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Author: Jing Pan

  • 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.

    Don’t miss

    “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: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    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

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • Uncle Sam might sell more than 16,000,000 acres of federal California land to build more houses — but critics call it ‘un-American.’ Would you support the move?

    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.

    Owning a home has become increasingly out of reach for many Americans — especially in California. Now, the federal government is proposing a bold, controversial fix: selling off its own land.

    As part of President Donald Trump’s proposed “Big, Beautiful Bill,” the U.S. government is considering selling more than 16 million acres of federal land in California for housing development. Nationwide, The Wilderness Society says the bill would put more than 250 million acres of public land up for sale.

    Housing affordability has long been a challenge in the U.S. and many experts blame a fundamental shortage of supply.

    Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell underscored this last year at a press conference, stating, “The real issue with housing is that we have had and are on track to continue to have, not enough housing.” He also pointed to the difficulty of finding and zoning land in desirable areas, asking, “Where are we going to get the supply?”

    Don’t miss

    A recent Realtor.com analysis indicates a shortfall of 3.8 million homes in America’s housing supply.

    Selling federal land to build homes might ease that shortage — but not everyone is on board.

    “The thought of the sale of public lands is pretty un-American,” Katie Hawkins, California program director for the nonprofit coalition Outdoor Alliance, told CBS News Sacramento.

    Even a Republican lawmaker is sounding the alarm.

    "It is so important that any decisions made regarding the acquisition or disposition of these lands be made only after significant and meaningful local input," Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) recently told Congress.

    Homeownership slipping further out of reach

    California has long been notorious for its sky-high cost of living — and housing is a major reason for that.

    According to data from real estate brokerage Redfin, the median sale price of a home in the U.S. was $441,738 in May 2025. In California, that figure jumped to $859,100 — nearly double the national median.

    That kind of price tag puts homeownership out of reach for many residents. A recent study found that U.S. buyers need an annual income of $213,447 to afford a typical home in the Golden State.

    But this affordability crisis isn’t limited to California. Home prices across the country have soared. Over the past five years, Redfin data show the median U.S. home price has surged by 48%.

    Getting a piece of the real estate pie

    Despite elevated prices, real estate remains one of the most sought-after assets — and for good reason. It’s a tangible, income-generating investment that has historically held its value during periods of inflation.

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

    Investing legend Warren Buffett has long pointed to real estate as a prime example of a productive, income-generating asset. In 2022, he famously said at an annual shareholders meeting that if you offered him “1% of all the apartment houses in the country” for $25 billion, he would “write you a check.”

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

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

    The good news? You don’t need billions — or even the budget to buy a single property outright — to start investing 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 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

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • This 1 US state just passed a law banning China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from buying land within its borders — lawmaker says it’s about ‘defending’ their way of life. 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.

    A major U.S. state is moving forward with a sweeping ban on land and property purchases by certain foreign nationals and entities.

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently signed Senate Bill 17 into law, prohibiting individuals and organizations from China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from acquiring real property in the Lone Star State. These countries are identified as threats in the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community.

    The bill’s definition of “real property” is broad, covering residential properties, commercial and industrial properties, agricultural land, mines, minerals, groundwater and water rights and standing timber.

    It’s a serious measure: Under the law, violations are classified as state jail felonies and carry civil penalties of $250,000 or 50% of the property’s market value — whichever is greater. And the bill is set to take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.

    “Gov. Abbott signed our bill to protect Texas from the influence of hostile foreign nations,” said State Rep. Cole Hefner, a co-author of the legislation in a statement. “This is about defending Texas — our sovereignty, our security, and our way of life.”

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    But critics warn the bill could lead to discrimination.

    “People may be turned away from business opportunities even if they are not falling into this category, because most people don’t know who’s Chinese and who’s Japanese and who’s anything or what their immigration status (is),” said State Rep. Gene Wu.

    “They’re going to see [an] Asian face, and they’re going to say, ‘I’m not sure if I can legally sell to you. I might get in trouble. I’m just going to cut my losses and say we’re not going to sell to Asian people of any kind.’”

