How Do Digital Nomads Make Money? Consider Investing Strategies

No time to read now? Click here to download as a PDF.

In today’s interconnected world, the digital nomad lifestyle has become an aspiration for many travelers. But how do digital nomads make money?

While it’s true, the idea of working remotely while traveling the globe is alluring, it can take some planning to create a stable income.

The secret lies in a combination of resourcefulness, skill, and strategic investments.

Read more below to discover the strategies digital nomads use to secure their financial independence and sustain their nomadic adventures. Then, you can do it, too!

CONTENTS – In this article, you will learn the answer to the question “How do digital nomads make money?”, including:

Tips for Making Money as a Digital Nomad
Active Investing Strategies for Digital Nomads
Diversification Across Markets and Healthy Economies
What the Difference Between Passive and Active Investing
Benefits of Using Robo-Advisors
Final Thoughts on How Do Digital Nomads Make Money?
Next Steps

Tips for Making Money as a Digital Nomad

As a digital nomad, you have the freedom to work and travel at your own pace.

But that doesn’t mean you should neglect your financial future, or assume a savings account will do that job.

The biggest question you’ll want to consider is, “how do digital nomads make money?”

Most digital nomads employ a range of ways to make money. Even if you’ve saved up money and are living cheaply, at some point, you will need to earn more.

Some popular work options for digital nomads include:

Working remotely
Freelance work
Selling photography
Teaching English or other skills online
Short-term service jobs (like bartending and waitressing)
Content Creation (blog, podcast, YouTube) for ad revenue, affiliate income, digital product/course sales)

But there are also ways you can make your money work for you.

Active Investing Strategies for Digital Nomads

One smart way to grow your wealth and secure your financial well-being while on the move is actively investing.

The good news is, it’s not as difficult to pull off as you might think.

Here’s what you need to know.

Diversification Across Markets and Healthy Economies

Manage your investment portfolio — Actively monitor your investments for better results.

An effective way to invest, whether you’re traveling or not, is to diversify your portfolio across different markets. Investing in global markets can help you reduce risk by spreading your investments across various sectors and regions.

To diversify your investments, you’ll want to look at assets like:

Stocks
Bonds
Real estate
Commodities

That way, you can create a more well-rounded portfolio that can weather a range of different market fluctuations.

Another thing you should consider is investing in strong and stable economies.

Major indices like the S&P 500 are often seen as indicators of a country’s economic health (in this case, the United States). So do your research to find the most stable economies before you invest in them.

As a digital nomad, factor in that your lifestyle may involve frequent travel and changing time zones. This can impact your ability to actively monitor your investments during market or non-market hours.

Using indices like an ES futures chart can give you valuable insights into large-cap company performance and the stability of the national economy. This approach can help you fine-tune your approach each day.

If you’re unable to track futures charts or other market indicators in real-time, you might consider a longer-term investment approach. Then you’ll avoid struggling to track changes on a day-to-day basis.

Passive vs. Active Investing

Investment tips for digital nomads — Passive investing reduces your need for hands-on management.

Digital nomads often have busy schedules, which makes passive investing a more attractive option. Passive investing involves putting your money into funds that track specific indices or markets.

This strategy requires less hands-on management and can be ideal when you want to focus more on your travels.

In contrast, active investing involves researching and selecting individual stocks or assets to build a portfolio. While it demands more time and attention, active investing offers the potential for stronger returns – although, again this isn’t guaranteed.

Whether you’re actively managing your portfolio or using an automation tool like a robo-advisor, it’s important you regularly review your investments and make adjustments as needed.

Keep in mind that market conditions and your personal financial goals may change over time. So, you want to ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your objectives.

Utilizing Robo-Advisors

Robo-advisors, mentioned above, are a great option if you’re looking for active management but have constraints on your time.

What are robo-advisors?

Robo-advisors are automated investment platforms that create and manage a diversified portfolio based on your risk tolerance and financial goals. They use algorithms to rebalance your portfolio and optimize returns.

Robo-advisors can be a convenient option for you as a digital nomad, especially if you want to invest but may not have the time to actively manage your investments.

Before delving into the world of active investing, it’s essential to educate yourself about different investment options, strategies, and risks.

You’ll want to be sure to take advantage of online resources, investment courses, and expert advice. Then, you’ll be better prepared to make informed decisions aligned with your financial goals.

digital nomad view | Enjoy Travel Life — Be sure to ensure your financial future, especially as a digital nomad.

Final Thoughts on How Do Digital Nomads Make Money?

Being a digital nomad doesn’t mean you have to put your financial goals on hold. Actively investing while on the move is possible with the right strategies and tools.

And you can always make money while on the move if you’re willing to put in the effort and embrace a flexible lifestyle. By employing a combination of remote work, freelancing, leveraging your skills, and investing, you have the potential to explore the world while maintaining financial stability.

When it comes to smart investing: diversify your investments, understand market indicators like futures charts, and stay informed about various investment options.

That way, you can work towards building a secure financial future wherever you choose to call home.

About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF

I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years.

With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality.

Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! 

Follow my social channels for more inspiration.

Next Steps

For more about the digital nomad lifestyle and other tips, read these articles next: