Author: Jing Pan

While inflation may have slowed as of late, that doesn’t mean prices have dropped — they’re just not climbing as quickly as they were in 2022.

Prices remain so high that even Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, is feeling the squeeze.

“I just purchased an egg salad sandwich for my dinner in Waikiki. Price $14.00,” he shared in a post on X. “I can afford $14 yet the price still is hard to swallow.”

With an estimated net worth of US$100 million, Kiyosaki’s surprise at the cost of a simple sandwich underscores the high cost of living many are facing today.

In the same post, Kiyosaki expanded on the issue:

“THE EVERYTHING BUBBLE I wrote about in my last two tweets has caused millions of Millennials, Gen X and Gen Zs… even a few Baby Boomers[…] to claim they cannot afford a house, or have kids, or live at the same standard of living as their parents.”

Kiyosaki expressed empathy for younger generations, noting that he grew up with similar doubts. Yet, with “real estate and the cost of living so high in Hawaii,” he also wonders how “young people today… survive.”

The cost of living crisis isn’t limited to Hawaii, or even the U.S. Across Canada, inflation continues to bite. Canada’s consumer price index was up by 1.8% in December 2024 from December 2023.

‘The everything crash’

Kiyosaki’s concerns about inflation go beyond just rising consumer prices — he’s also warning of a major market downturn.

He described on X how “The Everything Bubble” formed in the past.

“In 2008 was the GFC the Great Financial Crisis. The criminals at the Fed and Treasury began printing trillions of fake dollars in an attempt to stop a GFD a.k.a….a Global ‘F-ing’ Depression,” he wrote. “The 2008 GFC blew up into ‘The Everything Bubble.’ All markets began to rise….floating on a sea of fake money.”

In short, Kiyosaki believes that excessive money printing fueled the bubble by inflating asset prices across the board.

Now, he predicts even more serious consequences.

“What I am attempting to say is ‘The Everything Bubble’ is going to turn into ‘The Everything Crash,’” he predicts, vividly comparing the impending collapse to “Mt. Vesuvius blowing up.”

While the Canadian stock market experienced a remarkable rally in 2024, with the S&P/TSX composite index ending 18% higher for the year, Kiyosaki points out that savvy investors are already offloading overpriced assets and moving into cash.

He highlighted Warren Buffett, whose company Berkshire Hathaway has sold a significant portion of its Apple (APPL) shares this year. “Warren Buffett is selling even his Apple shares and sitting on stacks of cash,” Kiyosaki notes.

‘Prices about to explode’

So, how do you navigate the bubble and the impending crash? Kiyosaki points to three key assets.

“If a major stock market crash occurs. Which I am expecting… Because the stock market has been high for too many years… This is not good news for people who do NOT own gold, silver, and Bitcoin,” he warned on X.

This isn’t the first time Kiyosaki has promoted these assets. His confidence in them remains strong, boldly declaring that “Bitcoin, gold, silver prices [are] about to EXPLODE.”

Gold and silver have long been considered popular hedges against inflation. The reason is straightforward: these precious metals can’t be printed in unlimited quantities by central banks like fiat money.

And because their value isn’t tied to any one currency or economy, these metals could provide protection during periods of economic uncertainty.

In October 2023, Kiyosaki 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.”

It seems that the first part of his prediction is materializing. Gold prices have surged in 2024, now hovering around US$2,871.74 per ounce.

Kiyosaki is also bullish on silver, recently telling followers that “BEST ASSET TODAY: Silver… buy it before it hits $50.00.” With silver currently trading at $34.40, his target suggests a potential 45% upside for the metal.

Bitcoin is another hot asset in 2024, having surpassed the US$96,000 mark amid bullish sentiments.

While some see Bitcoin as the new gold, Kiyosaki doesn’t dwell on comparisons between the two. “It really matters little which is better, gold or Bitcoin. That would [be] like people discussing which car is better… Ferrari or Lamborghini… as they take the bus,” he wrote on X.

However, Bitcoin’s volatility is something Kiyosaki acknowledges. He warns that the cryptocurrency could crash to $5,000 before surging to $100,000, $250,000, or even higher.

Still, Kiyosaki paints a clear picture of the future for those who own these assets.

“Those who own real gold, silver, and Bitcoin will get richer… [and be] able to afford Ferraris or Lamborghinis… while talkers who take the bus… say to themselves… ‘I really do not like either Ferraris or Lamborghinis,’” he quipped on X.