    According to the Congressional Research Service, “at least 22 states enacted legislation regulating foreign ownership of real property” between January 2023 and July 2024.

    A coveted asset

    While measures like Texas’s new law highlight the national security concerns around foreign land ownership, they also underscore just how valuable U.S. real estate remains — and why so many investors continue to see it as a cornerstone of wealth building.

    In 2022, when illustrating what a productive asset looks like, legendary investor Warren Buffett famously said that if you offered him “1% of all the apartment houses in the country” for $25 billion, he would “write you a check.”

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

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

    @placement

    Over the past five years, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index has surged more than 50%.

    And while high home prices and elevated mortgage rates mean buying a home can be a challenge, investing in real estate has become easier than ever thanks to crowdfunding platforms like Arrived.

    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.

    @placement

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

  • ‘You should own your property free and clear’: Ron DeSantis slams property taxes in America — compares it to buying a TV at Best Buy and having to pay taxes on it each year. 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.

    If you own property in America, you get a property tax bill every year — something homeowners are all too familiar with. Yet Florida Governor Ron DeSantis believes it shouldn’t have to be that way.

    “You should own your property free and clear,” DeSantis said at a recent roundtable in Jacksonville. “I think to say that someone that’s been in their house for 35 years just has to keep ponying up money — you don’t own your home, if that’s the case.”

    Then he offered an analogy to drive the point home.

    Don’t miss

    “If I go to Best Buy and buy a flat screen TV and put it on the wall, I got to pay a sales tax on it, right? But I don’t keep paying tax on it every year,” he said. “That’s not how we do things. If you’re going to tax something, you tax it at the transaction, and then let people actually enjoy their private property, free and clear of the government.”

    DeSantis called this his “vision” and “philosophical insight.”

    Simply put, he argues that if you truly own something, you shouldn’t have to keep paying for it year after year. But while he describes this as a matter of principle, experts point out that property taxes play a vital role in funding local government and public services.

    According to the Florida Policy Institute, the state’s tax on real property accounts for 18% of county revenue, 17% of municipal revenue and between 50% and 60% of school district funding. Property taxes also help local governments address community needs, including police and fire protection, education and safety net programs.

    ‘The math just doesn’t add up’

    DeSantis also emphasized that families are already under financial pressure.

    “You talk about a family of four, having the median home price that is purchased in Florida — that’s a pretty hefty tax bill right there, when you come in after buying a home, when you consider what the average income is throughout the United States of America — the math just doesn’t add up and I think that’s why people want relief,” he said.

    The surge in property taxes across Florida hasn’t gone unnoticed.

    According to a Redfin report, the Sunshine State is home to three of the five major U.S. metros where property tax bills have increased the most since before the pandemic. In Jacksonville, the median monthly property tax rose 59.6% to $228 between 2019 and 2024. Tampa’s increased 56.7% to $250, while Miami’s climbed 48.1% to $367.

    To help address the burden, DeSantis proposed a $1,000 property tax rebate for Florida homeowners, but the initiative has been left out of this year’s budget and will be revisited for next year’s ballot instead.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Hedging against the rising cost of living

    The blunt reality is, inflation has steadily pushed up the cost of living across America — and for many, investing in real estate has become a trusted way to help offset those increases.

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

    And while owning a home may feel increasingly out of reach, investing in real estate has become easier than ever thanks to Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived.

    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 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

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • Zohran Mamdani vows to ‘immediately freeze’ the rent for some NYC tenants if he’s the next mayor — and ‘take control’ of property from bad landlords. Does his plan make sense?

    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 City is notorious for its sky-high rents. Worse yet, the living conditions don’t always reflect the steep prices residents have to pay.

    But Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for NYC mayor, is determined to change that.

    Don’t miss

    His campaign platform includes an ambitious section titled “Cracking Down on Bad Landlords,” highlighting that one in ten renter households reported a lack of adequate heat last winter, while one in four dealt with mice or rats in their homes.

    “Starting on day one, we will expand the city’s special enforcement programs, doubling fines for hazardous violations, and tripling them for conditions that are immediately dangerous,” Mamdani declared on his YouTube channel recently, standing outside a building on West 83rd Street he described as belonging to “one of the worst landlords in NYC.”

