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Author: Jing Pan

  • ‘I want tangible assets’: Vince Vaughn revealed the money moves he made to protect (and grow) his acting earnings — now he’s worth $75,000,000. Here’s how you can copy his strategy

    ‘I want tangible assets’: Vince Vaughn revealed the money moves he made to protect (and grow) his acting earnings — now he’s worth $75,000,000. Here’s how you can copy his strategy

    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.

    Vince Vaughn made a name for himself in Hollywood by starring in some of the biggest comedies of the 2000s. But instead of squandering his success, Vaughn took a different path: protecting his earnings through smart investments.

    “I was fortunate to make money at my profession, and I didn’t want to lose it,” he explained in an interview with business coach JT Foxx.

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    Unlike many of his colleagues, Vaughn took an active interest in managing his finances, noting, “There were so many actors I knew who were intimidated and didn’t deal with it.”

    Vaughn took the initiative, making his first major investment in gold.

    “So I thought, I want tangible assets. First, I bought some gold, but there’s no passive income off of it,” he recalled.

    Gold is indeed a tangible asset — and a well-known hedge against inflation. The reason is simple: unlike fiat currencies, the precious metal can’t be printed in unlimited quantities by central banks.

    However, as Vaughn discovered, gold doesn’t generate income on its own.

    To create that steady income stream he was after, Vaughn turned to real estate.

    “So I just started to buy some small buildings that I could rent out,” he said. “And I knew that the buildings would go up in price [and] I’d have some money coming in passively from it.”

    Earn passive income from real estate

    By purchasing small rental buildings, Vaughn tapped into two powerful advantages of real estate: passive income and the potential for appreciation.

    As tenants pay rent, he collects income that doesn’t require daily work. Plus, because property values and rental income tend to rise alongside the cost of living, real estate serves as a reliable hedge against inflation.

    After his initial foray into real estate, Vaughn expanded his portfolio. He began “buying a bunch of farms” and acquired properties in Florida, targeting “areas that were getting nicer.”

    Looking back, Vaughn emphasizes the importance of continuously building knowledge and learning from each investment. “I think the more you spend time on it and get a feeling for what you think is doing well, you get better each year,” he remarked.

    Vaughn’s strategic investments have served him well. His net worth is now estimated at $75 million, according to Yahoo.

    The good news? You don’t need Hollywood funds to start building wealth through real estate. Platforms like Arrived, backed by prominent investors like Jeff Bezos, make it easy for everyday investors to buy shares in rental properties without a hefty down payment or the hassle of managing tenants.

    To get started, you can browse through a curated selection of homes, vetted for their income and appreciation potential, and choose the number of shares you want to buy.

    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.

    For accredited investors looking for new opportunities, another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which targets necessity-based commercial real estate.

    The platform lets accredited investors [own a share of institutional-quality properties] leased by national brands like Whole Foods, CVS, Kroger and Walmart. Investors have the opportunity to collect stable, grocery store-anchored income every quarter.

    As a private equity firm, FNRP acts as the deal leader and offers white-glove service to investors, providing expertise and doing the deal legwork. While the FNRP team takes care of sourcing new deals, you can engage with experts, explore available deals and easily make an allocation, all on FNRP’s secure platform.

    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

    Gold revisited

    While gold doesn’t offer the passive income Vaughn was after, it remains a popular choice for investors as a hedge against economic uncertainty and inflation.

    In 2024, gold prices surged by 33%, surpassing $2,700 per ounce. Investors often turn to precious metals like gold and silver during periods of market volatility or global instability, as their value isn’t tied to any particular currency or economy.

    Gold is frequently considered a "safe-haven" asset because it tends to perform well when other investments, like stocks, face downturns, offering a form of insurance in an investor’s portfolio.

    Economist Peter Schiff sees substantial further upside for gold. “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 stated.

    For those looking to capitalize on gold’s potential while also securing tax advantages, one option is opening a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.

    Gold IRAs allow you to invest in 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.

    When you make a qualifying purchase with Thor Metals, you can receive up to $20,000 in precious metals for free.

    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 Pentagon chief warns of ‘real’ and ‘imminent’ threat from China — says we face ‘devastating consequences’ if Beijing takes this 1 serious step. Here’s how to protect yourself now

    U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a stark warning to America’s allies in Asia.

