Author: Jing Pan

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.

Elon Musk has signaled that he plans to step away from the daily operation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Still, the billionaire Tesla CEO has pledged that he won’t abandon his efforts to curb government waste.

“I’ll have to continue doing it for, I think, the remainder of the president’s term just to make sure that the waste and fraud doesn’t come roaring back, which we’ll do, if it has the chance,” Musk said on a Tesla earnings call on April 22.

While DOGE has faced criticism, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has acknowledged the need for its efforts.

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“The government is inefficient, not very competent and needs a lot of work,” Dimon said in a recent interview with CNBC’s Leslie Picker.

The discussion arose when Picker asked Dimon whether he supports the so-called “chainsaw approach” DOGE is taking to the federal government.

Although Dimon declined to give what he called a “binary” answer, he stressed the need for scrutiny in government spending — a key focus of DOGE’s efforts.

“It’s not just waste and fraud, it’s outcomes. Why are we spending the money on these things? Are we getting what we deserve? What should we change? I think doing that needs to be done,” he said. “I’m hoping it’s quite successful.”

Regardless of whether DOGE’s efforts succeed, Dimon’s perspective can serve as a useful reminder in our personal lives: cutting waste isn’t just about spending less — it’s about making sure your money is working for you.

Here’s a look at four areas where you could save money in 2025 — and beyond.

1. Stop overpaying for car insurance

Car insurance is a major recurring expense, and many people overpay without realizing it. According to Forbes, the national average cost for car insurance in 2024 was $2,150 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 offers 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.

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

2. 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) and higher interest rates 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.

3. Get more affordable life insurance

Life insurance rates are on the rise. According to the Swiss Re Institute, global life insurance premiums are expected to increase by 3% annually in 2025 and 2026.

If you already have a term life insurance policy, now might be a good time to shop around for better rates. Most term policies can be canceled without penalty, allowing you to switch to a more affordable option.

With Ethos, you can get term life insurance in just 5 minutes — no medical exams or blood tests required.

And, you can get up to $2 million in coverage, starting at just $2/day.

4. Save on pet care

If you have a furry friend, you are probably shelling out big bucks at the local vet during each visit. With only 2% of pets insured across the U.S., pet owners typically spend up to $186 on average for a routine veterinary checkup, and anywhere between $374 and $1,285 for an emergency visit.

You can cut down these costs drastically by getting pet insurance. BestMoney is an online marketplace that lets you compare pet insurance policies offered by reputed providers like Spot Pet Insurance, ASPCA, Pet Best and more.

You can compare the coverage benefits, deductibles (if any), geographical availability and reviews — all in one place. Many of the featured insurance providers offer customized coverage plans, ensuring your pet’s needs are met.

Get started and find offers starting at just $10 per month here.

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

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

New York University marketing professor Scott Galloway delivered a fiery takedown of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, calling them a “blackout drunk” move that could derail the global economy.

“It would be hard to think of a more elegant way to reduce prosperity this fast,” Galloway said during an April 11 appearance on The View.

Taking aim at Trump’s economic nationalism, Galloway defended the logic behind outsourcing low-wage manufacturing jobs.

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“We want to wear Nikes. We don’t want to make them,” he said. “We have outsourced low-wage jobs overseas, such that we can create more profits, more investments and create higher-wage jobs.”

But it’s not just about labor. Galloway warned that Trump’s tariffs could dramatically increase prices for everyday Americans.

“If these tariffs hold, your iPhone is going to go from $1,000 to $2,300,” he said. “To make an iPhone in the U.S., it would cost $3,500.”

Galloway didn’t hold back on where he thinks the blame lies: “We finally need to acknowledge, we have someone at the wheel of the global economy that is blackout drunk right now.”

There are signals that Trump is toning down his tariff war. U.S. and Chinese officials settled on a 90-day tariff truce on May 12 that will see tariffs on some goods imported from China temporarily suspended and others lowered to 30%. However, the continued reduction in tariffs depends on continued good relations between the two superpowers.

Preparing for bad times

Galloway isn’t alone in his feelings — Trump’s tariffs have sparked serious warnings from some of the most powerful names in finance. Billionaire hedge fund manager Ray Dalio recently highlighted the role of one time-tested asset that could help investors brace for economic turbulence.

“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.”

Gold has long served as a hedge against inflation. It can’t be printed out of thin air like fiat money, and because it’s not tied to any single currency or economy, investors often flock to it during periods of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, driving up its value.

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

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, 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.

Thor Metals offers a free gold IRA setup — and with a qualifying purchase, you could receive up to $20,000 in precious metals 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

Earn passive income in retirement

Real estate offers a compelling alternative for hedging against inflation — with the added benefit of generating passive income.

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 can keep pace with inflation.

That’s why real estate is a favorite among retirement investors and those planning for long-term financial stability.

However, owning a rental property isn’t exactly as passive as it sounds. Between finding tenants, collecting rent, covering repairs, and saving for a down payment, being a landlord takes time — and money.

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 12% to 18%, 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 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.

What to read next

• Millions of Americans now sit on a stunning $35 trillion in home equity — here’s 1 new way to invest in responsible US homeowners while targeting a 14%-17% IRR
• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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

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

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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• You’re probably already overpaying for this 1 ‘must-have’ expense — and thanks to Trump’s tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here’s how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now

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

• Millions of Americans now sit on a stunning $35 trillion in home equity — here’s 1 new way to invest in responsible US homeowners while targeting a 14%-17% IRR
• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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

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

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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• You’re probably already overpaying for this 1 ‘must-have’ expense — and thanks to Trump’s tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here’s how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now

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, Wealthfront’s high-yield cash account offers a 4% APY (annual percentage yield) on deposits — nearly 10 times the national average. Plus, it charges no account, monthly or overdraft fees.

You can open an account with as little as $1 and enjoy 24/7 instant withdrawals. And if you fund your account with $500 or more, you’ll get a $30 bonus.

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.

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

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.

What to read next

• Millions of Americans now sit on a stunning $35 trillion in home equity — here’s 1 new way to invest in responsible US homeowners while targeting a 14%-17% IRR
• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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

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

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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• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• You’re probably already overpaying for this 1 ‘must-have’ expense — and thanks to Trump’s tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here’s how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now

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

• Millions of Americans now sit on a stunning $35 trillion in home equity — here’s 1 new way to invest in responsible US homeowners while targeting a 14%-17% IRR
• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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

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

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, up from a 3.7% annual gain in the previous month.

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 12% to 18%, 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 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

• Millions of Americans now sit on a stunning $35 trillion in home equity — here’s 1 new way to invest in responsible US homeowners while targeting a 14%-17% IRR
• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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

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

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.

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• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• You’re probably already overpaying for this 1 ‘must-have’ expense — and thanks to Trump’s tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here’s how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now

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

• Millions of Americans now sit on a stunning $35 trillion in home equity — here’s 1 new way to invest in responsible US homeowners while targeting a 14%-17% IRR
• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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

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

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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• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• You’re probably already overpaying for this 1 ‘must-have’ expense — and thanks to Trump’s tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here’s how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now

“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

• Millions of Americans now sit on a stunning $35 trillion in home equity — here’s 1 new way to invest in responsible US homeowners while targeting a 14%-17% IRR
• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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