Author: Gemma Lewis

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

Last month, Ramit Sethi shared his “five financial red flags” for couples on LinkedIn.

He even put Robert Kiyosaki and Grant Cardone fans on blast, saying that if your partner follows either of the financial gurus, it’s a bad sign.

Kiyosaki is the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad and a big advocate for investing in non-traditional assets, like gold and cryptocurrencies. Cardone, on the other hand, is all about property — claiming in a 2022 interview for Jetset magazine, “In real estate, it’s not if you make money; the question is when.”

Sethi has a different take. He often emphasizes simple, consistent, and disciplined financial habits rather than risky investments. And that’s the ethos behind Sethi’s list of warnings he says he’s identified through working with couples. He claims these habits could indicate money troubles ahead for those who don’t address the issues head on.

Red flag 1: They follow Robert Kiyosaki or Grant Cardone

Sethi believes in regular, boring, and disciplined action to make money. That’s not exactly Kiyosaki nor Cardone’s advice of choice.

However, not all of Kiyosaki and Cardone’s advice is based on ‘get rich quick’ schemes.

For instance, in March 2024, Kiyosaki raved on X, “I love gold and silver.” It underscores his preference for alternative assets during times of economic uncertainty.

American Hartford Gold (AHG) offers investment opportunities in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars. When you open a gold IRA with help from AHG, you own the physical metals, and your assets are stored at a registered depository.

Their service is designed to provide a secure and stable investment option, enhancing portfolio diversification and safeguarding against economic uncertainties.

With the price of gold hitting all-time-highs in 2024, Goldman Sachs suggests the trend won’t falter in 2025. They predict the price of gold will rise another 11% by the end of the year.

In contrast, Kiyosaki also champions cryptocurrencies, like bitcoin, which is a significantly riskier asset. This dual strategy reflects Kiyosaki’s broader philosophy of diversifying investments across both conservative and speculative asset classes to navigate uncertain economic conditions.

If you’re interested in accepting that level of risk, Robinhood Crypto is a platform where you can buy, sell, and store digital currencies including bitcoin. On average, it also offers the lowest cost to trade crypto. You can also set up recurring buys to turn crypto investing into a routine by creating an automated investing schedule.

Red flag 2: They “have a money guy”

During a recent Diary of a CEO episode, Sethi clarified that having a financial advisor isn’t inherently bad. In fact, a 2022 Vanguard study showed that financial advisors can add up to 3% in annual returns.

But, Sethi flags that advisors who charge a percentage of assets under management (AUM) for fees might be an issue. A seemingly small 1% annual fee can compound into significant losses over time, draining your overall returns. To avoid those growing fees, Sethi suggests choosing advisors who charge a flat fee instead.

With Advisor.com, you can find the best advisor for your needs — both in terms of what they can offer your finances, and what they’ll charge to work for you.

Advisor.com is a free service that helps you find a financial advisor who can co-create a plan to reach your financial goals. By matching you with a curated list of the best options for you from their database of thousands, you get a pre-screened financial advisor you can trust.

You can then set up a free, no obligation consultation to see if they’re the right fit for you.

Red flag 3: They’re cheap

Sethi also believes that excessive frugality is a red flag. On Diary of a CEO, he said it “sucks the life out of every room.” He believes that fixating on price, at all costs, means you’ll end up hoarding money instead of using it.

In a recent interview with Moneywise, Sethi said couples make the mistake of focusing on restrictions when it comes to money.

“No, you can’t buy coffee. No, you can’t buy jeans. No, you can’t go on vacation. Save your money until you’re 96 years old and then maybe you can take a trip in economy seats.”

“The point of money is to use it to live your rich life…everybody teaches you how to save, but very few people teach you how to spend money meaningfully,” he shared.

There are also tools out there to balance spending with saving, meaning you can avoid falling into a scarcity mindset.

Sethi is a proponent of automatic investing. “It’s easier to invest than it is to brush my teeth everyday because it’s totally automated,” he said.

With Acorns, you can save and invest while you spend on the things you need. Acorns automatically rounds up the price to the nearest dollar and places the excess into a smart investment portfolio. This way, even the smallest spending translates to money saved for the future.

Sign up now and you can get a $20 bonus investment.

Red flag 4: They think that renting is throwing money away

Many see it as a waste of money, but Sethi and Cardone would actually agree that it can be a wiser choice.

Sethi explained on his blog that renting is beneficial because you get the value and convenience of having a landlord manage the property and all of the associated maintenance.

Cardone agrees, posting on X that homeowners insurance and property taxes are “exploding” for homeowners, making renting a more attractive decision for some.

However, they both frame renting primarily as a lifestyle choice rather than an investment, because the home you want to live in might not be the best investment opportunity.

But that’s not to say there aren’t properties worth investing in.

And with Arrived, you can add rental properties into your investment portfolio without needing to do any of the heavy lifting or legwork. Arrived’s easy-to-use platform offers SEC-qualified investments such as rental homes and vacation rentals.

Its flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work, like paying for maintenance or securing tenants.

Start by browsing a curated selection of homes, vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, choose the number of shares you want to buy.

Similarly, First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited individual investors to access necessity-based commercial real estate investments — without having to manage tenants.

FNRP has relationships with some of America’s biggest names, from Walmart to Whole Foods. They provide insights into the best properties both on- and off-market, and you can engage with FNRP’s experts while exploring deals and making investments in their personalized portal.

Red flag 5: They refuse to talk about money

Lastly, Sethi believes that financial honesty is integral to a healthy relationship. He says couples need a clear understanding of their combined household income and shared goals to make smart financial decisions.

“The biggest red flag with money and couples is if one person is not willing to talk about money. We can work with somebody who has debt. We can work with somebody who has a spending problem,” Sethi told Moneywise in a recent interview.

“We can even work with somebody who sees money differently. But if one person will not talk about money, that’s a dead end.”

But just because your partner isn’t open to discussing finances doesn’t mean you need to close yourself off, too.

For instance, platforms like Moby provide actionable investment insights that help you improve your financial literacy.

With research from former hedge fund analysts and financial experts, Moby simplifies complex financial data into easy-to-understand recommendations.