    Speaking at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore — an annual security summit attended by ministers, military officials and business leaders — Hegseth identified China as a growing military threat to the region.

    “There’s no reason to sugarcoat it. The threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent,” he said in his first address at the forum.

    Hegseth focused his warning on Beijing’s stance toward Taiwan, making the stakes clear for the broader region.

    “To be clear: any attempt by Communist China to conquer Taiwan by force would result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world,” he said.

    He added that Beijing is “credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.”

    While Hegseth emphasized that the U.S. is not seeking conflict — noting President Donald Trump’s “immense respect” for the Chinese people and their civilization — he made it clear that Washington’s resolve is unwavering.

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    “We will not be pushed out of this critical region, and we will not let our allies and partners be subordinated and intimidated,” he said.

    Hegseth also called on America’s allies to step up their own military readiness, saying: “U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific can and should quickly upgrade their own defenses.”

    In response, China’s representative at the summit accused Hegseth of making “groundless accusations.”

    “Some of the claims are completely fabricated, some distort facts and some are cases of a thief crying ‘stop thief,’” said Rear Admiral Hu Gangfeng, vice president of China’s National Defense University. “These actions are nothing more than attempts to provoke trouble, incite division and stir up confrontation to destabilize the Asia-Pacific region.”

    While Hegseth’s warning focuses on geopolitical security, tensions between major powers of the world can also carry serious financial implications. Markets tend to react swiftly to military escalations or diplomatic shocks — and investors who aren’t prepared could be left exposed.

    Here’s a look at three ways to help shield your finances amid rising global uncertainty.

    A timeless safe haven

    In times of uncertainty, few assets shine like gold — and investors are taking notice.

    Unlike fiat currencies, gold can’t be printed at will by central banks. It’s not tied to any one government or economy, making it a powerful hedge against inflation, geopolitical instability and financial system shocks. That’s why during periods of turmoil — from wars to rising deficits — investors often flock to the yellow metal, pushing prices higher.

    Lately, gold has lived up to its reputation. Over the past 12 months, the price of the precious metal has surged by more than 40%.

    Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, recently highlighted gold’s importance as part of a resilient portfolio.

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

    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

    The 1 sector that thrives in conflict

    Hegseth has called on America’s Indo-Pacific allies to ramp up their military spending — a move that aligns with the U.S.’s own aggressive defense budget.

    According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the U.S. spent $997 billion on defense in 2024 — more than the next nine countries combined, including China.

    Periods of heightened geopolitical tension often coincide with increased military spending. For defense contractors, that can mean a surge in business — and for investors, it presents a potential opportunity.

    Defense stocks tend to gain attention when global risks rise. Companies like Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), RTX (NYSE:RTX) and Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) are among the biggest players in the industry. For broader exposure, investors can also consider ETFs like the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (BATS:ITA), which provides diversified exposure to the sector.

    Passive income, even in uncertain times

    Like stocks, real estate prices can fluctuate. But unlike many other assets, real estate doesn’t rely on a booming market to deliver returns.

    High-quality, income-generating properties — especially those serving essential needs — can continue to produce rental income, even during times of economic or geopolitical uncertainty. That means you don’t have to rely on price appreciation to see a payoff — the asset itself can work for you.

    Even the current U.S. commander in chief has long recognized the value of real estate.

    In a 2011 interview with Steve Forbes, Trump said, “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.”

    Traditionally, investing in real estate meant buying property and becoming a landlord. But for everyday investors who want to avoid the need for a hefty down payment or the burden of property management, 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

    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 Thiel warns of ‘catastrophe’ in US real estate, will deal a massive blow to young Americans — but also predicts ‘giant windfall’ for 1 class of boomers. Are you part of this group?

    Peter Thiel warns of ‘catastrophe’ in US real estate, will deal a massive blow to young Americans — but also predicts ‘giant windfall’ for 1 class of boomers. Are you part of this group?

    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.

    As a co-founder of PayPal and the first outside investor in Facebook, Peter Thiel is widely recognized for his expertise in the tech world. But lately, the billionaire venture capitalist has been sounding the alarm on an entirely different sector: real estate.

