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Author: Jing Pan

  • Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

    Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

    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 light of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs and the uncertainty surrounding them, many experts are warning that America may be headed for a recession. But according to Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki, something far worse is looming.

    “In 2025 credit card debt is at all time highs. U.S. debt is at all time highs. Unemployment is rising. 401(k)’s are losing,” he wrote in an X post on April 18. “U.S.A. may be heading for a GREATER DEPRESSION.”

    According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Americans now owe a record $1.21 trillion on their credit cards. The U.S. National debt has climbed to $36.22 trillion. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2% in March, and retirees are watching their 401(k)s shrink amid ongoing market volatility.

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    The Great Depression of the 1930s was the worst economic crisis in modern history — marked by mass unemployment, widespread poverty and a collapse in consumer and business confidence. But by calling the next downturn a “Greater Depression,” Kiyosaki suggests it could be even more devastating.

    As he put it, “This coming Great Depression will cause millions to be poor … and a few who take action, may enjoy great wealth and freedom.”

    So, what kind of action is he recommending?

    “For those who take action today, when the crash crashes, those who invest in just one Bitcoin, or some gold, or silver … You may come through this crisis a very rich person,” Kiyosaki wrote.

    That advice should come as no surprise — Kiyosaki has long been a vocal proponent of these alternative assets, which he backed by making a bold prediction.

    “I strongly believe, by 2035, that one Bitcoin will be over $1 million. Gold will be $30K and silver $3,000 a coin,” he wrote.

    Let’s take a closer look at the assets he’s championing.

    Precious metals

    Kiyosaki’s endorsement of gold and silver is nothing new — he’s been advocating for precious metals for decades.

    Back in October 2023, he wrote on X: “Gold will soon break through $2,100 and then take off. You will wish you had bought gold below $2,000. Next stop, gold $3,700.”

    Gold prices surged in 2024 and have continued to climb through 2025, now trading around $3,300 per ounce.

    Gold has long been viewed as a safe haven. It’s not tied to any one country, currency or economy. It can’t be printed out of thin air like fiat money, and in times of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, investors tend to pile in — driving up its value.

    Ray Dalio, founder Bridgewater Associates — the world’s largest hedge fund — told CNBC in February: “People don’t have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio,” adding that, “when bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier.”

    Opting for a gold IRA gives you the opportunity to hedge against market volatility by allowing you to invest directly in physical precious metals rather than stocks and bonds.

    If you’d like to convert an existing IRA into a gold IRA, companies typically offer 100% free rollover. Others might offer free gold, silver or other metals up to a certain amount when you make a qualifying purchase.

    You can check out the Moneywise list of industry-leading companies offering gold IRAs here.

    Compare offers instantly and request a free information guide to help you understand how to diversify your portfolio and secure your retirement fund.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Real estate — revisited

    “Your house is not an asset” Kiyosaki once said during an interview with finance YouTuber Sharan Hegde in September 2023. “What is the definition of the word? If it puts money in my pocket, it’s an asset. If my house is taking money from my pocket, it’s a liability.”

    His point being that owning the home you live in often takes money out of your pocket in the form of mortgage payments, utilities, taxes and maintenance costs. Rental properties, however, are a different story.

    According to the Rich Dad website, rental properties can generate significant, regular cash flow when purchased and managed wisely. Additionally, increases in rents and property values over time can create “an important supplementary revenue stream.” While all investments carry some risk, cash-flowing properties are “generally less subject to the daily ups and downs” of the market.

    Today, you don’t need to be as wealthy as Kiyosaki to get started in real estate investing. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived offer an easy way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class.

    With Arrived, you can invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.

    The process is simple: browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase, and then sit back as you start receiving rental income deposits from your investment.

    For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $34.9 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

    With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

    With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 12% to 18%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

    Bitcoin

    Bitcoin has been one of the top-performing assets of the past decade — and Kiyosaki is betting it still has room to run.

    On Nov. 29, he predicted on X: “Bitcoin will soon break $100,000.” On Dec. 4, the cryptocurrency surpassed that milestone, grabbing headlines worldwide.

    Although Bitcoin has since dipped below $100,000, Kiyosaki’s long-term forecast remains ambitious: $1 million per coin by 2035.

    He’s not alone in that view. Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey said in an interview with Pirate Wires published in May 2024 that Bitcoin could hit “at least” $1 million by 2030 — and possibly go even higher.

    For those looking to hop on the bitcoin bandwagon, new crypto platforms have made it easier for everyday investors.

    For instance, Gemini is a full-reserve and regulated cryptocurrency exchange and custodian, which allows users to buy, sell and stores bitcoin and 70 other cryptocurrencies.

    You can place instant, recurring and limit buys on our growing and vetted list of available cryptos.

    But if you’re not ready to buy just yet, you can still invest in crypto with their Gemini credit card.

    What to read next

    Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

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

  • Warren Buffett says this 1 US asset class offers ‘so much more opportunity’ than real estate — and a young Charlie Munger would’ve picked it ‘in a second’ over property. Do you own enough?

    Warren Buffett says this 1 US asset class offers ‘so much more opportunity’ than real estate — and a young Charlie Munger would’ve picked it ‘in a second’ over property. Do you own enough?

    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.

    Real estate has long been a go-to asset for building wealth in America, offering income through rent and potential gains through appreciation. But according to investing legend Warren Buffett, there’s one asset class he — and his late business partner Charlie Munger — would take over property any day.

    “There’s just so much more opportunity — at least in the United States — that presents itself in the security market than it does in real estate,” Buffett said at Berkshire Hathaway’s latest annual shareholders meeting, when asked why he isn’t buying more real estate.