Their strategies have historically outperformed the S&P 500 by nearly 12%, making it a valuable resource for novice and seasoned investors alike.

– with files from Victoria Vesovski

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

Warren Buffett is known for both his generosity and his frugality.

That might be why he pulled the plug on large cash gifts for his family after learning they were blowing through the money as quickly as they got it.

In a 2019 ThinkAdvisor interview, Buffett’s former daughter-in-law, Mary Buffett, recalled when he gifted her $10,000 in hundred-dollar bills. She reminisced, “As soon as we got home, we’d spend it, whoo!”

As the king of investing, not spending, however, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway quickly decided the gift of shares would be a better investment for his family’s future.

With the holidays behind us, you may have been lucky enough to get some cash, as Buffett’s family used to. Tempting as it may be to spend it, follow these tips to use it in a way that the Oracle of Omaha would approve of.

1. Save

One of Buffett’s core principles is the power of compounding: where you can earn returns on both your initial investment and its accumulated growth. For example, had Mary invested her $10,000 and allowed it to grow at a 5% annual compounded rate for 10 years, it would have amounted to $16,288.95.

But finding the best possible rate isn’t always easy. If you’re willing to park your money for at least a year, you can get a rate of return over ten times higher than a typical high-yield savings account with a certificate of deposit (CD). A CD locks in your funds for a set period, providing stability and guaranteed returns, which the stock market cannot promise.

SavingsAccounts.com can help you shop around across various banks and financial institutions. The platform allows users to easily compare different CD terms, interest rates, and features to find the best options for their savings goals.

They aim to simplify the process of choosing the right CD by providing transparent and up-to-date information, helping you maximize your return while locking in financial security.

2. Invest

Beyond saving, another way to take advantage of compound returns is through investing.

Investing is higher risk than a savings account, but it can also lead to higher returns. That’s why when Buffett started gifting his family shares instead of cash, Mary Buffett wisely chose to retain her gifted shares in a diversified trust, rather than cashing them out.

But you don’t need to invest in private trusts to ensure your portfolio is diversified.

With Acorns, you get instant diversification every time you spend. Their platform helps you start saving and investing each time you make a purchase on your credit or debit card. When you spend, Acorns automatically rounds up the price of the purchase to the nearest dollar, and places the excess into a smart investment portfolio.

Sign up for Acorns today and receive a $20 bonus investment.

3. Real estate

In 2012, Warren Buffett told CNBC that if there was a way to buy thousands of single-family homes at once, and to manage them easily, he would “load up.” He also emphasized he’d take out mortgages at “very, very low rates.”

Not everyone can purchase multiple properties, nor can they tap into low mortgage rates. After all, the average rate for a 30-year mortgage was 3.65% in 2012. These days, a 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 7.13%.

There are, however, ways to invest in real estate and avoid some of the downsides of the market.

First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited individual investors to access institutional-quality commercial real estate investments — without the leg work of finding deals yourself, negotiating for mortgage rates, or managing the purchasing logistics.

FNRP has relationships with the nation’s largest essential-needs brands, including Kroger, Walmart and Whole Foods. And since the investments are necessity-based, they tend to perform well during times of economic volatility and act as a hedge against inflation.

You can engage with experts, explore available deals, and easily make an allocation, all in one personalized portal.

4. Plan for the future

Another reason Buffett’s not a big fan of cash gifts is that its value erodes over time. Buffett famously said, “If you don’t find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.”

Investing for retirement

To avoid working after retirement, you need to be prepared with the right investments and accounts. For instance, qualified Roth IRA withdrawals are tax-free. So your earnings and any growth are tax free, too.

Selecting the right account can be daunting, though. RothIRA.org connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who can guide you in choosing the best Roth IRA to meet your needs.

When you sign up with RothIRA.org, you’re custom matched with two or three advisors near you who meet your specific needs. Your financial advisors will contact you to set up your initial one-on-one consultation — for free, with no obligation to hire.

Gold for retirement

You could also turn a cash windfall into a physical asset, like gold, to diversify your portfolio. Gold has historically acted as a hedge against inflation, and many find it to be a more secure place to invest their wealth.

When you open a gold IRA with the help of Priority Gold, you get access to IRS-approved gold and silver bars and coins through your self-directed gold IRA account. You can also roll over existing 401(k) or IRA accounts into the precious metals IRA without any penalties.

If you’d like to convert an existing IRA into a gold IRA, Priority Gold offers 100% free rollover, as well as free shipping, and free storage for up to five years. Qualifying purchases will also receive up to $10,000 in free silver.

To learn more about how Priority Gold can help you save for your retirement, download their free 2024 guide on how to invest in precious metals or book a free consultation with one of their specialists.

Planning for your future

Most of Buffett’s wealth will only be shared with his kids once he passes on. His ethos is you should “give your kids enough so they can do anything, but not so much that they’ll do nothing.” Whether or not you agree, you’ll want to ensure your own wishes are honored. Platforms like LegalZoom can help.

The platform allows you to easily set up an estate plan that includes a last will or living trust, financial power of attorney, healthcare directive, and HIPAA authorization. If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can call LegalZoom for a free discovery call to help you get started on estate planning.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

Suze Orman’s not known to sugarcoat her advice — And her response to a listener’s question on a recent episode of her Women & Money podcast was no exception.

Jane, who called into the show, shared her plan to sell her IRA investments while the market was high, only to then buy back in once prices eventually drop. Orman’s reaction? “The worst idea I’ve ever heard.”

She warned against the pitfalls of trying to time the market, emphasizing that there’s a chance the market may never drop. Plus, in trying to predict if and when that happens, Jane could miss out on huge gains in the meantime.

However, Orman didn’t leave Jane hanging. She gave listeners some alternatives that could help buffer against market volatility — here are a few key takeaways that could apply to you.

What is dollar cost averaging?

Her first tip was that Jane should apply ‘dollar cost averaging’ (DCA) to her existing investments. In a nutshell, Jane should continue to invest a fixed amount at regular intervals. This strategy would allow her to buy investments at various price points, ultimately lowering her average cost over time.