    During an interview with The Free Press, Thiel drew upon the insights of 19th-century economist Henry George to underscore the gravity of America’s real estate crisis.

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    “The basic Georgist obsession was real estate, and it was if you weren’t really careful, you would get runaway real estate prices, and the people who owned the real estate would make all the gains in a society,” Thiel said.

    The core of the issue, Thiel explained, lies in the “extremely inelastic” nature of real estate, especially in regions with strict zoning laws.

    “The dynamic ends up being that you add 10% to the population in a city, and maybe the house prices go up 50%, and maybe people’s salaries go up, but they don’t go up by 50%,” he said. “So the GDP grows, but it’s a giant windfall to the boomer homeowners and to the landlords, and it’s a massive hit to the lower middle class and to young people who can never get on the housing ladder.”

    Thiel warned that this “Georgist real estate catastrophe” is playing out across many “Anglosphere countries,” including the U.S., Britain and Canada.

    ‘Incredible wealth transfer’

    The surge in U.S. home prices has been nothing short of alarming. Over the past five years, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index has climbed by over 50%. More recently, the leading measure of U.S. home prices reported a 3.9% annual return for December 2024.

    This sharp rise in home prices creates significant challenges for prospective buyers, but renters aren’t immune to the impact either. It’s all part of the broader cost-of-living crisis gripping many Americans.

    Thiel broke it down, stating, “There’s a way you could talk about inflation in terms of the prices of eggs or groceries, but that’s not that big a cost item, even for lower middle class people. The really big cost item is the rent.”

    At its core, Thiel argued, the issue boils down to supply and demand.

    “If you just add more people to the mix, and you’re not allowed to build new houses because of zoning laws, where it’s too expensive, where it’s too regulated and restricted, then the prices go up a lot,” he said. “And it’s this incredible wealth transfer from the young and the lower middle class to the upper middle class and the landlords and the old.”

    Thiel isn’t the only one raising the alarm. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has highlighted similar concerns.

    “The real issue with housing is that we have had, and are on track to continue to have, not enough housing… It’s hard to find — to zone lots that are in places where people want to live… Where are we going to get the supply?” Powell said at a press conference in September.

    The gap in the housing market is significant. A recent report by Realtor.com estimated the U.S. housing shortage to be 3.8 million homes as of 2024.

    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

    ‘Get on the housing ladder’

    Beyond soaring home prices, elevated mortgage rates are another major obstacle preventing many Americans from “getting on the housing ladder,” as Thiel described.

    The good news? The U.S. Federal Reserve has been cutting interest rates, providing opportunities for potential buyers. Freddie Mac recommends shopping around by obtaining quotes from three to five lenders to secure the best mortgage rate possible.

    To make this process easier, tools 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.

    New investing platforms are making it easier than ever to tap into the 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 internal 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 allows 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 allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

    Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which targets necessity-based commercial real estate.

    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.

    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.

  • Ray Dalio’s ‘worse than a recession’ warning has Americans nervous — but he once revealed a ‘Holy Grail’ money strategy for times of crisis. Here’s how it works and why you should use it now

    Ray Dalio’s ‘worse than a recession’ warning has Americans nervous — but he once revealed a ‘Holy Grail’ money strategy for times of crisis. Here’s how it works and why you should use it 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.

    Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, isn’t usually known for alarmist takes. But his latest warning is unusually stark.

    “Right now we are at a decision-making point and very close to a recession, and I’m worried about something worse than a recession if this isn’t handled well,” Dalio said in an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press.”

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    Recession warnings have been piling up as Trump’s sweeping tariffs and global tensions escalate. But Dalio sees the threat as “much more profound.”

    “We have a breaking down of the monetary order,” he said.

    Dalio highlighted profound shifts in both the domestic and world order — including a move away from the U.S.-led era of multilateralism toward a more unilateral world order, “in which there’s great conflict.”

    While it remains unclear how the uncertainty around tariffs will play out — or whether the recession warnings will prove correct — markets have already been whipsawed.

    The silver lining? Dalio has long championed a strategy he calls the “Holy Grail of investing.” With volatility rising and risks mounting, now may be the time to pay attention.

