Inspiring! How a Family Built Passive Income of Rp2.7 Billion Monthly
Graham Cochrane is an American entrepreneur who generates passive income of approximately US$160,000 per month, equivalent to Rp2.72 billion at an exchange rate of Rp17,000 per US dollar.
Cochrane is the founder of online courses that teach people how to generate income from their interests. His revenue streams include online course sales, coaching programme fees, and affiliate commissions, with approximately 2,800 people using his products.
Building passive income in Cochrane’s manner does not happen overnight but stems from daily lifestyle and routine habits.
A slow and easy morning start
Cochrane typically wakes at 5am, before his children, to have an hour to himself. He starts with coffee and reading scripture, followed by prayer and journalling. He then prepares breakfast with his wife and wakes the children. The family spends 20 to 30 minutes eating together in the kitchen before Cochrane drives the children to school at 7:30am. He then returns to his home office or does a quick exercise session if desired.
Working Monday through Wednesday only
On Monday, Cochrane plans and produces YouTube videos and podcast episodes. Prospective viewers typically discover him through these free media channels. If they enjoy the content, they can register for his newsletter and receive emails about free content and premium online courses. Cochrane generates passive income from these courses. He has designed his business system to send emails automatically, so most of his work involves maintaining a steady stream of new content. Recording videos and podcasts requires approximately two hours, and he has someone who edits and uploads the content. His remaining time on Monday is dedicated to answering emails or providing advice to members of his Six-Figure Community.
On Wednesday, he spends time on community interaction, then holds a 90-minute live call with advanced business coaching students. Once monthly, Cochrane films exclusive training for paid community members.
Cochrane has never been a fan of hustle culture: “I do not believe that is healthy or wise.”
“If you can find a way to build systems into your business so that most of it can run on its own, you do not need to waste time continuously maintaining it,” Cochrane said. “Besides, what is the point of ‘being your own boss’ if you work all the time?” he added.
Family time is number one priority
Most importantly to Cochrane is spending time with his family. Friday is considered date time with his wife. They exercise, have lunch together, pursue life together, discuss the children, and meet with a marriage counsellor. Recently, they have focused on how to communicate better when they disagree. No marriage is perfect, and effort has been invested in their relationship.
Generosity is a core value
Cochrane and his family attend church every Sunday and frequently volunteer with local organisations that help homeless residents in the city. His philosophy is: “I generate this money so I can give most of my profits to charity and my local church, groups that do much good in the world.”
Currently, Cochrane and his wife donate 30 per cent of their income, but they hope eventually to give 50 per cent.