Research supports this strategy: a 2023 Vanguard report found that while lump sum investing (or, investing in one big chunk) outperforms DCA 68% of the time, DCA outperforms holding cash 69% of the time. By sticking with DCA, Jane can avoid the pitfalls of exiting the market and missing potential growth.

If you like the DCA approach, you’ll be glad to know that with Acorns, you’re automatically using DCA every time you spend.

It’s simple: when you make a purchase on your credit or debit card, Acorns will automatically round up the price to the nearest dollar and place the excess in a smart investment portfolio for you. This way, even the most essential spending translates to money saved for the future.

You can also customize how you save and invest with Acorns plan tiers.

For example, with the Acorns Gold plan, you get access to Acorns Later, which is a retirement account designed to boost your savings for your sunset years. What’s more, you get a 3% IRA match on new contributions through Acorns Gold. You can also opt for the Acorns Silver plan, which provides a 1% IRA match on new contributions.

Plus, you can get a $20 bonus investment just for signing up.

Diversifying your IRA with alternative assets

While Orman didn’t say much more to Jane about how to approach her IRA, she has always been outspoken on the importance of portfolio diversification to mitigate investment risk.

If you want more personalized advice about your retirement, hiring a professional can help give you peace of mind that your retirement plans are on track.

The key? Find a reputable financial advisor you can trust.

WiserAdvisor connects you with vetted, FINRA/SEC registered financial advisors to help you understand your financial situation and plan accordingly for your retirement.

All you have to do is answer a few simple questions about your finances and goals, and WiserAdvisor will connect you with an advisor best suited to help you. After finding your match, you can set up a free no-obligation consultation to see if they’re the right fit.

Diversifying with precious metals

When the stock market is unstable, due to anything from geopolitical tensions or economic uncertainties, investors tend to flock to gold. Gold shattered record highs several times this year, with prices growing by more than 30% so far, in its best annual growth year since 1979.

You can invest in gold for your retirement with a gold IRA with the help of American Hartford Gold (AHG). This retirement account can help you stabilize your finances by allowing you to invest directly in physical precious metals rather than stocks and bonds.

By opening a gold IRA with the help of AHG, you’re building a more robust, diversified portfolio. You’re looking out for your future self while cushioning your retirement by diversifying your investments and stabilizing your finances at the same time.

You are eligible to get up to $15,000 in free silver and an investor guide when you sign with American Hartford Gold.

Diversifying with real estate

Both commercial and residential properties can offer consistent returns while acting as a hedge against inflation.

CBRE, the world’s biggest commercial real estate firm, is showing commercial real estate market recovery since the pandemic. For the first time in eight quarters, its global property sales revenue increased — with the US boasting a 20% growth rate. These could be promising signs for the market’s growth in the coming year.

Real estate for essential businesses, like grocery stores and health care facilities, is still popular because it has proven resilient to the broader e-commerce and remote work transition. Plus, you can invest with FNRP through your IRA.

One way to gain exposure to this asset is through First National Realty Partners (FNRP) provides accredited investors access to institutional-quality commercial real estate leased by major essential-needs retailers like Walmart and Whole Foods.

FNRP offers white-glove service and experts to investors, so you can engage with experts, explore available deals and easily make an allocation, all in one personalized secure portal.

Beyond commercial real estate, being a fractional investor in rental homes and vacation properties can also provide a solid stream of retirement income. With mortgage rates set to decline next year, demand may continue to rise across American housing markets.

You don’t need to secure a mortgage to take advantage of a market boom, though. Arrived is backed by world-class investors including Jeff Bezos, and its platform allows you to get your foot into the real estate market without any of the red tape and responsibilities of homeownership.

Arrived allows you to browse through their curated selection of homes, each vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, simply choose the number of shares you want to buy and start investing with as little as $100.

Diversifying with art

To further mitigate her risk, Jane could consider alternative assets that behave differently from traditional stock markets. One option is fine art, which has shown strong performance in recent years.

The problem is, buying art the traditional way can be complicated and costly. On a Women & Money episode in May, Orman cautioned, “you better know what you’re doing because chances are it might not be as great an investment as you think after all the costs.”

However, recent data shows it’s a potent diversifier with low correlation, and certain segments have even outpaced traditional investments. Take blue-chip contemporary art, which has outpaced the S&P 500 by 64% (1995-2023).

Platforms like Masterworks can simplify the process of art investing, allowing everyday investors to buy fractional shares of blue-chip artworks from iconic artists like Picasso, Basquiat, and Banksy. This makes it easier to diversify your portfolio without the complexity and cost of managing art investments on your own. Plus, Masterworks lets you invest your IRA earnings through its partnership with Alto IRA.

Masterworks even has a secondary market, too, where investors can buy and trade shares in blue-chip paintings. Through their 23 exits so far, investors have realized annualized net returns like 17.6%, 17.8%, and 21.5% (among assets held for longer than one year).

You can get VIP access and skip the waitlist here.

• See Important Disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

Being able to retire comfortably is a top concern for many older Americans. A recent AARP survey found that 61% of Americans aged 50+ are worried that they will not have enough savings when they retire.

Social Security, a cornerstone of American retirement ideals, was a central election issue for voters in the recent election, when Donald Trump proclaimed, “Seniors should not pay taxes on Social Security” on Truth Social.

That promise could become reality once Trump takes over the White House in January.

However, those taxes currently help fund the program’s revenue and are crucial for retiree payouts. Removing them would create a significant shortfall, potentially affecting the program’s long-term sustainability. The U.S. Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) estimates Trump’s plans would lead to a 33% cut in benefits by 2035.

Whatever happens during the second Trump administration, Americans will be looking to strengthen their retirement savings to ensure they can comfortably bounce back if the country’s retiree safety net starts to unravel.

Preparing for Social Security’s uncertain future

A recent analysis from the CRFB estimated that if Trump’s proposal was implemented, Social Security’s funds would run out by 2031.

Preparing for any changes to Social Security is a smart move. And with the average monthly SSA payout standing at just $1,862 and the possibility of a further cut, you’ll want to look for other ways to secure your financial future.