    Dalio’s ‘Holy Grail’ investment strategy

    “The Holy Grail of investing is to find 10 to 15 good, uncorrelated return streams,” Dalio explained in a video posted to his YouTube channel.

    “If you find a number of return streams, a number of investments that are good and uncorrelated, you will have the average return of those so you don’t lessen your return… But at 15, you’ll eliminate 80% of your risk, so you’ll improve your return-to-risk ratio by a factor of five.”

    Dalio added that there’s “no way” to improve your ability to pick winning investments by a factor of five because it’s a highly competitive game. But with his Holy Grail strategy, he said, investors can dramatically boost their return-to-risk ratio through smart diversification.

    While he didn’t name specific assets in that clip, Dalio has long emphasized the importance of diversification — and recently, he singled out one time-tested asset as a necessary component of a resilient portfolio: gold.

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

    Long viewed 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 by more than 35%.

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

    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 attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

    To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases.

    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

    Buffett’s advice

    Dalio has a point: dramatically improving your ability to pick winning investments is extremely difficult. Even Warren Buffett — one of the greatest stock pickers of all time — doesn’t think that’s a realistic approach for most people.

    “I do not think the average person can pick stocks,” he stated bluntly at Berkshire’s 2021 shareholders meeting.

    Instead, Buffett champions a much simpler strategy, famously stating, “In my view, for most people, the best thing to do is own the S&P 500 index fund.”

    This approach gives investors broad exposure to 500 of the largest publicly traded U.S. companies across 11 sectors — offering built-in diversification without the need for constant monitoring or active management. In that sense, it echoes Dalio’s emphasis on spreading risk across multiple strong investments.

    The best part? Anyone, regardless of wealth, can take advantage of this strategy. 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.

    Passive income — even in a down market

    For those looking to diversify beyond the stock market, real estate offers a compelling alternative. While it experiences cycles like any other asset, real estate doesn’t depend on a booming market to deliver returns.

    Even during a recession, high quality, essential real estate can continue to produce passive income through rent. In other words, you don’t have to wait for prices to rise to see a payoff — the asset itself can work for you.

    Buffett has often pointed to real estate — especially rental properties — as a textbook example of a productive, income-generating investment.

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

    New investing platforms are making it easier than ever to tap into the 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.

    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 allows 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

    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.

  • Kevin O’Leary blasts ‘anti-American rhetoric’ from Canada’s prime minister — says party ‘wiped out’ loonie, leaving Canadians unable to afford Disneyland. How to hedge against uncertainty

    Kevin O’Leary blasts ‘anti-American rhetoric’ from Canada’s prime minister — says party ‘wiped out’ loonie, leaving Canadians unable to afford Disneyland. How to hedge against uncertainty

    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.

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has taken a hard line on President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, vowing to hit back with retaliatory trade measures designed to inflict “maximum impact” on the U.S.

    While tensions between the two allies have escalated, “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary believes Carney’s tough talk is little more than political theatre.

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    “The anti-U.S. rhetoric is being stirred up by Carney because his party devastated the country over the last 10 years, and the only way he can stay in power is to convince people he’s the solution against Trump,” O’Leary said in a March 31 interview with Fox Business.

    O’Leary, who was born in Canada, didn’t hold back in his criticism of Carney and the prime minister’s Liberal Party.

    “You’ve got to remember, Canada actually only grew under the Liberal Party 1.4% in 10 years. The economy is wiped out,” he said. “One of the reasons Canadians can’t go to Florida is, his party wiped out the value of the dollar … Canadians can’t afford to go to Disneyland anymore.”

    O’Leary didn’t cite a source for his growth figure, but Trevor Tombe, professor of economics at the University of Calgary, has noted that Canada’s real GDP per capita grew just 1.4% from Q1 2015 to Q3 2024, based on data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The Liberal Party has been in power since late 2015.

    As for the loonie (Canadian dollar), it has indeed weakened over the past decade. In April 2015, one Canadian dollar was worth about 81 U.S. cents. Ten years later, it trades closer to 70 cents — a drop of roughly 13.6%.

    While O’Leary dismisses the tension as election-driven, trade disputes can trigger real geopolitical uncertainty with ripple effects that extend far beyond politics. Markets don’t react well to unpredictability, and we’ve already seen headlines of trillions in U.S. market value wiped out as Trump pushes forward with tariffs.