    Buffett pointed to the complexity and sluggishness of real estate deals compared to the ease and speed of stock transactions.

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    “In respect to real estate, it’s so much harder than stocks in terms of negotiation of deals, time spent, the involvement of multiple parties in the ownership,” he said. “Usually when real estate gets in trouble, you find out you’re dealing with more than an equity holder.”

    While Munger, who served as Berkshire’s vice chairman until his death in 2023, “enjoyed” real estate and did “a fair number” of deals in his final years, Buffett believes Munger’s true allegiance was always clear.

    “I think if you’d asked him to make a choice when he was 21, that he’d either be in stocks exclusively the rest of his life or real estate the rest of his life, he would have chosen stocks in a second,” Buffett said.

    For Buffett, the simplicity of stock investing is hard to beat. He noted that you can walk down to the New York Stock Exchange and “do billions of dollars worth of business totally anonymously,” all within five minutes.

    Real estate, by contrast, is a slow grind. “[The negotiation] just begins when you agree on deals — and then they take forever,” he said.

    At his age, Buffett’s takeaway is clear: “For a guy at 94, it’s not the most interesting thing to get involved in something where the negotiations could take years.”

    How to invest like Buffett

    Buffett has built his legacy on seizing opportunities in the stock market. Under his leadership, Berkshire Hathaway has delivered enormous returns to shareholders over the decades.

    And while the Oracle of Omaha plans to step down as CEO later this year, everyday investors can still follow one timeless strategy he champions — no stock-picking skills required.

    “In my view, for most people, the best thing to do is own the S&P 500 index fund,” Buffett famously said.

    This approach gives investors exposure to 500 of America’s largest companies across a wide range of industries, providing instant diversification without the need for constant monitoring or active management.

    Buffett’s belief in this strategy runs so deep, he’s built it into his own estate plan — directing that 90% of his wife’s inheritance be invested in “a very low-cost S&P 500 index fund” after his passing.

    The beauty of this approach is its accessibility — anyone, regardless of wealth, can take advantage of it. Even small amounts can grow over time, and some apps like Acorns automatically invest your spare change.

    Signing up for Acorns takes just minutes: link your cards, and Acorns will round up each purchase to the nearest dollar, investing the difference — your spare change — into a diversified portfolio. With Acorns, you can invest in an S&P 500 ETF with as little as $5 — and if you sign up today, Acorns will add a $20 bonus to help you begin your investment journey.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    How to invest in real estate without the headaches

    While Buffett doesn’t mince words about the complexities of real estate, he still points to it as a prime example of a productive, income-generating asset.

    In 2022, Buffett stated that if you offered him “1% of all the apartment houses in the country” for $25 billion, he would “write you a check.”

    Why? Regardless of what’s happening in the broader economy, people still need a place to live. And with an estimated shortage of 4.5 million homes in the U.S., the demand for rental housing remains strong, helping keep occupancy rates high and rental income flowing.

    But Buffett’s caution about how real estate transactions still holds true — even at the individual level. In the U.S., it typically takes 30 to 60 days to close on a home after an offer is accepted. Conditions, clauses and financing delays can drag the process out even further.

    The good news? These days, you don’t need to buy an entire property — or hunt for deals yourself — to start investing in real estate.

    For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

    With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

    With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

    If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allow you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

    Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

    Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allow accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

    What to read next

    Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

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

  • This top EU official admits ‘Trump is right’ about his China warning — agrees the Asian powerhouse is a ‘serious problem’ that threatens us all. Here’s why and how to protect yourself

    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.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hasn’t shied away from criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump — especially when it comes to his sweeping tariffs. But lately, the two have aligned on a shared concern: China.

    “When we focus our attention on tariffs between partners, it diverts our energy from the real challenge — one that threatens us all,” von der Leyen said during the “Global economic outlook” roundtable at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.

    “On this point, Donald is right — there is a serious problem,” she admitted. “The biggest collective problem we have has its origins in the accession of China to the WTO in 2001 … China has largely shown … unwillingness to live within the constraints of the rules based international system.”

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    In particular, von der Leyen accused China of “undercutting intellectual property protections” and providing “massive subsidies with the aim to dominate global manufacturing and supply chains.”

    She said China’s actions don’t reflect fair market competition, but instead represent “distortion with intent,” which she warned undermines the manufacturing sectors of its trading partners.

    In her statement, von der Leyen urged G7 nations to confront the issue together, noting that the bloc represents 45% of global GDP and more than 80% of global intellectual property revenues — leverage that could be used to pressure China.

    The European Commission chief also revealed she is “working closely” with Trump on a mutually beneficial trade agreement.

    Her remarks echo Trump’s long-standing warnings about China — and add momentum to the broader push among Western nations to rethink their economic ties.

    For investors, it could be a wake-up call: When global power shifts, it pays to have something solid in your corner.

    A time-tested safe haven

    With global tensions rising and major economies reassessing their trade ties, investors are turning to assets that can hold up in turbulent times. One that continues to stand out, according to legendary hedge fund manager Ray Dalio, is gold.

    “People don’t have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio,” Dalio told CNBC earlier this year. “When bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier.”

    Long seen as the ultimate safe haven, gold isn’t tied to any single country, currency or economy. It can’t be printed out of thin air like fiat money, and in times of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, investors tend to pile in — driving up its value.

    Over the past 12 months, gold prices have surged more than 40%.

    One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Goldco.

    Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an option for those seeking to ensure their retirement funds are well-shielded against economic uncertainties.

    Goldco offers free shipping and access to a library of retirement resources. Plus, the company will match up to 10% of qualified purchases in free silver.