But where to start?

With the help of a qualified professional, like those found through WiserAdvisor, you can easily plan when, where, and how you want to retire — and look at your Social Security benefits as an added bonus.

WiserAdvisor has a free online service that helps you find a financial advisor who can co-create a plan to reach your financial goals. Just answer a few questions, and the extensive online database will match you a few vetted advisors based on your answers.

You can view the advisors’ profiles, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire.

Strategies for a secure retirement

Consistent contributions are a cornerstone of effective retirement planning. By steadily investing, you’re able to benefit from the power of compound returns, too.

You also may want to invest in steady asset classes, which can be more resilient during economic downturns.

Diversify your IRA

By diversifying with both asset classes and account types, you can build a tax-efficient portfolio that accommodates both your current and future needs.

For example, gold and other precious metals can help stabilize your retirement portfolio. With inflation and market volatility in mind, gold has become a popular option for those looking to protect their assets over time.

The reason is straightforward: these precious metals can’t be printed in unlimited quantities by central banks like fiat money. And because their value isn’t tied to any one currency or economy, these metals could provide protection during periods of economic uncertainty.

One way to invest in precious metals that also provides significant tax advantages is with a gold IRA with help of American Hartford Gold. This retirement account can help stabilize your finances by allowing you to invest directly in physical precious metals, rather than stocks and bonds.

One of the country’s most trusted precious metals companies – with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau – American Hartford Gold has helped thousands of clients protect their retirement.

Right now when you sign up with American Hartford Gold, you’re eligible to get up to $15,000 in complimentary silver and a free investor guide.

A rock solid retirement plan may also include multiple types of IRAs, based on the best fit at different points in your career.

While traditional IRAs provide tax-deductible contributions, Roth IRAs offer tax-free withdrawals in retirement, helping to manage taxes strategically.

There are a lot of options out there when it comes to IRA investing, so consulting a financial advisor specializing in retirement planning and accounts can help you open a new account or make the most of your current Roth IRA account.

Thankfully, RothIRA.org can help you can find a vetted financial advisor best suited to guide you.

The process is simple: just provide some basic information about yourself, and RothIRA.org will match you with two to three FINRA/SEC registered financial advisors near you. You can then set up a free initial consultation with your preferred advisor to further assess if it’s the right fit for you — with no obligation to hire.

Tap into real estate

Real estate can also serve as a strong addition to your retirement portfolio.

However, high home prices, mortgage rates as well as a lack of new inventory can make buying property less appealing to many buyers and investors right now. But thankfully there are ways to invest in real estate without the hurdles of purchasing and managing property yourself.

Data from the CEIC reports that the U.S. residential real estate market boasts an average growth rate of 5.5%.

And you don’t need to be an accredited investor to add income-producing real estate to your portfolio, thanks to the rise of real estate crowdfunding platforms.

These platforms allow you to invest in shares of properties, like residential and vacation rentals, without ever even setting foot in the city or taking on property maintenance, taxes or other housing costs.

Arrived is one of these accessible platforms, backed by world-class investors including Jeff Bezos, where everyday investors can invest in shares of rental homes and vacation properties, allowing you to get your foot into the real estate market without taking on any of the expensive responsibilities of a landlord.

Arrived allows you to browse their curated selection of homes, each vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, you can choose the number of shares you want to buy and start investing with as little as $100.

As an investor, your opportunities aren’t limited to residential real estate.

Commercial real estate is a highly diverse market. It has plenty of challenges, and lots of opportunities, too.

While the office sector has taken a big hit post-pandemic, a recent report from Cushman & Wakefield commented that “for the first time in years, the retail market is at a point of being supply-constrained — at least for space in quality shopping centers."

Heightened demand plus insufficient supply could drive increased rents, and strong returns for those invested.

For those interested in further diversification through commercial properties, First National Realty Partners (FNRP) provides accredited investors with access to institutional-grade commercial real estate investments.

The FNRP team has developed relationships with shopping centers across the U.S., as well as the nation’s largest essential-needs brands, including Kroger, Walmart and Whole Foods. Since these businesses are necessity-based, they tend to perform well during times of economic volatility and act as a hedge against inflation. And you can benefit from these same protections by investing in these commercial opportunities through FNRP.

FNRP offers white-glove service for investors, providing key market insights and finding the best properties both on and off-market, while investors can passively collect distribution income.

You can even invest through a Roth IRA — meaning, you’ll receive tax-free payments and distributions.

Accessing private market investments

It could be worth considering private market investments for your retirement strategy, too. That’s largely because the private market behaves differently from the stock market — which typically means you can have a less volatile portfolio.

There are many different asset classes to choose from. If you want to easily diversify your portfolio, Fundrise can help you do that.

Fundrise gives you access to an expansive portfolio of private investment opportunities spanning real estate, private debt and venture capital.

With over two million investors and managing over $7 billion in real estate assets alone, Fundrise is an accessible way to diversify your portfolio with the potential of yielding dividends every quarter.

Al you have to do is share a few details about your personal and financial background, along with your investment preferences, and Fundrise will build you a portfolio that is aligned with your goals.

Save for — and in — your retirement

Last, but definitely not least, it’s essential to have an emergency fund in retirement. Those burdensome surprises are a reason Harris’s website states she plans to cut taxes for 100 million working and middle class Americans, and Trump proclaimed he’ll “make American lives affordable again” at a North Carolina rally in August.

When money is tight, it’s extra important to have funds set aside for unexpected expenses like a trip to the hospital or a bout of car trouble.

If you’re hunting for more ways to save, the Moneywise list of the Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of 2024 offers a one-stop look at the top accounts to grow your retirement wealth in the long run.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

The median sales price for an American home hit $420,400 this year, a stark 30% increase over the last five years. Meanwhile, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that as of 2023, median household income still hadn’t recovered to 2019 levels. So, as the cost to buy a home soars, the average family’s income remains stagnant or even declines.

The Wall Street Journal reported on this phenomenon in early December, highlighting that with home ownership now out of reach, the build-to-rent market is gaining momentum.