    In times like these, financial experts often recommend taking steps to hedge against uncertainty. Here’s a look at three strategies that can help protect your wealth.

    A classic safe haven

    Gold has long been considered a go-to asset during times of economic and geopolitical uncertainty — and for good reason.

    Unlike stocks or currencies, gold isn’t tied to any one government or economy. It also can’t be printed at will by central banks. Those characteristics make it especially attractive when confidence in political leadership, trade stability or the value of paper money start to slip.

    When markets grow jittery, investors often turn to gold as a safe haven. Case in point: over the past year, gold prices have surged over 33%, recently topping $3,100 an ounce.

    Billionaire hedge fund manager Ray Dalio has warned that most people “don’t have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio.”

    He added: “When bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier.”

    For those looking to capitalize on gold’s potential while also securing tax advantages, one option is opening 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 seeking to shield their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

    When you make a qualifying purchase with Priority Gold, you can receive up to $5,000 in precious metals for free.

    A time-tested income play

    Real estate has long been a favored way to generate passive income — and unlike stocks or bonds, it’s a tangible asset you can see and manage.

    While markets can swing wildly in response to headlines, high-quality, well-located properties can continue producing rental income regardless of what’s happening on Wall Street.

    Real estate is also a time-tested hedge against inflation. As the cost of materials, labor and land rises, property values often increase as well. At the same time, rental income tends to climb, giving landlords a revenue stream that adjusts with inflation.

    While home prices have been soaring and mortgage rates remain elevated, you don’t need to buy a property outright to get in the game. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived have made it easier for average Americans to invest in rental properties without the need for a hefty down payment or the burden of property management.

    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 $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 interested in commercial real estate, there are plenty of opportunities as well.

    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.

    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 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. This also makes art an attractive option for investors looking to diversify.

    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 once 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

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

  • ‘He who has the gold makes the rules’: Trump roars back at tariff critics — while declaring himself ‘the greatest friend’ of American capitalism. Do you agree?

    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.

    Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs have sparked a chorus of criticism from across the political and economic spectrum — with lawmakers, CEOs and economists warning of rising costs and escalating trade tensions.

    But the president isn’t backing down. Even after announcing a pause on some tariffs, Trump is doubling down on his hardline stance.

    Don’t miss

    “The businessmen who criticize tariffs are bad at business, but really bad at politics,” he declared in a fiery Truth Social post on April 20. “They don’t understand or realize that I am the greatest friend that American capitalism has ever had!”

    For Trump, the tariff fight isn’t just about economics — it’s about leverage.

    “The golden rule of negotiating and success: He who has the gold makes the rules,” he wrote in a follow-up post, further signaling that the tariffs are part of a larger strategy to bring global rivals to the table.

    And according to Trump, the strategy is working. He claimed that “many world leaders and business executives” are already coming to him, seeking relief from the trade penalties. But Trump insisted these leaders “must right the wrongs of decades of abuse” — and warned “it won’t be easy for them.”

    Whether Trump will ultimately be successful or not, investors are preparing for a rough ride, with many fleeing U.S. stocks for more stable options. If you’re looking to protect yourself during the president’s big gambit, here are two key assets to consider.

    A golden hedge for uncertain times

    Markets have reacted nervously to Trump’s sweeping tariffs — and not in a good way. While stocks have stumbled under the weight of trade uncertainty, one asset has stood out as a bright spot: gold.

    Long viewed 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 by more than 40%.

    That makes Trump’s claim “he who has the gold makes the rules” feel like more than just a negotiating mantra. It’s also a reminder of gold’s enduring appeal in times of crisis.

    Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, recently highlighted gold’s purpose in a resilient portfolio.

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

    For those looking to capitalize on gold’s potential while also securing tax advantages, one option is opening a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.

    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. It could be a compelling option for investors who want to shield their retirement funds against economic uncertainty.

    Plus, when you make a qualifying purchase with Thor Metals, you can receive free precious metals — up to $20,000 worth — as a reward.

    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.

    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, for instance, offer an easier 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, then sit back as you start receiving rental income deposits from your investment.

    Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties.

    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.