    “And when a really bad landlord refuses to fix it? The city is going to step in, make the repairs and send them the bill. If that doesn’t work, the city is taking over the building. We’re putting the worst landlords out of business.”

    Freeze rents because ‘landlords are doing just fine’

    While maintaining safe living conditions is an obligation for landlords, Mamdani is proposing to go much further by directly confronting rent affordability — with a hard stop on increases.

    “As Mayor, Zohran will immediately freeze the rent for all stabilized tenants, and use every available resource to build the housing New Yorkers need and bring down the rent,” his campaign website states.

    Mamdani explained on TikTok that more than two million New Yorkers live in rent-stabilized units, where rents are set by the Rent Guidelines Board — a nine-member panel appointed by the mayor. Mamdani criticized the current board, appointed by Mayor Eric Adams, for raising rents “every year [Adams] has been in office.”

    “Currently eight of Adams’ nine appointees’ terms are up and could be replaced tomorrow — and that’s exactly what I would do,” Mamdani said. “Rent freezes have happened before. [Former NYC mayor] De Blasio’s board did it three times — I would do the same every year, only appointing those who understand that landlords are doing just fine.”

    It’s a bold proposal, but not everyone is convinced it will achieve the intended results.

    Shark Tank star and Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban was blunt in dismissing Mamdani’s platform as unrealistic.

    “We’re cutting rents, right? We’re changing grocery stores. None of that sh-t has a chance. Doesn’t matter,” Cuban said of Mamdani’s proposals in a recent Pod Save America episode. “This guy is walking in telling me he’s going to walk on water.”

    Emily Hamilton, director of the Urbanity Project at George Mason University’s Mercatus Center, also warned that the rent freeze could end up making the city’s housing crisis even worse.

    “It’s going to exacerbate the city’s housing quality problems that the current rent stabilization law is already exacerbating,” Hamilton told FOX Business. “A rent freeze would just make that worse, and ultimately will contribute to the reduction in the supply of rent-stabilized units.”

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Earn rental income without becoming a landlord

    Owning property is often touted as a proven way to generate passive income — but the reality can be different.

    If you choose to be a landlord, you’ll need to find reliable tenants, collect rent and handle maintenance and repair requests — all on your own dime. And as Mamdani’s proposals have reminded everyone, being a landlord comes with real responsibilities and may not be nearly as passive as it sounds.

    From late-night maintenance calls to navigating tenant disputes and covering unexpected repairs, managing a rental can quickly turn into a full-time job.

    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 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

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • Scott Galloway warns the American Dream is now a ‘hallucination’ — says young people have given up because it’s almost impossible to buy a home. But has it ever been ‘easy’ in the US?

    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.

    Going to an elite school, landing a good job and buying a home may have once seemed like a sure path to achieving the American Dream. But according to Scott Galloway, a renowned marketing professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business, that path no longer works.

    The reason, he explains, is simple: Homes have become so expensive relative to earnings that even graduates with eye-watering salaries can’t afford them.

    Don’t miss

    “When I got out of business school, the average salary was $100,000. I went to a quote-unquote elite business school … The average house in San Francisco cost $280,000, so 2.8 times the MBA salary,” Galloway recounted in a recent appearance on the Jay Shetty Podcast.

    “Now, the kids at Haas — still an elite business school, incredible compensation, average $200,000 right out of business school — but the average home in San Francisco is $2.1 million.”

    In other words, while elite graduates are earning more than previous generations, the sheer surge in home prices has left them far behind.

    Galloway believes the problem stems from the reluctance of existing homeowners to allow new construction in their neighborhoods.

    “As soon as you have a house, you become very concerned with traffic, and you start showing up to local review meetings and making sure no new housing is built, which is great if you already own a home,” he explained.

    A recent Zillow report estimates the U.S. faces a shortage of 4.7 million homes.

    Dream, hallucination or fantasy?

    Galloway has a blunt assessment of the situation.

    “I think young people have given up on the American dream of owning a home,” he told Shetty.

