Is making money in 2026 becoming more difficult? Investors and workers face new challenges amid the economic transition

As 2026 approaches, economic uncertainty intensifies, and many people are beginning to wonder—Is it really getting harder to make money?

The Dream of Passive Income Meets Reality

According to economists, the investment environment in 2026 will be drastically different from the past few years. Julia Khandoshko, CEO of Mind Money, points out that although interest rates are on a downward trend, inflation, while easing in 2024-2025, has made earning money more difficult.

In recent years, the logic of investing was simple and straightforward—deposit money into bonds or money market instruments and enjoy stable returns. The era like 2024 seems to be over. Back then, the S&P 500 achieved about 25% growth, and investors enjoyed nearly automated income streams. But by the end of 2025, the annual increase of the S&P 500 was only about 13-14%, with growth clearly slowing down.

A more pressing issue arises: in 2026, once reliable low-risk investment strategies will fail. As global monetary policies loosen (cutting interest rates, increasing money supply), those “lying down and making money” yields will shrink significantly. Paul Hannon, economic editor at The Wall Street Journal, warns that trade wars and tariff pressures could trigger a recession, making the entire investment environment unpredictable.

Want to maintain previous income levels? Then you must accept higher risks. Plus, inflation means the purchasing power of the same amount of money declines, and simple investment schemes are no longer enough. In 2026, passive income is no longer passive—it requires more complex knowledge and precise strategic planning.

Side Hustles and Adapting to Change

If investing becomes more difficult, the differentiation in side jobs will be even more intense. It depends on whether you can keep up with the times.

The wave of AI is reshaping the job market. Repetitive tasks like data entry and customer service are gradually being automated, making it harder for those engaged in such work to earn money. But at the same time, new opportunities are emerging.

Those who embrace AI early or master practical skills will gain an advantage. Mobile car detailing, electricians, providing AI marketing services for small businesses—these types of side jobs that leverage new technology and meet needs that AI cannot fully replace will become hot in 2026. Adaptable workers will find that making money isn’t that hard; but for those who are stuck in their ways, the outlook is worrying.

Summary: The Dual Nature of Challenges and Opportunities

In 2026, the question “Will it become harder to make money” has no absolute answer. For passive investors, the era of high returns is indeed coming to an end, replaced by a more complex game requiring more specialized knowledge. But for those willing to learn and innovate, side jobs and emerging fields still hold great potential.

Economic turning points often mark the birth of new opportunities. The key is whether you are prepared to embrace this change.