Story of a Family Earning Passive Income of Rp2.7 Billion Per Month
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Graham Cochrane is an American entrepreneur who earns passive income of US160, 000permonth, equivalenttoRp2.72billion(assuminganexchangerateofRp17, 000/US). Graham is the founder of an online course that teaches people how to make money from their interests. He earns his income from the online courses, sales of coaching programmes, and affiliate commissions. Approximately 2,800 people use his products.
Building passive income like Graham Cochrane’s does not happen overnight, but starts from lifestyle and daily routines.
What is the life of someone with passive income of Rp2.72 billion per month like?
Mornings start slowly and easily
Graham usually wakes up at 5 a.m., before the children, because he always wants one hour for himself. Graham starts with coffee and reading the Bible.
After reading, praying, and journaling, Graham makes breakfast with his wife and wakes up the children.
They spend 20 to 30 minutes eating together in the kitchen before Graham drops the children off at school at 7:30 a.m.
Then Graham returns to his home office or does a quick workout session if he feels like it.
Working only Monday to Wednesday
On Mondays, Graham plans and creates YouTube videos and podcast episodes.
Prospective viewers usually discover Graham through these free media. Then, if they like it, they can sign up for the newsletter and receive emails about free content and premium online courses.
Graham earns passive income from these courses. He has designed his business system to send emails automatically, so most of his work is just to maintain a steady flow of new content.
Recording videos and podcasts takes about two hours. He also has someone who edits and uploads the content.
The remaining time on Mondays is dedicated to answering emails or providing advice to members of the Six-Figure Community.
On Wednesdays, he spends time interacting with the community, then holds a 90-minute live call with students in the advanced business training.
Once a month, Graham films exclusive training for paid community members.
Graham has never been a fan of hustle culture. “I don’t believe it’s 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 don’t need to waste time on constant maintenance,” said Graham, citing CNBC Make It (15/3/2026).
“After all, what’s the point of ‘being your own boss’ if you work all the time?” he added.
Family time is No. 1
Most importantly for Graham is spending time with his family. Fridays are considered date time with his wife.
They exercise, go out for lunch, catch up on life, talk about the children, and meet with a marriage counsellor.
Lately, they have focused on how to communicate better when they have differing opinions.
No marriage is perfect, and the efforts they have made in their relationship.
Generosity is a core value
Graham and his family attend church every Sunday and often do volunteer work with local organisations that help homeless residents in the city.
His philosophy is, “I make this money so that I can give most of my profits to charity and my local church, groups that do a lot of good in the world.”
Currently, Graham and his wife donate 30% of their income, but they hope to eventually give 50%.