    He pointed out that conditions have shifted dramatically against new homebuyers since the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “Pre-pandemic, a house is $290,000. Post-pandemic, it’s $420,000. Interest rates [went] from 3% to 7%, [the] average mortgage went from $1,100 to $2,200,” Galloway noted. “All of a sudden, the American dream has become a hallucination, a fantasy.”

    Research suggests that over the years, homeownership has indeed become substantially more difficult for Americans.

    According to a 2024 Zillow study, buyers now need to earn more than $106,000 annually to comfortably afford a typical U.S. home. This calculation assumes spending no more than 30% of income on the monthly mortgage with a 10% down payment. In 2020, that income threshold was only $59,000 — meaning the required earnings have jumped by 80%.

    Zillow also noted that in 2020, the $59,000 needed to buy a home was actually less than the U.S. median household income of $66,000 at the time. That’s no longer the case. Today’s required $106,000 is well above the median.

    “Housing costs have soared over the past four years as drastic hikes in home prices, mortgage rates and rent growth far outpaced wage gains,” Zillow Senior Economist Orphe Divounguy said in the report.

    How to get on the real estate ladder — starting with $100

    Given these challenges, Galloway noted that for young people, saving for a home today ‘“is almost impossible.”

    Yet despite the hurdles, real estate remains a popular investment choice for those looking to hedge against rising living costs. When inflation goes up, property values often climb as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to rise, providing landlords with a revenue stream that adjusts with inflation.

    While buying an entire house may feel out of reach, it’s now easier than ever to start investing in real estate thanks to crowdfunding platforms like Arrived.

    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.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Galloway’s simple hack: ‘forced savings’

    With so many enticing products and services vying for consumers’ attention, Galloway pointed out that “it is nearly impossible for a young person to save money if it comes through their hands.”

    His solution? Something he calls “forced savings” — money you never see, because it’s invested automatically.

    He specifically mentioned using “the Acorns app that rounds up and puts the money automatically into a low-cost index fund.”

    Acorns is a popular app that does exactly that. 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.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • Grant Cardone argues that owning a home in America is not an ‘investment’ if you live there, pay expenses — says he’d rather pay $2,400 in rent versus $2,400 in mortgage. 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.

    To buy or to rent? It’s one of the most enduring financial debates — and for good reason. For most people, buying a home is the biggest financial decision they’ll ever make.

    While the choice is deeply personal and depends on individual circumstances, real estate mogul Grant Cardone says there’s no debate at all.

    Don’t miss

    “I’d rather pay $2,400 in rent than $2,400 in mortgage, because I can get out of that rent every 10 months — that mortgage is 30 years” he said in an interview with YouTuber Kevin Cooney.

    Cardone points out that renting offers more flexibility. Lease agreements are shorter and easier to break than the time-consuming process of buying and selling a home. But for him, the bigger difference is how many expenses you’ll have.

    “If you live in your home and you pay the expenses of the home, that is not an investment. That is an expense by definition, and by the way, your home should not even go on your net worth statement,” he told Cooney.

    Cardone elaborated that homeowners are on the hook for HOA fees, property taxes, ongoing maintenance — and what he called “out of control insurance.”

    Those costs can add up quickly. According to a new study by Bankrate, the “hidden costs” of owning a typical single-family home in the U.S. amount to $21,400 in 2025 — covering everything from property taxes and insurance to maintenance, repairs and utilities. And that’s all on top of mortgage payments.

    Cardone is willing to get a mortgage — as long as someone else pays it

    To be clear, Cardone isn’t opposed to owning a property. After all, he’s a seasoned real estate investor who has built a fortune through property deals. But there’s a key distinction: He’s only willing to take on debt when it’s tied to an income-generating asset.

    “I would rather pay 7% on a mortgage that a renter pays than 3% on my home that I pay,” he told Cooney.

    That’s a bold statement. While many homeowners chase the lowest mortgage rate possible for their primary residence, Cardone believes they’re missing the point. From his perspective, it’s not about the rate — it’s about who’s covering the cost.

    Still, it’s important to note that not every rental property will generate enough income to fully cover the mortgage — especially in today’s market. Whether or not the rent offsets your costs depends on several factors, including the property’s location, purchase price, interest rate and local rental demand.