    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 tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 73% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchase. Here’s how to buy the coveted asset in bulk

    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.

    For bargain hunters, Costco has long been a go-to destination. The warehouse giant famously still sells its hot dog and soda combo for $1.50 — the same price it launched with back in the mid-1980s. But not every Costco item has held its price as stubbornly as the hot dog combo.

    Case in point: gold bars.

    Don’t miss

    In late 2023, Costco began selling 1-ounce gold bars. At the time, shoppers could choose between two types: the PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna Veriscan bar and the Rand Refinery bar, priced at $1,979.99 and $1,949.99, respectively, according to Business Insider. Despite the hefty price tag, both quickly became hot sellers.

    “When we load them on the site, they’re typically gone within a few hours,” then-CFO Richard Galanti said during a September 2023 earnings call. “And we limit two per member.”

    Fast forward to today, and not much has changed — except the price.

    As of June 2, 2025, the Rand Refinery 1-ounce bar is listed at $3,369.99, while the PAMP Suisse version is priced at $3,389.99. That marks a 73% and 71% increase, respectively, in less than two years.

    But the jump in price is in line with the broader gold market, which has surged roughly 72% over the same period. What’s more surprising is the continued demand.

    Both the Rand Refinery and the PAMP Suisse gold bars are out of stock on Costco’s website at the time of writing, and the company has tightened purchase limits. Customers are now restricted to “one transaction per membership, with a maximum of two units per 24 hours.”

    Why investors are flocking to gold

    Gold has long been viewed as a way to preserve purchasing power. Unlike fiat currencies, it can’t be printed at will by central banks.

    It’s also considered a classic safe haven. Gold isn’t 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’s exactly what appears to be happening now. Markets are getting whipsawed by tariff uncertainty, rising deficits and global tensions — and gold has emerged as a rare bright spot.

    Many high-profile investors are sounding bullish. Jeffrey Gundlach, founder of DoubleLine Capital and known as the “Bond King,” recently predicted that gold could climb to $4,000 an ounce.

    Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, also highlighted gold’s importance as part of a resilient portfolio.

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

    While Costco has imposed purchase limits on its gold bars, many bullion dealers still offer gold coins and bars without such restrictions. Just be sure to check the premium — dealers (including Costco) typically sell gold at a markup over the spot price.

    Another 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 for preserving their purchasing power — real estate has also proven to be a powerful tool.

    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.

    Of course, high home prices can make buying a home more challenging, especially with mortgage rates still elevated. And being a landlord isn’t exactly hands-off work. Managing tenants, maintenance and repairs can quickly eat into your time (and returns).

    The good news? You don’t need to buy a property outright — or deal with leaky faucets — to invest in real estate today. 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 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.

  • “It Ain’t Your House!” explains Grant Cardone as the famous investor slams homeownership but real estate doesn’t have to be a bad investment

    “It Ain’t Your House!” explains Grant Cardone as the famous investor slams homeownership but real estate doesn’t have to be a bad investment

    Given how much home prices have soared recently, many homeowners may be feeling richer than ever. But real estate mogul Grant Cardone says your house isn’t a smart investment — far from it.

    In an interview with podcaster Sean Mike Kelly, Cardone called buying a home “a terrible investment.”

    That may sound ironic coming from someone known for investing in residential real estate. But Cardone was quick to explain why: “[A home] doesn’t cash flow. You don’t get big tax write-offs because of it. You have no leverage. You’re living in it. You’re paying for it. You never own it. Even when the loan is paid, you don’t own it, no, you still got to pay property taxes, still got to insure, still got to maintain it.”

    When you buy a home to live in, it’s true that it doesn’t generate any cash flow. And even once the mortgage is paid off, there are still ongoing costs: property taxes, insurance premiums, repairs and maintenance. And they can add up fast.

    For example, Ratehub did a case study of the cost of "hidden fees" that come with homeownership. For a property worth $1,128,100 with a $902,480 mortgage at 5.14% amortized over 25 years, the additional monthly costs totalled $8,532, including the mortgage payment, property tax, home insurance, utilities, internet, as well as putting money away for a home emergency fund or funds spent on maintenance/repairs. If you were to take out the mortgage cost, the total would still be $3,211 per month, or $38,532 yearly.