And investors are taking note. Chief Investment Officer Matt Birenbaum of AvalonBay Communities (AVB), a real-estate investment trust, explained, “We think we’re really in the early stages of what could be a pretty significant, almost new, investment class.”

But the opportunity to partake isn’t limited to institutional investors — here are a few ways everyday investors can capitalize on this growing trend.

How you can invest in the growing rental market

The build-to-rent model is redefining housing development as we know it across America. Developers are increasingly constructing neighbourhoods of single-family homes with the sole intent to lease them, rather than sell them.

In late 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau reported the share of build-to-rent homes had doubled since 2021, reflecting 10% of all new homes. While that may still seem like a relatively small slice of the full pie, the Wall Street Journal found that major investors are tapping in with hopes the figure will grow. Their research spotlighted several major players including Blackstone (BX), Invitation Homes (INVH) and Pretium Partners (PVG) who are actively investing in this market.

Retail investors aren’t excluded from these opportunities either.

For instance, DLP Capital and its investment funds focus on financing, constructing and operating safe, attainable rental housing communities — including multifamily and single-family rental units. The company offers accredited investors access to the growing rental sector through their REITs.

DLP Capital is also committed to generating measurable social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. They even offer a flexible investment structure so that investors can redeem their capital if needed without having to wait a set number of years during lengthy lock-in periods.

With a track record of identifying high-potential properties and over $5.2 billion in assets under management, DLP Capital helps investors capitalize on real estate’s long-term value.

DLP Capital’s funds target potential annual returns between 9% and 13% — almost at par with the S&P 500 index’s 10.26% returns annually. But you get two distinct advantages by investing in DLP Capital’s funds — portfolio diversification and a potentially lower tax bill.

For those who prefer accessible fractional investing, Arrived — an online platform backed by prominent investors like Jeff Bezos — offers retail investors the opportunity to buy shares in existing rental and vacation homes. You can get your foot into the real estate market without buying property outright, while taking advantage of the growing demand for rental investment opportunities.

Arrived allows you to browse through their curated selection of homes, each vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, you can choose the number of shares you want to buy and start investing with as little as $100.

Retail giants rent property, too

This trend isn’t only confined to residential properties. The rising popularity of rental investments extends into the commercial property market as well. It’s also happening all over North America.

This summer, Western Residential analyzed Canada’s largest commercial real estate markets and found developers had shifted focus toward purpose-built rental construction, sometimes at the expense of new residential condominiums and commercial buildings.

A recent report from Cushman & Wakefield also commented, “for the first time in years, the retail market is at a point of being supply-constrained — at least for space in quality shopping centers."

With both commercial and residential supply constrained, rental prices could be pushed higher, creating attractive returns for investors.

First National Realty Partners (FNRP) offers accredited investors access to these types of promising retail-anchored real estate investments, without the legwork of finding deals yourself.

The FNRP team has developed relationships with shopping centers and health-care facilities across the U.S., as well as the nation’s largest essential-needs brands, including Kroger, Walmart and Whole Foods.

They also offer white-glove service for investors, providing key market insights and finding the best properties both on and off-market, while investors can passively collect distribution income.

You can engage with experts, explore available deals and easily make an allocation, all in one personalized secure portal.

Why homeownership remains out of reach for many

The affordability crisis in housing isn’t only exacerbated by rising prices and a supply shortage. Elevated mortgage rates also make homeownership a challenge. As of December 29, the average 30-year mortgage rate is hovering just over 7% — not far from its five-year high of 7.9% in October 2023.

Adding fuel to fire are claims, such as those made by WSJ, the Federal Reserve is likely cut rates only twice next year, according to a report from The Associated Press.

Nonetheless, some Americans will simply prefer or need to buy a home. Many will also still be paying off their mortgage, and perhaps unable to consider other investment opportunities at this time.

Both can benefit from shopping around for a more competitive rate. 2023 research from LendingTree found that doing so can save borrowers over $76,000 throughout the loan’s lifetime.

However, negotiating a new mortgage rate can be a cumbersome process if you don’t know where to start. Mortgage Research Center (MRC) offers a quick and efficient way to compare mortgage rates and estimated monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders at once. All you have to do is enter some basic information, such as your zip code, property type, price range, and annual income.

Based on the information you provide, MRC displays personalized mortgage offers near you.

After you match with a desired lender, you can set up a free, no-obligation consultation to make sure you’ve found the right fit.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

Mark Cuban’s big childhood dream wasn’t to be a millionaire — it was to retire by 35.

He lived as frugally as possible in his 20s to make this dream a reality, including driving “the worst possible car” with a hole in the floorboard, living on mac and cheese, and sharing his space with five roommates.

Speaking to Spanx founder Sara Blakely for Money.com, Cuban said, “You’ve got to have discipline in how you spend your money, first of all. When I was getting started, I used to read this book, "How to Retire at 35." The whole premise of the book was that if you could save up $1 million and live like a student, you could retire. I believed heavily in that book. It was a big motivator for me.”

Say what you will about his lifestyle in early adulthood, but this commitment to frugality is exactly what paved the way for his financial success.

“I was determined to be able to retire”

Cuban wanted financial independence, stat. He said, “I was determined to save money. I was determined to be able to retire. It wasn’t like I thought, "Okay, I’m going to be super-rich." I valued time more than anything. I wanted enough money to be able to travel, have fun, and party like a rock star but still live like a student. That was my motivation.”

The key to making that happen was planning and saving for retirement right from the start.

To make those dreams a reality for yourself, you need to know what your financial goals are in the first place. A great tool to help map that out is WiserAdvisor — a platform that connects you with qualified financial advisors who can create a customized financial plan for your retirement needs.

Simply fill in your info, browse your advisor matches with WiserAdvisor’s comparison tool, and book a free consultation in minutes to get started on planning your financial future.

“If you can find that discipline, then you can save”

Cuban wasn’t born rich. He had to build his bank account, dollar by dollar, much like Blakely.

In the interview, she states, “What I did was start small, think big, and scale fast. I didn’t ever get ahead of myself on spending. I only spent what I absolutely needed to… I have that mentality on everything. If I can save money here or there, I’ll do it.”