    Plus, even if you own a rental property, you’re still on the hook for the usual homeowner expenses — and finding reliable tenants is no guarantee. In fact, 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.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Become a real estate mogul, starting with just $100

    Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived have made it easier than ever for everyday investors to access the real estate market.

    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.

    For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $35 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.

    Or, you may want to explore 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

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • Robert Kiyosaki warns of ‘violent summer’ in the US — urges Americans to ditch ‘fake money’ and put it into ‘God’s money’ instead. Do you own any?

    Robert Kiyosaki warns of ‘violent summer’ in the US — urges Americans to ditch ‘fake money’ and put it into ‘God’s money’ instead. Do you own any?

    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.

    Rich Dad, Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki has just issued a dire warning for Americans.

    “CIVIL WAR has begun. ICE raids in Los Angeles erupt into mass violence,” he recently wrote in a post on X. “I believe we and the world are in for a long, hot, violent summer.”

    The unrest follows President Donald Trump’s immigration raids, which have triggered protests and clashes with law enforcement. So much so, that California Governor Gavin Newsom recently accused Trump of wanting “a civil war on the streets” during an interview with Fox’s L.A. affiliate, KTTV.

    Don’t miss

    Trump then pushed back in a press conference on June 9, saying he doesn’t want one — but warned that a civil war “would happen if you left it to people like [Newsom].”

    Amid the escalating tension, Kiyosaki linked the turmoil to the Fourth Turning, a generational theory by authors Neil Howe and William Strauss. According to the theory, society moves in roughly 80-year cycles marked by periods of upheaval that reset political and economic systems.

    Kiyosaki pointed out that previous Fourth Turnings included the American Revolution, the Civil War and the Great Depression/World War II. He believes the current cycle is about redefining one fundamental concept: money.

    “The issue is our bankers are stealing the wealth of the people via FAKE money, counterfeit money the central bankers print,” he wrote. “I trust the era of bankers ripping off the world is coming to an end. Sound money, gold, silver, and Bitcoin take away the power [from] the corrupt bankers … Stop saving fake money. Save gold, silver, and Bitcoin.”

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

    ‘God’s money’

    “As I have said for years, gold and silver are ‘God’s money,’” Kiyosaki wrote. The famed author has been advocating for precious metals for decades.

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

    Prices surged in 2024 and have continued to climb through 2025, recently surpassing $3,300 per ounce.

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

    Kiyosaki isn’t alone in highlighting gold as a critical asset.

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

    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, which combines 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 $10,000 in free silver on qualifying purchases.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    ‘Steady cashflow’ — even in a crash

    In a recent post on X, Kiyosaki outlined a few steps individuals could take to protect themselves from a recession — and pointed to the power of one income-generating asset.

    “I have always recommended people become entrepreneurs, at least a side hustle, and not need job security. Then invest in income-producing real estate, in a crash, which provides steady cash flow,” he wrote on May 19.

    Real estate has long been a favored asset for income-focused investors. While stock markets can swing wildly on headlines, high-quality properties often continue to generate stable rental income.

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

    Perhaps that’s why Kiyosaki once told personal finance YouTuber Sharan Hegdehe that he owns 15,000 houses — strictly for investment purposes.

    Today, you don’t need to be as wealthy as Kiyosaki to get started in real estate investing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ‘People’s money’

    Kiyosaki has shown unwavering enthusiasm for Bitcoin — the world’s largest cryptocurrency.

    “Bitcoin is ‘people’s money,’” he wrote on X.

    It’s an interesting way to describe a decentralized cryptocurrency that operates outside the control of central banks. Bitcoin has been one of the top-performing assets of the past decade — and Kiyosaki believes its best days are still ahead.

    “Bitcoin [will go from] $500K to $1 million,” he predicted in May.

    He’s not the only one with such bold expectations. Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey said in a May 2024 interview with Mike Solana that Bitcoin could hit “at least” $1 million by 2030 — and possibly go even higher.