    Cardone says that what keeps people from recognizing the financial downsides is emotion.

    “People get emotional about their house — ‘It’s my house!’” he said. “It ain’t your house. You’re a partner in this house with the state.”

    ‘Never buy a house’ says Grant Cardone

    Cardone’s suggestion is simple: “Never buy a house, rent where you live.”

    But that doesn’t mean he’s against real estate entirely.

    “I’m not saying don’t own real estate,” he clarified. “I’m saying live in a house and pay rent. Take all the money that you would have spent on that house and invest in real estate that cash flows — that pays you every month.”

    So, what kind of real estate is he talking about?

    Cardone listed several options: “Could be retail, storage, apartment buildings like we invest in. Could be land — if you’re a farmer or rancher and you know how to get cows to cash flow, then do that.”

    Let’s break down some of these opportunities.

    Invest in retail real estate, instead

    Cardone pointed to retail real estate as one potential opportunity — but not all retail is created equal.

    With the rise of e-commerce, many brick-and-mortar stores have struggled, which can directly affect the income stream for retail property owners. That’s why selectivity is key.

    Ben Mallah, another fellow Florida-based real estate mogul, says he focuses on what he calls “essential real estate” — specifically, “retail that the internet can’t hurt” and “Amazon can’t hurt.”

    As online shopping continues to disrupt traditional retail, properties that serve everyday, in-person needs — like grocery stores and pharmacies — tend to offer more resilience. Big-box retailers may come and go, but think about your local supermarket. How long has it been in the same spot? Likely for years, if not decades. That kind of staying power is what makes grocery-anchored real estate attractive.

    Invest in residential real estate, such as apartments

    Another type of real estate Cardone suggests? Apartments — a sector he’s heavily invested in himself.

    Multifamily properties offer a key advantage: consistent cash flow. Unlike single-family homes, apartment buildings typically house multiple tenants, which helps spread out risk. If one unit sits vacant, the others can still generate income.

    Apartments also tend to be resilient during economic shifts. No matter what’s happening in the broader economy, people still need a place to live. And with elevated home prices making ownership less accessible for many Canadians, more people are turning to renting — which helps drive demand and keep occupancy rates high.

    As with retail, real estate investment platforms and REITs have made it easier than ever for everyday investors to access the apartment market.

    Invest in farmland

    Cardone also mentioned agricultural land — though with a caveat: It’s best suited for those who understand how to make it cash flow.

    While farmland isn’t as commonly discussed as retail or apartment buildings, it can be a compelling long-term investment. The logic is simple: come what may, people still need to eat.

    That consistent demand makes farmland a resilient asset, often serving as a hedge during times of economic uncertainty.

    According to Farm Credit Canada, the national average farmland value increased 9.3% in 2024. And while this represents a slower pace of appreciation from the previous year, it remains higher than the average of the last 10 years (9.1%). However, for 2025, uncertainty and volatility are expected to be significant due to potential trade disruptions at the U.S./Canada border and the fear of a looming trade war between the two nations at the behest of President Trump.

    Sources

    1. Ratehub: Monthly carrying costs when buying a home, by Jamie David (May 29, 2024)

    2. Farm Credit Canada: 2024 farmland values in Canada: Continued, steady growth (Mar 18, 2025)

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

  • Warren Buffett once warned you ‘shouldn’t own stocks at all’ if you do ‘dumb things’ whenever they go down — 2 ways to profit from panic instead of getting crushed by it

    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.

    With trade tensions rising, sweeping tariffs looming and recession fears rattling Wall Street, stocks have been on a wild ride. Watching a portfolio sink into the red can be nerve-wracking, but investing legend Warren Buffett has long warned against reacting emotionally when markets take a dive.

    “Some people should not own stocks at all because they just get too upset with price fluctuations,” Buffett told CNBC’s Becky Quick. “If you’re going to do dumb things because a stock goes down, you shouldn’t own a stock at all.”

    Don’t miss

    Quick pressed him: “What are dumb things? Selling a stock because it goes down?”

    Buffett didn’t hesitate: “Yeah, selling a stock because it goes down. I mean, you know, if you buy your house at $20,000 and somebody comes along the next day and says, ‘I’ll pay you $15,000,’ you don’t sell it because the quote’s $15,000. You look at the house or whatever it may be. But some people are not actually emotionally or psychologically fit to own stocks.”