    If you’re curious whether this is the right investment to diversify your portfolio, you can download your free gold and silver information guide today.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    The asset that made Trump rich

    If gold is the common go-to hedge for moments of chaos, real estate is the long game — and no one knows that better than Trump himself.

    Before politics, Trump made his fortune in real estate — and the asset class remains a powerful tool for building and preserving wealth, especially during inflationary times. That’s because property values and rental income tend to rise along with the cost of living.

    Unlike some other investments, real estate doesn’t need a roaring stock market to deliver returns. Even during downturns, high-quality properties can generate rental income — offering a dependable stream of passive cash flow.

    As Trump told Steve Forbes back in 2011, “I just notice that when you have that right piece of property, whatever it might be, including location, it tends to work well in good times and in bad times.”

    Today, you don’t need to buy a property outright to benefit from real estate investing. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived offer an easier way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class.

    Backed by world class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.

    The process is simple: Browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase, and then sit back as you start receiving any positive rental income distributions from your investment.

    Another option is Homeshares, which gives accredited investors access to the $35 trillion U.S. home equity market — a space that’s historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

    With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

    With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

    What to read next

    Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

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

  • Trump says Americans ‘have eggs for breakfast again’ — claims prices have come down a staggering 400%. But is his math all scrambled?

    Trump says Americans ‘have eggs for breakfast again’ — claims prices have come down a staggering 400%. But is his math all scrambled?

    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.

    High egg prices have surprised many Americans over the past few years — from viral TikToks showing $12 cartons to the question “Why are eggs so expensive?” climbing to the top of Google search trends. But according to President Donald Trump, the situation has taken a dramatic turn.

    “Remember eggs? We weren’t able to buy another egg for the next 20 years — they were so expensive, right?” Trump recently told reporters at the White House. “Eggs have come down 400%. Everybody has eggs now. They have eggs for breakfast again.”

    A clip of the speech has gone viral on social media, with users questioning the math behind Trump’s claim. After all, a 100% drop would mean prices fell to zero. A 400% drop would imply prices have turned negative — which clearly hasn’t happened.

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    So, how much have egg prices actually dropped?

    According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Egg Markets Overview dated June 6, 2025, the national wholesale price for eggs is $2.63 per dozen. That’s down from $6.55 per dozen during the week ending Jan. 24, 2025 — a decline of roughly 60% since Trump’s inauguration. A sharp drop, no doubt, but a far cry from 400%.

    Of course, eggs are just one part of the grocery bill, and food prices remain a burden for many American households. The Food in U.S. City Average Consumer Price Index has climbed roughly 26% over the past five years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    In other words, while headline inflation has cooled since peaking at a 40-year high of 9.1% in June 2022, food prices remain stubbornly high. The USDA projects overall food prices will rise another 2.9% in 2025.

    The blunt reality is, inflation is still chipping away at Americans’ purchasing power. The good news? Throughout history, savvy investors have often found ways to shield themselves from inflation’s bite — regardless of who’s in the White House.

    A classic safe haven

    When it comes to preserving wealth and guarding against inflation, few assets have stood the test of time like gold.

    Its appeal is simple. Unlike fiat currency, the yellow metal can’t be printed at will by central banks.

    Gold is also considered a classic safe haven. It’s not tied to any one country, currency or economy, and in times of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, investors often flock to it — driving prices higher.

    That may help explain why, while markets are getting whipsawed by tariff uncertainty and global tensions, gold has emerged as a bright spot. Over the past 12 months, the price of the precious metal has surged by more than 40%.

    One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Priority Gold.

    Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an option for those looking to help shield their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

    When you make a qualifying purchase with Priority Gold, you can receive up to $10,000 in silver for free.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    A time-tested income play

    Gold isn’t the only asset investors turn to during inflationary times. Real estate has also proven to be a powerful hedge.

    When inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that adjusts for inflation.

    Over the past five years, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index has jumped by more than 50%, reflecting strong demand and limited housing supply.

    One way to invest in real estate is by purchasing rental properties and becoming a landlord. But for the average American who wants to avoid the need for a hefty down payment or the burden of property management, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived make it easier to slice yourself up a piece of that pie.

    Backed by world class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.

    The process is simple: Browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase, and then sit back as you start receiving any positive rental income distributions from your investment.

    Another option is Homeshares, which gives accredited investors access to the $35 trillion U.S. home equity market — a space that’s historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

    With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

    With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

    A finer alternative

    It’s easy to see why great works of art tend to appreciate over time. Supply is limited and many famous pieces have already been snatched up by museums and collectors. Art also has a low correlation with stocks and bonds, which helps with diversification.

    In 2022, a collection of art owned by the late Microsoft Co-founder Paul Allen sold for $1.5 billion at Christie’s New York, making it the most valuable collection in auction history.

    Investing in art was traditionally a privilege reserved for the ultra-wealthy.

    Now, that’s changed with Masterworks — a platform for investing in shares of blue-chip artwork by renowned artists, including Pablo Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Banksy. It’s easy to use, and with 23 successful exits to date, every one of them has been profitable thus far.

    Simply browse their impressive portfolio of paintings and choose how many shares you’d like to buy. Masterworks will handle all the details, making high-end art investments both accessible and effortless.

    Masterworks has distributed roughly $61 million back to investors. New offerings have sold out in minutes, but you can skip their waitlist here.

    What to read next

    Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

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

  • The US Treasury shocked Americans with a $258 billion surplus — its 2nd biggest monthly surplus in history. Is Trump’s plan surprisingly working?

    The US Treasury shocked Americans with a $258 billion surplus — its 2nd biggest monthly surplus in history. Is Trump’s plan surprisingly working?

    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.