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

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

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

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

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • Trump claims tariffs could ‘completely eliminate’ income taxes for Americans making under $200,000 — but is it for real? These 2 assets can help slash your tax bill no matter what he does

    Trump claims tariffs could ‘completely eliminate’ income taxes for Americans making under $200,000 — but is it for real? These 2 assets can help slash your tax bill no matter what he does

    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.

    President Donald Trump says tariffs could deliver a financial windfall for everyday Americans — by wiping out their income taxes.

    “When tariffs cut in, many people’s income taxes will be substantially reduced, maybe even completely eliminated,” Trump declared in a Truth Social post on April 27. “Focus will be on people making less than $200,000 a year.”

    That’s a bold promise, especially considering that only 14.4% of U.S. households earned more than $200,000 annually in 2023, according to Census Bureau data. In other words, if Trump’s vision holds true, the vast majority of Americans would pay no income tax at all.

    Don’t miss

    But don’t celebrate just yet. While Trump is optimistic, experts say the math simply doesn’t add up.

    Economists Erica York and Huaqun Li of the Tax Foundation were blunt, explaining in a response on April 28 that “the individual income tax raises more than 27 times as much revenue as tariffs currently do,” and “even eliminating income taxes for a subset of taxpayers, such as those earning $200,000 or less, would require significantly higher replacement revenues than tariffs could generate.”

    They estimate that the tariffs Trump has imposed and scheduled as of April 2025 would generate nearly $167 billion in new federal tax revenue in 2025 — covering less than 25% of the cost of eliminating income taxes for people earning below $200,000.

    While Trump’s proposal faces serious doubts, policy changes aren’t the only route to lowering tax bills. Here are two powerful assets that everyday investors can use to their advantage.

    Stocks

    Scott Galloway, professor of marketing at New York University’s Stern School of Business, once said that if you’re trying to build wealth, you have “an obligation to pay as little tax as possible.”

    His advice? Keep it simple: “You buy stocks, you never sell them, you borrow against them.”

    Galloway broke it down with an example: “You own $100 in Amazon stock. You need money to buy something. Instead of selling the stock, and let’s say it’s gone up 50% … You would have to realize a capital gain and pay long-term capital gains [tax] on that $50 gain. No, just borrow against it and let the stock continue to grow.”

    This strategy allows investors to tap into the value of their portfolios without triggering a taxable event. Because capital gains are only taxed when realized, borrowing against appreciated assets lets investors access cash while deferring taxes.

    Meanwhile, the investments themselves can continue to grow. And since the interest on the loan is often smaller than the tax bill from a sale, this approach can be a powerful tool for preserving and compounding wealth over time.

    Of course, not all investors want to pick individual stocks — and you don’t have to. Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors of our time, recommends a much simpler path: buying a cross-section of the American economy.

    “In my view, for most people, the best thing to do is own the S&P 500 index,” Buffett has stated, meaning invest in an S&P 500 index fund. This straightforward approach gives investors exposure to the top American companies on the stock market, providing diversified exposure without the need for constant monitoring or active trading.

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

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

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Real estate

    Real estate has long been a go-to asset for building wealth — and one of the reasons is the generous tax treatment it receives.

    When you earn rental income from an investment property, you can claim deductions for a wide range of expenses, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance and ongoing maintenance and repairs.

    Real estate investors also benefit from depreciation — a tax deduction that recognizes the gradual wear and tear of a property over time.

    Today, you don’t need to be a millionaire or buy property outright to benefit from real estate investing.

    For example, Homeshares opens the door to the $30-plus trillion U.S. home equity market — a space that was once reserved almost exclusively for institutional investors. With a minimum investment of $25,000, accredited investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

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

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

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

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

    If you’re an accredited investor looking for larger returns through commercial real estate, First National Realty Partners (FNRP) could be a better fit with a $50,000 minimum investment requirement.

    Specializing in grocery-anchored retail, FNRP offers a turnkey solution for investors, allowing them to passively earn distribution income while benefiting from the firm’s expertise and deal leadership.

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

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

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

    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: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    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.

    Homeshares 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.

    Another way to invest in real estate is through crowdfunding platforms like Arrived, which make it easier to slice yourself up a piece of that pie.

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

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

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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