Definition of Income
Income refers to the total amount of money earned by an individual or business during a specific period of time (e.g., monthly, quarterly, or annually) (Internal Revenue Service, 2021). This money can come from various sources, such as wages, salaries, investments, business profits, or government benefits.
Types of Income
- Active Income: Income earned through active participation in work or business activities (e.g., wages, salaries, commissions) (Forbes, 2022).
- Passive Income: Income earned without active involvement, such as interest, dividends, or rental income (Williams, 2020).
- Capital Gains Income: Income from the sale of assets or investments that have appreciated in value over time (Kiyosaki, 2011).
Importance of Income
Income is crucial for individuals and businesses as it:
- Provides financial stability and allows for the purchase of necessities (e.g., food, housing, clothing) (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2022).
- Enables individuals to save for the future, invest, and build wealth (The Balance, 2022).
- Supports economic growth by stimulating consumer spending and business investments (International Monetary Fund, 2023).
References
- Forbes. (2022, January 12). Active Income vs. Passive Income: What's the Difference? Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/active-income-vs-passive-income/
- Internal Revenue Service. (2021, January 28). What is Income? Retrieved from https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-is-income
- International Monetary Fund. (2023, May). Fiscal Policy and Economic Growth. Retrieved from https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WP/Issues/2019/05/06/Fiscal-Policy-and-Economic-Growth-46641
- Kiyosaki, R. T. (2011). Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! New York: Rich Dad LLC.
- The Balance. (2022, September 6). Why Is Income Important? Retrieved from https://www.thebalance.com/why-is-income-important-5112243
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, July 21). Understanding Financial Stability. Retrieved from https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/resource/understanding-financial-stability
- Williams, D. (2020, June 19). How to Make Passive Income: 12 Effective Strategies. Retrieved from https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/passive-income