    Budget deficits are something we’ve come to expect from Uncle Sam. After all, without years of overspending, the federal government wouldn’t be sitting on trillions of dollars in debt. But, the latest monthly Treasury statement delivered a rare — and welcome — surprise.

    In April 2025, the U.S. government collected $850.2 billion in receipts while spending $591.8 billion, resulting in a monthly budget surplus of $258.4 billion.

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    That’s not just any surplus — it’s the first monthly surplus of fiscal year 2025 (which began in October 2024), and the second-largest monthly surplus in U.S. history, behind only April 2022’s $308.2 billion surplus.

    Does that mean President Trump’s plan is working?

    According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the surplus was driven by “large individual tax deposits,” with April being the due date for final payments on prior-year taxes and the first installment of quarterly estimated taxes for many individuals and businesses.

    Individual income taxes alone brought in $537 billion — by far the biggest contributor to government revenue for April. Social insurance and retirement receipts followed at $184 billion, while corporate income taxes added $94 billion.

    Customs duties — a reflection of Trump’s tariffs — generated $15.6 billion in April, more than double the $6.3 billion collected during the same month last year. Still, tariff revenue remains modest compared to other major contributors.

    On the spending side, the biggest outlay for the month was Social Security at $132 billion, followed by $89 billion in net interest, $82 billion for Medicare, $76 billion for health and $70 billion for national defense.

    Despite the hefty surplus, one strong month isn’t enough to reverse the broader fiscal trend. From October 1 through April 30, the U.S. government brought in $3.110 trillion in revenue but spent $4.159 trillion — resulting in a $1.049 trillion deficit for the fiscal year so far.

    So it’s no surprise the national debt continues to soar. As of this writing, the total outstanding debt of the U.S. government sits at a staggering $36.212 trillion.

    The takeaway? To run a surplus, you have to earn more than you spend. That might be a tall order for a government juggling countless programs — but for individuals, it’s a surprisingly simple (and achievable) strategy.

    Here are a few ways to boost your own fiscal health in 2025 — and beyond.

    Cutting waste from your spending

    If you want to improve your finances, the first step is understanding where your money goes each month. Track all your expenses for 30 days, then sort them into two categories: necessities — like rent, groceries, utilities and health care — and discretionary spending, such as dining out, entertainment, shopping and hobbies.

    This breakdown gives you a clear picture of your spending habits and helps identify areas where you can cut back. But trimming waste isn’t just about skipping lattes or takeout. Even in essential categories — like car insurance or banking — you may be spending more than you need to. The good news? With a bit of research, those costs can often be significantly reduced.

    Stop overpaying for car insurance

    Car insurance is a major recurring expense, and many people overpay without realizing it. According to Forbes, the average cost of full-coverage car insurance is $2,149 per year (or $179 per month).

    However, rates can vary widely depending on your state, driving history and vehicle type, and you could be paying more than necessary.

    By using OfficialCarInsurance.com, you can easily compare quotes from multiple insurers, such as Progressive, Allstate and GEICO, to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

    In just two minutes, you could find rates as low as $29 per month.

    Stop wasting money on bank fees

    Bank fees can quietly drain your finances over time. Even comedian Bill Burr once complained to Joe Rogan about his bank taking $28 out of his account every month “for no reason.”

    In reality, many traditional banks charge anywhere from $5 to $35 per month in maintenance fees, overdraft fees and other hidden charges.

    Online banks, on the other hand, typically offer lower fees (or none at all) since they don’t have the same overhead costs as brick-and-mortar institutions.

    For example, you can open a high-yield checking and savings account with SoFi and earn up to 3.80% APY Plus, SoFi charges no account, monthly or overdraft fees.

    The best part? You can get up to $300 when you sign up with SoFi and set up a direct deposit.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Let your spare change grow

    One of the easiest ways to cut financial waste is by putting your spare change to work instead of letting it sit idle. That’s where micro-investing apps like Acorns come in.

    When you make a purchase on your credit or debit card, Acorns automatically rounds up the price to the nearest dollar and invests the difference — the coins that would wind up in your pocket if you were paying cash — into a diversified portfolio of ETFs.

    Buying a coffee for $3.40? The app rounds it up to $4 and invests the extra $0.60. Over time, those small amounts can add up — especially if you’re consistently spending and saving.

    It’s a simple, set-it-and-forget-it way to build wealth from money you might not even miss — and, if you sign up today, Acorns will add a $20 bonus to help you begin your investment journey.

    Create a steady passive income stream

    Cutting expenses is one way to create a surplus — but boosting income can be just as powerful. And while asking for a raise doesn’t always lead to results, there are ways to earn money without clocking in extra hours. That’s where passive income comes in: money that keeps flowing with minimal day-to-day effort.

    One of the most popular passive income strategies? Real estate.

    When you own a rental property, tenants pay you rent each month — providing a steady stream of cash flow. It’s also a time-tested hedge against inflation, since both property values and rental income tend to rise along with the cost of living.

    Of course, purchasing a property requires significant capital — and finding the right tenant takes time and effort.

    Homeshares, gives accredited investors access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market — a space that’s historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

    With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

    With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

    Another way to tap into this market is by investing in shares of vacation homes or rental properties through Arrived.

    Backed by world-class investors including Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of vacation and rental properties, earning a passive income stream without the extra work that comes with being a landlord of your own rental property.

    To get started, simply browse through their selection of vetted properties, each picked for their potential appreciation and income generation. Once you choose a property, you can start investing with as little as $100, potentially earning quarterly dividends.

    What to read next

    Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

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

  • Elon Musk just endorsed Warren Buffett’s ‘5-minute’ fix for America’s multi-trillion debt problem — and 1 senator is drafting constitutional change to make it real. Do you think it’ll work?

