When I first learned about residual income, also known as passive income, it really caught my attention. Why? Well, how would you like to be able go for vacations, spend quality time with your family whenever you choose to without worrying about loosing your job or your business? If you answered yes, then creating residual incomes online is your answer.

You see, in a nutshell, there are three types of income streams that you may have coming into your business. One income source is when you do a one-time job, sale or perform a contract, you get paid once and the income stops there.

Another income source comes from a 9 to 5 job, you will continue to get paid as long you work for your employer, often called a linear income. Most workers fall into this category of income source. Neurosurgeons, lawyers or engineers, are only paid as long as they continue working. Stop working and their bank account pause.

The third type of income is the residual or recurring income where you are paid even after you have stopped working. Wikipedia defines passive income as an income stream received usually on a regular basis without continuing effort. Legally of course.

Now do you see why I just love earning residual income? I don't want to work for the rest of my life, or be able to go for vacations only when I'm 60. I want all that while I can still walk on my own two legs. Don't you? This article explores the benefits of making resudual income from affiliate programs online and why it's the best way to start off with. And for most the only way, unless you have a gifted ability to sing, act or write well and make it to the limelight.

The Benefits Of Generating Residual Income Online.

1. Like all businesses, you need to put in the work to get it started and rolling. The difference is once it has taken off, you only need to do a comparatively less work or no work to sustain a steady income stream.

2. No customer service to worry about. It's taken care of by the product owner or service provider.

3. Low or no start-up cost. If you have a computer and an internet connection, you can get started right away. I will discuss this further in the later part of this article.

4. Spending more quality time with your family. This one is priceless to me. I get to bath my 2 year old daughter and play games with her every morning.

5. No getting stuck in the traffic jam and rushing to get to work on time.

6. No bosses to answer to.

7. You can choose when and where to work.

8. Your passive income can be generated 24 hours, 7 days a week.

9. Flexible working hours. It's yours to choose.

Choosing The Right Residual Income Resource

It is crucial to pick right residual income resource to start off with. You don't want to be promoting programs or services that are fraud and not get paid for the effort, time and money you have spent marketing them right. Here I have outlined some very important pointers that would guide you in the right direction. It's best to be affiliated with companies that pass these criteria.

1. Companies that have been in business for at least 5 years. Have great financial backing, excellent management and a 'distributor first' philosophy. The company should have a long term development goal and not in it for the quick cash.

2. High quality (unique if possible), reasonably priced products or services that consumers would have to buy or continue with the services over and over. Another important factor is how 'needed' this product or service is.

3. A compensation plan that is fair. I always go for companies that pay at least 40% in passive residual commission. Don't go for anything less, unless you are sure the conversion is good.

4. Training and marketing tools. Many companies provide training and promotional materials but it is often difficult to strike a balance between product promotion and affiliate training. You should be wary of companies that charge exorbitant prices for their promotional materials. You are investing your advertising dollars so the company should not seek to make a profit from you here, although many do. Study the company literature to see who the 'big hitters' are and join their group if possible. It is said that misery loves company; so does success.

Start Building Your Residual Income Stream Now!

Creating a multiple stream of passive income is the best financial insurance you can give yourself and your family. You never know when you will get laid off from your job or get too ill to work or want to start saving for your children's education. The next thing you need to do is sign up with the tested and proven residual income resources that fit the above mentioned criteria.