to earn about $27 in interest. You could invest $500 in real‑estate crowdfunding to earn around $35.

This mix gives you about $436 of passive income in a year, and keeps most of your money safe and liquid.

What Are Examples of Income‑Producing Assets?

An income-producing asset gives you a regular payment without active work.  Some of the best examples of income-producing assets include:

• Bonds pay you interest.

• Dividend stocks and ETFs: You earn dividends.

• Certificates of deposit pay you fixed interest at maturity.

• Real estate rentals pay you rent each month.

• Peer-to-peer loans pay you back interest and principal over time.

•  REITs pay out rental or mortgage income.

• Annuities can pay you a fixed stream for life.

• Digital products like e-books or online courses pay royalties or sales income.

• Vending and ATM machines pay fees per use.

Each of these assets will help you turn your $10K capital into a predictable cash flow.

What Assets Can I Buy for $10 000?

With $10,000, you can buy cheap assets to give you a diversified income portfolio. Here’s how you can do that:

•  Open a high-yield savings account and earn about $400 a year at 4 %.

• Buy a one-year CD and earn about $445 at 4.45 %.

•  Buy $3 000 of dividend ETFs and get about $126 in dividends at 4.2 %.

• Lend $1 000 via peer-to-peer loans and earn about $55 at 5.5 %.

• Invest $1 000 in real‑estate crowdfunding and earn about $69 at 6.9 %.

• Put $2 000 toward an e-commerce business or digital course to earn variable income.

• Buy vending or ATM machines with the rest to earn fee income.

The above picks will cost you under $10,000 each and together can pay you hundreds per month over time.

Related: How To Double $10K Quickly (4 High-Risk Strategies)

Conclusion

There you have it! The top 10 income-producing assets under $10K. Each costs under $10 000. Each of these options can bring you a steady income. We advise you to split your $10,000 investment across several of these assets to minimize potential risks tied to each of them. Start small, track returns, and adjust accordingly. Over time, these income streams can free you from reliance on just one paycheck.

If you’re still unsure about the ways to turn your $10K into a steady income stream, we’re here to help. At EcomLaunch Sprint, we build you a complete, revenue-ready e-commerce business, designed to grow, not just exist. We do the heavy lifting for you, from branding to product selection and setup, so you can start earning faster with less guesswork.

Curious if a ready-to-run e-commerce business is right for you? Take a look at how our program works and see if it’s a good fit.