Financial Post

When I was in my mid-20s, I was fortunate enough to be able to invest my life savings in an income property. The rental income provided a sense of economic security that later enabled me to quit my job and start my own business. I now run an eight-figure global company.

Several other successful entrepreneurs I know were also able to take risks on their business because of the financial and emotional security provided by a guaranteed passive income stream — whether social assistance payments or spousal support.