One of the easiest ways to save is to take advantage of the higher rates on certificates of deposit. A certificate of deposit is a low-risk savings account that could earn as much interest as a high-yield savings account, possibly more. However, to earn that higher rate, you’ll have to park your money in the account for a certain period of time.

For instance, Discover offers certificates of deposits with maturities ranging from three months to 10 years.

Right now, Discover is offering 4.10% APY on a 12-month term — much higher than the average 0.05% APY offered on some accounts offered by other big banks. Discover has no fees associated with its CD accounts and you don’t need a minimum deposit to open an account.

Not sure which bank or CD is right for you?

You can compare the rates and features of CDs offered by various financial institutions through SavingsAccounts.com. The information is updated in real-time, which can help you make informed decisions and maximize your returns. You can also get personalized recommendations on CDs based on your financial goals and time horizon.

Cuban said, “If you can find a way to save, if you can find a way to invest inexpensively in the market, you can start to build your net worth.”

With Public, you can also get commission-free stock trades, meaning you don’t need to fork out extra fees to buy or sell stocks. That’s the kind of all-in-one solution that streamlined business moguls like Sara Blakeley or Mark Cuban could get behind.

Savvy savers will also be interested in Public’s high-yield cash account that offers an industry-leading 4.10% APY — roughly 10x the national average.

Invest wisely

Once you have your short-term cash set aside, you can invest in the stock market for greater returns. Of course, bear in mind that with the possibility of a better payout also comes greater risk.

If you invest wisely and consistently, you improve the odds of better earnings. Cuban notes that he’s a big fan of low-cost, diversified stock index funds. These tend to charge much less than other stock funds, which means you can keep your hard-earned cash working towards that retirement goal.

If you’re looking for easy-to-understand stock advice, you can become a wiser investor in just five minutes thanks to the team of former hedge fund analysts and experts at Moby.

Moby’s team spends hundreds of hours each week sifting through financial news and data to provide top-tier stock and crypto reports to keep you up-to-date on what’s moving the markets.

Their superior research can help you reduce the guesswork when selecting stocks and ETFs. In four years, across almost 400 stock picks, Moby’s recommendations have beaten the S&P 500 by almost 12% on average.

Diversifying your portfolio is also key to weathering the ebbs and flows of the market. You might consider investments in the commodities market, with savings vehicles like a gold IRA with help from American Hartford Gold.

Gold investments can help stabilize your retirement portfolio and protect it against market volatility. A gold IRA can help buffer you from inflation’s money-eroding impacts.

Request your free precious metals information kit from American Hartford Gold to learn more about this type of investing.

If you prefer a passive approach to investing that can take place in the background while you spend on everyday items, then Acorns might be for you.

One way you can make your purchases productive is with Acorns is an automated investing and saving platform that simplifies the process of setting aside extra funds.

Every time you make a purchase on a credit or debit card, Acorns will round it up to the nearest dollar, and put the rest into a smart investment portfolio.

Plus, Acorns lets you customize how you save. With an Acorns Silver plan, you get access to Acorns Later, a retirement investment account with a 1% IRA match on new contributions. With Acorns Gold, you get a 3% IRA match on new contributions and the ability to customize your portfolio by selecting your own stocks.

For a limited time, sign up here for a $20 bonus investment to get you started on the right foot.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

Back in 2012, Warren Buffett told CNBC that if there was a way to buy thousands of single-family homes at once, and to manage them easily, he would “load up.”

He also emphasized he’d take out mortgages at “Very, very low rates.”

For Buffett, those low mortgage rates were what made housing such a great opportunity. He’s a value investor after all, which means he seeks investments with low prices relative to what they’re actually worth.

And at the time, consumer confidence was low, driving housing prices down. Buffett’s advice in those market moments? “Be greedy when others are fearful.”

Indeed, it would have paid off for the typical American homebuyer. The median price of an American home was $180,000 in 2012. Now it’s 134% higher, sitting around $420,400.

The question is, with prices and interest rates now so much higher than they were, would Buffett’s sentiment still hold for real estate as an investment now?

Invest with a mortgage

The average rate for a 30-year mortgage was 3.65% in 2012. These days, a 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 7.13%.

So, Buffett would probably be a little bit less jazzed on home buying in 2024.

That said, markets are cyclical. Usually (or at least in the world of interest rates) what goes up will eventually come down.

No matter what happens to interest rates, you’ll want to ensure you’re shopping around for the best rate possible–because the search really does pay off.

According to research from Freddie Mac, borrowers who applied for mortgages from two lenders saved up to $600 annually. And if they applied for four or more, those cost savings doubled to $1,200 every year.

For an efficient way to shop for rates, Mortgage Research Center (MRC) helps you quickly compare rates and estimate your monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders. All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself, such as your zip code, your desired property type, price range and annual income.

Based on the information you provide, MRC will show you mortgage offers tailored to your needs. After you match with a desired lender, you can set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you’ve found the right fit.

For those refinancing an existing mortgage, MRC can even help you find a better rate than what you currently have.

Become a landlord without the work

Buffett also clarified that in his dream world of buying all of those homes, he’d need to find an easy way to manage them as investments, too.

Several real estate crowdfunding platforms are currently stripping out the management and admin that’s usually required when you invest in real estate.

For example, With Arrived, you can add rental properties to your investment portfolio for as little as $100 without needing to do any of the heavy lifting or legwork associated with being a landlord.

Arrived’s easy-to-use platform offers SEC-qualified investments such as rental homes and vacation rentals.

Its flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work, like paying for maintenance or securing tenants.

Here’s how it works: You can start by browsing a curated selection of homes, vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, choose the number of shares you want to buy.

Then there’s commercial real estate. As an investment, it’s even more challenging to access and manage. And while some commercial investment opportunities are expected to witness weaker growth in 2025, they are not all one-and-the-same. Real estate for essential businesses, like grocery stores and health care facilities, is still popular because it has proven resilient to the broader e-commerce transition.

And First National Realty Partners allows accredited individual investors to access these types of necessity-based, institutional-quality commercial real estate investments — without having to do the research or manage tenants.