Sources

1. Statistics Canada: Consumer price index portal

2. CP24: S&P/TSX composite ticks higher to close out a strong 2024 (December 31, 2024)

3. American Hartford Gold: Interactive Gold Price Charting Tool

4. The Globe and Mail: Crypto Market Surges as Bitcoin Breaks $96,000 Amid Bullish Sentiment (Jan 21, 2025)

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.

President Donald Trump’s tariffs continue to drive market uncertainty while boosting the price of domestic and imported goods, and may further weigh down a beleaguered U.S. market, according to JPMorgan’s annual stakeholder letter.

“The recent tariffs will likely increase inflation and are causing many to consider a greater probability of a recession,” Jamie Dimon, who serves as JPMorgan CEO and chairman, wrote in a letter to shareholders on April 7. “And even with the recent decline in market values, prices remain relatively high.”

His concerns aren’t without merit.

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• 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

Trump’s latest tariff policies have battered the stock market — the S&P 500 index declined by over 10% in early April, formally entering correction territory.

Dimon supported Trump’s tariffs in January, calling them a “little inflationary” yet imperative for national security.

But Dimon now sees the U.S. economy weakening in the wake of Trump’s recent tariff announcements, according to that same shareholder letter.

“The economy is facing considerable turbulence (including geopolitics), with the potential positives of tax reform and deregulation and the potential negatives of tariffs and ‘trade wars,’ ongoing sticky inflation, high fiscal deficits, and still rather high asset prices and volatility,” Dimon acknowledged.

If you share these concerns, here are three ways to help protect your portfolio.

Precious metals

When markets look shaky, investors often turn to gold — and for good reason. The precious metal is seen as a store of value, offering protection against inflation, economic downturns and stock market volatility.

As market uncertainty mounts, investors often take cover with precious metals. For instance, gold has climbed around 35% over the past year, hitting over $2,800 per ounce, while silver has posted impressive gains of around 36%, reaching over $30 per ounce.

One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is with a gold IRA from 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. This can make gold IRAs an attractive option for those seeking to secure their retirement fund against economic uncertainty.

Even better, when you make a qualifying purchase with Priority Gold, you’ll be eligible for up to $10,000 in free silver.

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

Investors looking to diversify beyond stocks to shield their wealth from the impacts of rising prices brought on by tariffs might find real estate a compelling choice.

Property values tend to rise with inflation, reflecting the increasing costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income has been shown to climb, providing landlords with a steady revenue stream that adjusts with the cost of living.

Of course, purchasing a property requires significant capital — and finding the right tenant takes time and effort. But thanks to modern investment options, you don’t need to own a property outright to gain exposure to real estate as a financial asset.

Platforms like First National Realty Partners allow accredited investors to own a piece of institutional-grade, grocery-anchored properties without the hassle of finding and managing property.

FNRP properties are leased to national brands like Whole Foods, CVS, Kroger and Walmart. Thanks to triple net leases, investors can potentially collect grocery-store-anchored income without worrying about operational headaches cutting into the bottom line.

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

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

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

With risk-adjusted 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.

Fine art

It’s easy to see why great works of art tend to appreciate over time. Supply is limited, and many famous pieces have been snatched up by museums and collectors. This makes art an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their holdings.

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. But for a long time, investing in art was 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. Masterworks has had 23 successful exits to date, and every one of them has been profitable. All told, Masterworks has distributed over $60 million in proceeds back to investors, including the principal.

To get started, 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. See important Regulation A disclosures at Masterworks.com/cd.

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• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
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• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

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.

Buying and owning a house is often considered a significant financial investment and a milestone in personal wealth building. However, economist Peter Schiff believes that this notion is simply not true.

During a recent appearance on the Iced Coffee Hour podcast, hosted by Graham Stephan and Jack Selby, Schiff was asked about the common belief that for many, a house represents their primary means of saving.

Schiff, who runs Euro Pacific Capital, strongly disagrees with this perspective.

“A house depletes your savings. It’s a money pit,” he stated bluntly. “It’s crazy the amount of money that a house costs you.”

Proponents of homeownership often argue that property values appreciate over time. For example, the median sales price of houses sold in Canada in May 2020 was $544,000, according to data from Trading Economics. By May 2025, this figure had risen to $691,000, reflecting a 27% increase — however, this is a decrease from the recent high witnessed in February 2022, where the average home price bloated to $837,000.

Yet, Schiff urges caution when interpreting these figures.

“[People] think, oh, the house appreciates — not always, it’s inflation that’s doing it. And all that’s happening is your land is keeping pace, but houses don’t,” he argued.