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    The U.S. government has been running budget deficits for years — consistently spending more than it collects. And while neither party has managed to rein in the red ink, legendary investor Warren Buffett once offered a surprisingly simple fix.

    "I could end the deficit in five minutes,” Buffett told CNBC’s Becky Quick in a 2011 interview. “You just pass a law that says that any time there’s a deficit of more than 3% of GDP, all sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election.”

    Now, that old clip is going viral again — and it’s gaining fresh support in high places.

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    Utah Senator Mike Lee reposted the video on X, asking the public, “Would you support this amendment?”

    The question sparked a wave of responses, including one from Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk, who replied: “100%. This is the way.”

    But Lee isn’t just crowdsourcing opinions — he’s trying to turn the idea into a reality.

    “I’m drafting a constitutional amendment to oust every member of Congress whenever inflation exceeds 3%. It’s better to disqualify politicians than for an entire nation to suffer under the yoke of inflation,” he wrote on X.

    A bold fix — but the numbers don’t look good for lawmakers

    While Lee referenced both inflation and deficits, the logic echoes Buffett’s frustration: tying lawmakers’ job security to the nation’s fiscal health.

    Economists have long noted a connection between excessive government spending and inflation. The late Nobel Prize–winning economist Milton Friedman once famously said, “What produces [inflation] is too much government spending and too much government creation of money and nothing else,” adding, “Only Washington can create money.”

    But enshrining that accountability into law — especially one that threatens every member of Congress with job loss — is a heavy lift.

    Buffett’s threshold was a deficit of more than 3% of GDP. In fiscal 2024, the U.S. economy generated $28.83 trillion in GDP, while the federal government spent $6.75 trillion and collected $4.92 trillion in revenue. That left a $1.83 trillion deficit — or 6.3% of GDP.

    By Buffett’s rule, every sitting member of Congress would be out — and many X users were quick to point that out.

    “The only problem is that the people we are suggesting be fired are the ones who get to vote on that. And they’re never going to vote for their own cancellation,” X user Lorrie Ann wrote. “This is why we need term limits and why they won’t even entertain the idea!”

    While the odds of implementing Buffett’s fix to solve America’s deficit problem are slim, there are plenty of tactics you can use to improve your own fiscal health — and in this case, your vote is the only one that counts.

    Here are a few ways to avoid running a deficit — and start building a personal surplus — in 2025 and beyond.

    Cutting waste from your spending

    If you want to improve your finances, the first step is understanding where your money goes each month. Track all your expenses for 30 days, then sort them into two categories: necessities — like rent, groceries, utilities and health care — and discretionary spending, such as dining out, entertainment, shopping and hobbies.

    This breakdown gives you a clear picture of your spending habits and helps identify areas where you can cut back. But trimming waste isn’t just about skipping lattes or takeout.

    Even in essential categories, you may be spending more than you need to. The good news? With a bit of research, those costs can often be significantly reduced.

    For instance, car insurance is a major recurring expense, and many people overpay without realizing it. According to Forbes, the average cost of full-coverage car insurance is $2,149 per year (or $179 per month).

    However, rates can vary widely depending on your state, driving history and vehicle type, and you could be paying more than necessary.

    By using OfficialCarInsurance.com, you can easily compare quotes from multiple insurers, such as Progressive, Allstate and GEICO, to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

    In just two minutes, you could find rates as low as $29 per month.

    Meanwhile, home insurance is another major expense where smart shoppers can save big.

    With OfficialHomeInsurance, comparing home insurance rates is fast and hassle-free. Just enter a few basic details and the platform will instantly sort through over 200 insurers to find you the best deals available in your area.

    You’ll be able to review all your offers in one place, and quickly find the coverage you need for the lowest possible cost, saving an average of $482 a year.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Create a steady passive income stream

    Trimming expenses is one way to create a surplus — but boosting income can be just as powerful. And while asking for a raise doesn’t always lead to results, there are ways to earn money without clocking in extra hours. That’s where passive income comes in: money that keeps flowing with minimal day-to-day effort.

    One of the most popular ways to tap into passive income potential is through real estate.

    When you own a rental property, tenants pay you rent each month — providing a steady stream of cash flow. It’s also a time-tested hedge against inflation, since both property values and rental income tend to rise along with the cost of living.

    Of course, purchasing a property requires significant capital — and finding the right tenant takes time and effort. But thanks to new investment platforms like Arrived, you don’t need to own a property outright to gain exposure to real estate.

    Backed by world class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.

    The process is simple: Browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase, and then sit back as you start receiving positive rental income distributions from your investment.

    Another option is Homeshares, which gives accredited investors access to the $35 trillion U.S. home equity market — a space that’s historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

    With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

    With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

    What to read next

    Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

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

  • US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the American dream isn’t ‘let them eat flat-screens’ or ‘cheap baubles from China’ — says Trump is focused on mortgages, cars, real wage gains

    US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the American dream isn’t ‘let them eat flat-screens’ or ‘cheap baubles from China’ — says Trump is focused on mortgages, cars, real wage gains

    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 a stunning reversal of policy, President Donald Trump slashed “Liberation day” tariffs on China from 145% to 30% for 90 days as of May 14.

    The landmark agreement between the world’s two largest economies has gained traction — erasing the stock market’s losses in the wake of “Liberation day” tariffs in early April.

    While negotiations are still ongoing, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the goal is to drive strategic decoupling between the two superpowers.

    “We do not want a generalized decoupling from China,” Bessent said during an interview with CNBC.

    “But what we do want is a decoupling for strategic necessities, which we were unable to obtain during Covid and we realized that efficient supply chains were not resilient supply chains.”