The FNRP team has relationships with the nation’s largest essential-needs brands, including Kroger, Walmart and Whole Foods, and provides insights into the best properties both on and off-market. And since the investments are necessity-based, they tend to perform well during times of economic volatility and act as a hedge against inflation.

You can engage with experts, explore deals, and easily make an allocation, all in one personalized portal.

Choosing in-demand markets

Generally, Buffett isn’t a huge fan of investing in real estate for returns. He tends to prefer the stock market, because it can be easier to pinpoint companies with strong growth potential. Real estate can be a bit murkier. That said, he has invested in REITs, and sold his stake in STORE Capital’s REIT after it was acquired by Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund.

If you are looking for an easy way to invest in real estate projects in high-demand U.S.regions, you can buy real-estate-backed bonds with Worthy Bonds that earn a fixed rate of 7% APY.

Worthy Bond proceeds are used to provide secured loans to American real estate projects, including affordable housing, which help strengthen local economies. So you can invest for your future and the future of American communities.

You can also set up a recurring investment plan through auto purchase, and Worthy Bonds will do the rest. What’s more, their roundup feature allows you to automatically invest spare change from everyday purchases.

Sign up today and get started with just $10.

If you’re interested in REITs, DLP Capital offers tax-advantaged, private REITs through various investment funds.

DLP Capital aims to deliver annual returns in the range of 9% and 13% — at par with the S&P 500 index’s 10.26% median annual return. The firm’s success speaks for itself. DLP Housing Fund has delivered 19.47% returns annually between 2020 and 2023.

Accredited investors can earn passive income through monthly, quarterly, or annual distributions, all while benefitting from portfolio diversification and a potentially lower tax bill.

DLP also facilitates the investing process, so real estate investing can be as simple as Buffett dreamed of back in 2012.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

According to the New York Times, Trump’s election victory might usher in a long-awaited boost to the art world.

That’s based on assumptions that he will cut taxes for America’s wealthiest citizens, which could in turn foster greater demand for luxury industries — such as the historically elite art world.

The NYT report suggested that a banana may be the unlikely indicator of whether this optimism is realistic, too.

Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan made headlines by putting the banana, which debuted duct-taped to a wall in 2019l, up for auction, which was estimated to sell for $1.1-$1.5 million.

In November, the banana raked in a whopping $6.2 million.

Does this indicate that the ‘Trump Bump’ is the real deal?

What exactly is the ‘Trump Bump’?

The idea behind a “Trump Bump” for art is that the president-elect will decrease taxes in an effort to increase investment and improve the economy.

For those who can afford luxury art, this might give them more confidence that they will have more discretionary income for high-cost purchases like art.

Critics say this could make the art market increasingly out of reach for most Americans.

One of the firms looking to increase access to art is Masterworks. Instead of spending millions on a single painting (or piece of fruit) at auction, investors can now purchase fractional shares of blue-chip paintings by renowned artists including Pablo Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Banksy.

You can browse Masterworks’ impressive portfolio, choose how many shares you’d like to buy, and once the firm sells the piece you’re invested in, you’ll get a return from the net proceeds — and Masterworks has already sold roughly $45 million worth of art to date.

What does an art market boost mean for me?

While the Trump Bump may spark an initial spurt of market confidence, successful investing requires careful planning and a long-term horizon. The key to that is diversification, cushioning your investment portfolio from inevitable market fluctuations.

According to Deloitte, art has a low correlation with stocks. Meaning, when the stock market is down, art may be performing relatively better, and when stocks are up, art may be comparatively weaker. In that way, it can be helpful for diversification.

If you’re looking to diversify your portfolio as a hedge against stock market fluctuations, Masterworks can help with this sort of portfolio diversification, too. Since launching in 2019, they have exited 23 of their paintings, all at a profit. Just like any investment, art takes patience, and you need a relatively long-term horizon to see meaningful returns.

Masterworks investors have realized representative annualized net returns like +17.6%, +17.8%, and +21.5%* (among assets held for longer than one year).

New offerings often sell out quickly but you can skip the waitlist here.

• See important Regulation A disclosures at Masterworks.com/cd

What about crypto?

News of Trump’s electoral win has also given the crypto market a boost. Bitcoin has reached unprecedented highs, rising above $90,000 last week. Interestingly, the duct-taped banana was even purchased with cryptocurrency, showing how digital assets are also fueling the art market’s surge.

In an address at Nashville’s Bitcoin2024 conference, Trump said “the United States will be the crypto capital of the planet, and the bitcoin superpower of the world.”

Unlike art, optimism for the crypto market has less to do with tax cuts, and more with expectations Trump could deregulate the industry. He also wants the US government to hold more Bitcoin. In doing so, he could increase the digital currency’s legitimacy and lead to an increase of its price, too.

For those interested in investing in digital currencies, Robinhood Crypto is a platform where you can buy, sell, and store digital currencies including Bitcoin.

On average, it also offers the lowest cost to trade crypto – meaning, you could get up to 3.6% more crypto on a Robinhood transaction. You can also set up recurring buys to turn crypto investing into a routine by creating an automated investing schedule.

What about the stock market

While art and stock performance haven’t been too closely correlated, crypto and stocks share much more overlap in terms of their driving forces.

For instance, rising interest rates tend to decrease prices and demand for crypto and stocks, while falling rates tend to have the opposite effect.

While Trump’s presidency may have given these markets a leg up, they have also benefited from a recent rate cut. The U.S. Fed’s decision to cut rates by 0.25% at the start of November has ushered in some stock market confidence.

Understanding market behaviour is key to making strong, long-term investing decisions.

Moby gives you access to the best investing research, broken down into simple, easy to understand formats. The platform was launched by a team of former hedge fund analysts, and it provides individual stock picks.

The platform has already helped over five million users, and Moby’s success speaks for itself. The platform’s stock picks have outperformed the S&P 500 index by an average of 11.95% over the past four years.

The bottom line: Invest for the long run

Across art, crypto, and stocks, the Trump Bump has conjured up optimism and short-term gains. But keep in mind that in the last 75 years, American elections have not impacted the medium to long term for the US stock market. That’s why it’s so important to invest in what you want to hold, regardless of who’s in power. A good example of that is gold, which has proven a resilient investment for the long run to stabilize your finances.