    Buffett’s message rings especially true in today’s economic climate. With markets whipsawed by tariff uncertainty and broader economic jitters, knee-jerk reactions could turn temporary losses into permanent ones. Instead of treating stocks like lottery tickets, Buffett urges investors to think like business owners — focusing on long-term value rather than short-term noise.

    After all, as he famously said during the 2008 financial crisis, “A simple rule dictates my buying: be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful.”

    And while not all assets are created equal, Buffett has shared a surprisingly simple way to tell which ones are worth owning — and which ones aren’t.

    Buffett’s simple test — and the assets that pass with flying colors

    In a 2018 interview with Yahoo Finance, Buffett explained that there are two types of things people buy: one qualifies as a real investment — the other, not so much.

    The test to tell the difference is simple: if trading were banned for a period of time, would the asset still hold up?

    “If you buy something — a farm, an apartment house or an interest in a business — and look to the asset itself to determine whether you’ve done something, what the farm produces, what the business earns, and so on, you don’t really care whether the stock market’s open,” Buffett said. “You look at the investment itself to deliver the return to you.”

    Simply put, the kinds of assets Buffett sees as real investments produce returns on their own. They don’t need an open market — or a future buyer — to be worthwhile.

    Rental real estate

    Buffett has often pointed to real estate — especially rental properties — as a textbook example of a productive, income-generating investment.

    In 2022, Buffett remarked 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 regardless of what’s happening in the broader economy, people still need a place to live and apartments can consistently produce rent money.

    The best part? You don’t need to be a billionaire investor to tap into that income stream.

    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.

    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.

    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

    ‘Interest in a business’ — and Buffett’s favorite investment for everyday Americans

    Buffett says that when you buy an “interest in a business” and focus on what the business earns — rather than daily market moves — “you don’t really care whether the stock market’s open.” And it’s no surprise he feels that way.

    His company, Berkshire Hathaway, has delivered staggering returns over the decades — through bull and bear markets — by owning stakes in high-quality, cash-generating businesses.

    But of course, not all businesses are created equal — so how do you pick the right ones?

    Buffett’s solution is refreshingly simple: own an S&P 500 index fund. These funds offer broad exposure to the S&P 500 — the top companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges.

    Such a straightforward approach gives investors instant diversification without the need for constant monitoring or active trading.

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

    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.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘Isn’t she 24?’: Bill Belichick’s girlfriend Jordon Hudson now owns $8M rental property empire — leaving her tenants in shock. How to buy prime US real estate even without access to millions

    ‘Isn’t she 24?’: Bill Belichick’s girlfriend Jordon Hudson now owns $8M rental property empire — leaving her tenants in shock. How to buy prime US real estate even without access to millions

    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.

    It’s not every day you find out your landlord is a 24-year-old dating an eight-time Super Bowl winner.

    But that’s exactly what happened to several stunned tenants in Boston after learning their properties were owned by none other than Jordon Hudson, the girlfriend of former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

    “How does she have her real estate? Isn’t she 24?” one tenant asked the New York Post, after discovering the cheerleader-turned-landlord owned the four-bed Dorchester home they were renting with others for $4,900 a month.

    Don’t miss

    An $8 million domain

    Hudson acquired three multi-family properties in late 2023, according to mortgage records reviewed by Realtor.com. Her real estate portfolio now includes a $2.2 million townhouse in Dorchester, a $2.3 million property nearby, a $3 million building in Boston’s Roxbury Crossing neighborhood and a $610,000 Cape Cod cottage in Harwich — about 80 miles southeast of the city.

    That’s quite the empire — especially at a time when soaring costs have priced many young Americans out of the housing market entirely.

    Dominic Fantoni, a student who splits $9,100 in monthly rent for one of Hudson’s apartments, was baffled by the discovery: “I’m 21 and we are all struggling to pay rent. I wonder how she came into all that.”

    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

    New platforms, new opportunities

    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 efficient, hands-off way to invest in residential properties across regional markets.

    If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allow you to enter the real estate market with 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 allows 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

    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.