    Don’t miss

    However, industry-specific tariffs remain in place. This is part of Trump’s greater push to revive the country’s manufacturing sector.

    “We are going to create our own steel. [Tariffs] protect our steel industry. They work on critical medicines, on semiconductors,” Bessent said “We are doing that, and the reciprocal tariffs have nothing to do with the specific-industry tariffs.”

    But affordability remains one of the biggest concerns for Americans. The average tariff rate on imports stands at 17.8% — the highest since 1934. This is expected to cost median households in the U.S. approximately $2,800, according to a recent Yale Budget Lab report.

    However, Bessent argues that affordability isn’t just about cheap imports — it’s about ensuring Americans can build real financial security.

    “What I’m saying is the American dream is not ‘let them eat flat screens,’” Bessent noted during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press.

    “If American families aren’t able to afford a home, don’t believe that their children will do better than they are [doing], the American dream is not contingent on cheap baubles from China, it is more than that. And we are focused on affordability, but it’s mortgages, it’s cars, it’s real wage gains.”

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Housing affordability remains a pressing issue

    Bessent’s remarks highlight one of the most pressing financial issues for Americans today: the soaring cost of homeownership.

    Over the last decade, U.S. home prices have surged, with the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index nearly doubling. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has acknowledged the severity of the problem, pointing to supply constraints as a key driver.

    “The real issue with housing is that we have had, and are on track to continue to have, not enough housing,” Powell said at a press conference in September. He explained that “all aspects of housing” face challenges, including the zoning of land in desirable locations.

    “Where are we going to get the supply?” he asked.

    The gap between supply and demand is significant. An analysis by Zillow in June estimated the U.S. housing shortage at 4.5 million homes as of 2022.

    There’s also the issue of high mortgage rates, which stand at around 6.67%, meaning borrowing money to buy a home remains expensive.

    If you’re in the market for a home, Freddie Mac recommends shopping around by obtaining quotes from three to five lenders to secure the best mortgage rate possible. Even a small rate reduction can translate into significant savings over the life of a loan.

    To make this process easier, platforms like the Mortgage Research Center (MRC) can help you quickly compare rates and estimated monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders. By entering basic details — such as your zip code, property type, price range and annual income — you can view mortgage offers tailored to your needs and shop with confidence.

    Rising cost of car ownership

    Bessent also pointed to cars as part of America’s affordability issue. Even though pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions and chip shortages have eased, the cost of owning a car remains high.

    According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the total cost of owning and operating a new vehicle in 2024 has climbed to around $12,297 per year — or $1,024.71 per month.

    One major recurring expense is car insurance, and many people overpay without realizing it. According to Forbes, the national average cost for full-coverage car insurance in 2024 was $2,149 per year (or $179 per month). However, rates can vary widely depending on your state, driving history and vehicle type.

    By using OfficialCarInsurance.com, you can easily compare quotes from multiple insurers, such as Progressive, Allstate and GEICO, to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

    In just two minutes, you could find rates as low as $29 per month.

    Find additional sources of capital

    With home values higher than ever, you can make your home work harder for you by making the most of your equity. The average homeowner sits on roughly $311,000 in equity as of the third quarter of 2024, according to CoreLogic.

    Having access to your home equity could help to cover unexpected expenses, pay substantial debt, fund a major purchase like a home renovation or supplement income from your retirement nest egg.

    Rates on HELOCs and home equity loans are typically lower than APRs on credit cards and personal loans, making it an appealing option for homeowners with substantial equity.

    Unlock great low rates in minutes by shopping around. You can compare real loan rates offered by different lenders side-by-side through LendingTree.

    Just answer a few simple questions, and LendingTree will match you with up to 5 lenders 1 with low rates today.

    What to read next

    Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

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

  • ‘This guy is our Einstein’: Jamie Dimon says he and Elon Musk ‘hugged it out’ after dropping $162M Tesla lawsuit — vows to support the billionaire as much as he can. Here’s how to tag along

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    It’s not every day that high-profile figures put their differences aside — but that’s exactly what happened.

    During an appearance on CNBC, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon was asked about Tesla CEO Elon Musk, given their “complicated relationship.” Dimon didn’t hold back.

    “Elon and I have hugged it out,” he said.

    Don’t miss

    Dimon explained that Musk attended one of JPMorgan’s conferences, where the two had a “nice, long” conversation and settled some of their differences.

    That response might surprise some, considering JPMorgan sued Tesla in November 2021 for $162.2 million, alleging that the automaker breached a 2014 contract related to stock warrants. JPMorgan ultimately dropped the lawsuit in November 2024.

    But Dimon didn’t stop at reconciliation — he went on to heap praise on Musk’s achievements.

    “You’ve got to look at Elon — I mean SpaceX, I mean Tesla, Neuralink. I mean, the guy is our Einstein, and so I’d like to be helpful to him and his company as much as we can,” Dimon stated.

    Musk’s ventures speak for themselves. He leads Tesla, serves as chief engineer of SpaceX — which designs and launches rockets with ambitions to colonize Mars — and co-founded Neuralink, a company developing implantable brain-machine interfaces.

    Dimon isn’t the only business titan to recognize Musk’s impact. Legendary investor Warren Buffett has called Musk “a brilliant, brilliant guy,” adding that he wouldn’t want to “compete with Elon in a lot of things.”

    If you share this optimism, here are a few simple ways to invest alongside the serial entrepreneur.

    Tesla (TSLA)

    Musk has built several successful businesses, but none are as synonymous with his name as Tesla.

    With a net worth of $428 billion, according to Bloomberg, Musk is currently the richest person in the world, and Tesla equity remains his largest asset.