This year, the price of gold continually hit unprecedented highs, and Goldman Sachs suggests the precious metal will rise another 11% by the end of 2025, according to a report from Business Insider.

You can invest directly in gold by opening a gold IRA account with the help of Preserve Gold. It’s designed to provide a secure and stable investment option for the long run, enhancing your portfolio’s diversification and safeguarding against economic uncertainties, too.

You don’t have to pay any fees on your gold IRA for up to 5 years, and can rollover your existing 401(k) or IRA accounts without incurring any penalties. They also offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, which means you get competitive rates to purchase and store your precious metals.

Sign up today to get a free investor guide.You can also book a free consultation with Preserve Gold’s specialists to discuss if a gold IRA is right for you.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

In October, financial guru Dave Ramsey made a lofty claim: any American could become a millionaire if they followed his eight principles.

These guiding pillars are all based on Ramsey’s National Study of Millionaires, which surveyed 10,000 millionaires across the country in 2017-2018.

The research found 79% of millionaires didn’t receive an inheritance at all. That’s why he emphasizes that becoming a millionaire has nothing to do with generational wealth (or lack thereof). The study also uncovered that 62% of millionaires graduated from public or state schools. So, Ramsey says the place you got your university degree from is really irrelevant. too.

What does matter, according to Ramsey, is how you handle the money you do have. Here are his top tips for achieving a seven figure net worth.

5. Work with an investing professional

If you want to become a millionaire, you may spend a lot of time thinking or even fantasizing about reaching that seven-figure mark. But the above steps are often against our urge to spend, and the temptation to get sucked into comparison culture.

Working with a trusted professional is a great way to avoid those traps. And according to Ramsey, it’s one of the smartest things you can do for your money.

With Advisor.com, you can find the right financial professional to help you fulfill your wealth goals. It’s a free service that helps you find the right financial advisor for you,by matching you with a small list of the best options for you to choose from.

Set up a free, no-obligation consultation with one of their pre-screened financial advisors today.

4. Cut unnecessary expenses

The research also found that most millionaires relied on making a grocery list, and sticking to it, when shopping. Ramsey suggests this is because they stay focused on buying what they need, not just what they want.

This strict spending also applies to bills and monthly or yearly expenses. With both home and auto insurance, you want to ensure you’re not overpaying for protection.

You can compare rates offered on auto insurance by various lenders through OfficialCar Insurance. All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself and the vehicle you drive, and OfficialCarInsurance will show you rates offered by leading insurance providers like Progressive, Allstate, and GEICO. You can then compare the rates and select one best suited to your budget.

You can find rates as low as $29 per month for free through OfficialCarInsurance within minutes.

Another expense that likely takes a big chunk out of your monthly paycheck is home insurance premiums. In 2023 alone, home insurance costs rose by an average of 12%, according to the S&P Global Market Intelligence analysis. On top of this, insurance rates rose by 6.9% in the first half of 2024.

But you don’t have to keep overpaying for this expense. You can shop around for rates and save up to $980 per year through BestMoney.com.

The process is simple: Enter some information about your home and finances, and BestMoney.com will show you a list of lenders near you offering competitive rates. You can review all the offers in one place and find the coverage you need at the lowest possible cost.

3. Make savings a priority

Dave Ramsey will be the first to tell you: Once you’ve started saving, you have to stick with it.

According to Ramsey, the goal should be to put at least 15% of your income into tax-advantaged accounts like a 401(k) and Roth IRA. Investing 15% of your income toward retirement can shorten the time it takes to hit the millionaire mark by 20 years or less. That’s the power of securing high-interest accounts and capitalizing on compound returns over time.

For instance, Discover offers certificates of deposits with maturities ranging from three months to 10 years.

Right now, Discover is offering 4.10% APY on a 12-month term — which is much higher than the average 0.05% APY offered on some accounts offered by other big banks across the U.S.

Discover has no fees associated with its accounts and you don’t need a minimum deposit to start.

However with CDs, if you withdraw the money before the end of the term, you’ll face penalty fees. But there are options for your accessible cash well.

Then there’s Public’s high-yield cash account, with an industry-leading 4.6% APY. While that’s slightly lower than Discover’s CD rate, this account differs from a CD because you can withdraw at any time.

There are also no fees and no minimum balance required, allowing your cash to grow more effectively over time.

To pick a high-yield savings account that is best for you, check out the Moneywise list of the Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of 2024 to compare your options. These accounts promise to earn you a greater return than just keeping cash in any old checking account.

2. Invest early and consistently

Once you’re debt-free (that doesn’t include your mortgage) you want to start saving as early and often as you can.

In fact, most of the millionaires Ramsey surveyed said they reached that milestone through consistent investing.

Platforms like Acorns make consistent investing easy by allowing you to save and invest just by making your everyday purchases. When you make a purchase on your credit or debit card,

Acorns automatically rounds up the price to the nearest dollar and places the excess into a smart investment portfolio. This way, even the smallest spending translates to money saved for the future.

Sign up now and you can get a $20 bonus investment.

1. Stay away from debt

And the first step to money management is avoiding debt, according to Ramsey. Of course, that’s easier said than done for most Americans.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 77% of households have at least some type of debt. If you’re among this group, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best possible rate.

Credible is a free online service that shows you the best lending options to pay off your credit card debt fast, while saving interest.

Credible’s platform lets you compare loans and interest rates, and in just two minutes, you can browse available lenders offering debt consolidation loans.

The other three rules on Ramsey’s list are:

• Increase your income to reach your goal faster Ramsey’s next step is to boost your income in order to speed up the process. But bear in mind that one-third of all surveyed millionaires never made a six-figure salary in a given working year.
• Keep your millionaire goal front and center: This one may seem easy, but it’s the next step that really helps you lock it in.
• Put your plan on repeat: Last but not least, you want to give yourself time to let compound growth do its thing. Ramsey’s key piece of advice is believing in the process and sticking with it, even when the going gets tough.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.