    While Tesla’s stock is known for its volatility, the company remains a behemoth in the automotive industry. With a market cap of approximately $1.27 trillion, Tesla is more than 10 times the size of Ford and General Motors combined.

    In 2024, Tesla produced 1,773,443 EVs and delivered 1,789,226 EVs. While both figures declined from 2023, Wall Street still sees potential upside in Tesla shares.

    For instance, Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives has an ‘outperform’ rating on Tesla and a price target of $550 — roughly 35% above where the stock sits as of Jan. 29.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Cryptocurrency

    Musk has long been one of the most influential voices in cryptocurrency.

    In 2021, he made his stance clear: “I’m a supporter of bitcoin and the idea of cryptocurrency in general.”

    At the time, he revealed that aside from Tesla and SpaceX, he personally owned Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Dogecoin (DOGE).

    Musk’s words often move markets, with his comments sometimes triggering sharp price swings in the crypto space. However, he has been transparent about his intentions.

    “If the price of bitcoin goes down, I lose money. I might pump, but I don’t dump,” Musk stated. “I definitely do not believe in getting the price high and selling, or anything like that. I would like to see Bitcoin succeed.”

    Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, has gained significant momentum since then, soaring past $100,000. One reason it attracts crypto enthusiasts is its built-in scarcity. Unlike fiat currencies, Bitcoin can’t be printed at will by central banks. Instead, its supply is capped at 21 million by mathematical algorithms.

    Gemini is a full-reserve and regulated cryptocurrency exchange and custodian, which allows users to buy, sell and store bitcoin and 70 other cryptocurrencies.

    You can place instant, recurring and limit buys on their growing and vetted list of available cryptos.

    But if you’re not ready to buy just yet, you can still invest in crypto with their Gemini credit card.

    Real estate

    In a March 2022 discussion on X about inflation, Elon Musk offered a straightforward piece of advice: “As a general principle, for those looking for advice from this thread, it is generally better to own physical things like a home or stock in companies you think make good products, than dollars when inflation is high.”

    His suggestion came at a critical moment, as inflation in the U.S. was surging, with the consumer price index (CPI) hitting a 40-year high of 9.1% year-over-year in June 2022.

    Musk had a point — real estate has long been considered a reliable hedge against inflation. When inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that adjusts with inflation.

    For years, direct access to the $22.5 trillion commercial real estate sector has been limited to a select group of elite investors — until now.

    First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties, without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

    With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

    Simply answer a few questions – including how much you would like to invest – to start browsing their full list of available properties.

    However, owning a share of a project or property this way holds some risk — for instance, you could receive no returns and these assets are often illiquid. Speak to a professional if this investment is right for you, especially if you are retired or close to retirement.

    While the real estate market can be prohibitive for first-time buyers due to still-cooling mortgage rates and rising home prices, there are still options for would-be real estate investors.

    For example, you can tap into this market by investing in shares of vacation homes or rental properties through Arrived.

    Backed by world-class investors including Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of vacation and rental properties, earning a passive income stream without the extra work that comes with being a landlord of your own rental property.

    To get started, simply browse through their selection of vetted properties, each picked for their potential appreciation and income generation. Once you choose a property, you can start investing with as little as $100, potentially earning quarterly dividends.

    What to read next

    Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

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

  • Warren Buffett warns against this 1 big money mistake during wartime — says it’s the ‘last thing’ you should do in ‘virtually’ every war. Are you making the same error as the US attacks Iran?

    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 U.S. has carried out strikes on three of Iran’s key nuclear sites. President Donald Trump recently claimed the facilities were “completely and totally obliterated,” while Iran vowed to CNN that America will “pay” for its attacks “directly.”

    Iran retaliated by firing missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar — and the threat of escalation is real. On the night of the initial U.S. strike, Trump warned on social media platform Truth that “any retaliation” by Iran against the U.S. would be met with “force far greater than what was witnessed tonight.”

    Don’t miss

    While Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran on June 23, it’s now in question — just hours later. Both countries have since violated the agreement, according to Trump.

    "We basically have two countires that have been fighting for so long and so hard, that they don’t know what the f— they’re doing," he told the press as he left for the NATO summit.

    For investors, the uncertainty is unsettling as the U.S. becomes further entangled in the Israel-Iran conflict. While geopolitical experts continue to weigh in, legendary investor Warren Buffett has offered a timeless perspective on what investors should — and shouldn’t — do during times of war.

    “The one thing you can be quite sure of is if we went into some very major war, the value of money would go down — that’s happened in virtually every war that I’m aware of,” Buffett told CNBC in 2014, the last time Russia invaded Ukraine.

    “The last thing you’d want to do is hold money during a war.”

    In times of heightened uncertainty — when markets swing on every headline — it can be tempting to retreat into cash for safety. But Buffett’s warning highlights a crucial point: War often fuels inflation. It typically brings a surge in government spending, reduced production of consumer goods and supply chain disruptions — all of which can drive prices higher.

    What should investors own then?

    “You might want to own a farm, you might want to own an apartment house, you might want to own securities,” he said.

    Let’s take a closer look at these assets.

    Securities

    To illustrate how stocks can perform during conflict, Buffett pointed to World War II.

    “During World War II, the stock market advanced — the stock market is going to advance over time. American businesses are going to be worth more money, dollars are going to be worth less, so that money won’t buy you quite as much,” he told CNBC.

    “But you’re going to be a lot better off owning productive assets over the next 50 years, than you will be owning pieces of paper.”

    Buffett has long championed a straightforward way for everyday investors to put this principle into action — no stock-picking skills required.

    “In my view, for most people, the best thing to do is own the S&P 500 index fund,” he once famously stated. This approach gives investors exposure to 500 of America’s largest companies across a wide range of industries, providing instant diversification without the need for constant monitoring or active management.

    The beauty of this approach is its accessibility — anyone, regardless of wealth, can take advantage of it. Even small amounts can grow over time with tools like Acorns, a popular app that automatically invests your spare change.

    Signing up for Acorns takes just minutes. Link your cards, and Acorns will round up each purchase to the nearest dollar, investing the difference — your spare change — into a diversified portfolio. With Acorns, you can invest in an S&P 500 ETF with as little as $5 — and, if you sign up today, Acorns will add a $20 bonus to help you begin your investment journey.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Real estate

    In that 2014 interview, Buffett named “apartment houses” as one of the assets you might want to own during wartime. He has repeatedly pointed to real estate as a prime example of a productive, income-generating asset.

    In 2022, Buffett stated that if you offered him “1% of all the apartment houses in the country” for $25 billion, he would “write you a check.”

    Why? Because no matter what’s happening in the broader economy, people still need a place to live and apartments can consistently produce rental income.

    Real estate also provides a natural hedge against inflation. When inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that adjusts with inflation.

    The best part? You don’t need to be a billionaire to start investing in real estate today.

    One option is Homeshares, which gives access to the $30 trillion-plus U.S. home equity market — a space that has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors. With a minimum investment of $25,000, accredited investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

    With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

    Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

    With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

    Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.

    Farmland

    Buffett’s comment that “you might want to own a farm” during wartime reflects a simple truth: Come what may, people still need to eat.

    Even in times of peace, farmland has proven to be a valuable asset. According to the USDA, U.S. farmland values have steadily climbed over the past few decades, driven by increasing demand for food and limited supply of arable land.

    These days, you don’t need to buy an entire farm or know how to grow crops to get in on the opportunity.

    FarmTogether is an all-in-one investment platform that lets qualified investors buy stakes in U.S. farmland. The platform identifies high-potential agricultural properties and then partners with experienced local operators to manage the land effectively.

    Depending on the type of stake you want, you can get a cut from both the leasing fees and crop sales, providing you with a cash income. Then, years down the line after the farm rises in value, you can benefit from the appreciated land and profit from its sale.

    What to read next

    Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

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

  • Peter Schiff says gold hit a ‘monumental moment’ after soaring to $3,000/ounce — claims now is the ‘perfect time’ to buy despite ‘media silence.’ Are you prepped for more shocks ahead?

    Peter Schiff says gold hit a ‘monumental moment’ after soaring to $3,000/ounce — claims now is the ‘perfect time’ to buy despite ‘media silence.’ Are you prepped for more shocks ahead?

    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.

    Investors may be feeling uneasy as stocks struggle amid ongoing trade tensions and tariffs. But according to economist Peter Schiff, one asset is standing out amid the uncertainty: gold.

    “Today marks a monumental moment in gold history as the spot price closes above $3,000 an ounce. Despite the media’s silence, this development is significant,” Schiff wrote on Instagram on March 17.

    Despite gold’s 40% surge over the past year, Schiff believes the rally is just getting started.

    Don’t miss

    “While central banks stockpile gold, retail investors have a unique opportunity to capitalize. With gold expected to rise to $4,000 and beyond, now is the perfect time to invest,” he wrote.

    In 2024, central banks added 1,045 tonnes to global reserves, marking the third consecutive year of net purchases exceeding 1,000 tonnes, according to the World Gold Council.

    For Schiff, central bank buying isn’t just about portfolio diversification — it’s a warning sign.

    ‘Dumping dollars to buy gold’

    Many investors turn to gold as a hedge against inflation, since — unlike fiat currencies — it can’t be printed at will by central banks.

    Schiff argues that central banks’ growing appetite for gold signals something deeper.

    “Investors haven’t even woken up to what central banks are doing, but the central bankers are the insiders of the fiat monetary system,” he said. “The insiders in the fiat monetary system have been dumping their dollars to buy gold. They obviously know something, and the public hasn’t caught on yet.”

    So, what do they know that retail investors don’t?

    Schiff believes it’s simple: inflation isn’t going away.

    “Investors haven’t woken up to the reality of high inflation, as far as the eye can see, they still believe that the Fed is going to be able to bring inflation back down to 2% — there’s no chance that’s going to happen,” he stated. “Inflation isn’t going anywhere near that. In fact, it’s already bottomed out and is headed much higher — none of that has really been priced into gold yet.”

    So, just how high can gold prices go?

    “If gold can go from $20 an ounce to $2,600 an ounce, it can go from $2,600 to $26,000, or even to $100,000. There’s no limit because, again, gold isn’t changing — it’s the value of the dollar that’s decreasing,” he said in October 2024.

    One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of American Hartford Gold.

    Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account — combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

    Even better, you can often roll over existing 401(k) or IRA accounts into a gold IRA without tax-related penalties. To learn more, get your free 2025 information guide on investing in precious metals.

    Qualifying purchases can also receive up to $20,000 in free silver.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    1 income-producing alternative

    Gold has long been a go-to hedge against inflation. But it’s not the only option. Real estate has also served as a reliable store of value, with the added benefit of generating income.

    When inflation rises, property values often increase in tandem, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to climb, providing landlords with a revenue stream that adjusts for inflation.

    Over the past decade, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index has climbed by 94%.

    These days, you don’t need to purchase a property outright to invest in real estate. First National Realty Partners (FNRP), for instance, allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties, without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

    With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

    Simply answer a few questions – including how much you would like to invest – to start browsing their full list of available properties.

    New investing platforms are also making it easier than ever to tap into the residential real estate market.

    For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

    With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

    With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

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