From $500,000 to $1 million?

Given the rise in Canadian home prices over the years, if you bought a house many years ago and sell it today, chances are you will receive more than the purchase price.

However, Schiff cautions that such examples often have significant caveats.

“Even if somebody tells you, ‘Oh, here’s this house that I sold for $1 million and I bought it, whatever 10, 20 years ago for $500,000.’ If you think about all the money they put into that house over that period of time, they may not have made any money,” he said.

He explained that houses can require significant upgrades, which can be costly.

“A lot of the houses too that were bought back then, if you don’t redo the kitchens, redo the bathroom, put on a new roof, you know, your audio, visual systems are all obsolete, the wiring — a lot of stuff has to be brought up to date in order to sell it for the million dollars,” he said.

He added that many of these houses, if not updated over the years, would be considered teardowns.

“A teardown means a house that was once brand new and had a lot of value, now has zero value. It’s going to be torn down. The only thing that has value is the land itself. The house is worthless,” he said.

Buying vs renting

The decision between buying and renting a home depends on a variety of factors, such as financial circumstances, lifestyle preferences, market conditions and interest rates.

Schiff acknowledged the individual nature of this choice but believes that for many, one option stands out.

“It depends on your circumstances and where the home is located, but for a lot of people — and this has been the case for a long time — renting is a better option,” he stated. He said money saved this way should be invested.

He also criticized government policies for distorting the housing market with tax incentives, something that is echoed by Canadians for Tax Fairness.

"The increasing financialization of housing has contributed to the affordability crisis, and is exacerbated by preferential tax treatment for capital gains and real estate investment trusts (REITs)," the non-profit noted.

Schiff also pointed out how interest rates are a factor that is greatly skewing the market. He said, “A lot of people are better off renting. A lot of people who own homes, the only reason they’re better off staying where they are is because their mortgage rate is so low, their mortgage rate may be so low that if they sold their home and rent it, their rent would be higher than what their current mortgage is.”

He also emphasized that homeowners are responsible for maintenance, insurance and property taxes, and noted how these costs have been sharply rising.

Although experiencing fluctuations, mortgage rates have indeed risen sharply over the last decade. In June 2015, the average prime mortgage rate was around 2.85%. As of June 2025, it stands at 4.95%, according to <ahref="#rate">Ratehub.

Elevated home prices, along with high interest rates, can make purchasing a house unaffordable for many. However, if you’re interested in investing in income-producing real estate, there are alternatives to buying a house, such as real estate investment trusts (REITs) and crowdfunding platforms.

Sources

1. Trading Economics: Canada Average House Prices

2. Canadians for Tax Fairness: How tax breaks are worsening Canada’s housing affordability crisis, by Silas Xuereb (Sept 23, 2024)

3. Ratehub: Mortgage Rate History Canada

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

While inflation may have slowed as of late, that doesn’t mean prices have dropped — they’re just not climbing as quickly as they were in 2022.

Prices remain so high that even Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, is feeling the squeeze.

“I just purchased an egg salad sandwich for my dinner in Waikiki. Price $14.00,” he shared in a post on X. “I can afford $14 yet the price still is hard to swallow.”

With an estimated net worth of US$100 million, Kiyosaki’s surprise at the cost of a simple sandwich underscores the high cost of living many are facing today.

In the same post, Kiyosaki expanded on the issue:

“THE EVERYTHING BUBBLE I wrote about in my last two tweets has caused millions of Millennials, Gen X and Gen Zs… even a few Baby Boomers[…] to claim they cannot afford a house, or have kids, or live at the same standard of living as their parents.”

Kiyosaki expressed empathy for younger generations, noting that he grew up with similar doubts. Yet, with “real estate and the cost of living so high in Hawaii,” he also wonders how “young people today… survive.”

The cost of living crisis isn’t limited to Hawaii, or even the U.S. Across Canada, inflation continues to bite. Canada’s consumer price index was up by 1.8% in December 2024 from December 2023.

‘The everything crash’

Kiyosaki’s concerns about inflation go beyond just rising consumer prices — he’s also warning of a major market downturn.

He described on X how “The Everything Bubble” formed in the past.

“In 2008 was the GFC the Great Financial Crisis. The criminals at the Fed and Treasury began printing trillions of fake dollars in an attempt to stop a GFD a.k.a….a Global ‘F-ing’ Depression,” he wrote. “The 2008 GFC blew up into ‘The Everything Bubble.’ All markets began to rise….floating on a sea of fake money.”

In short, Kiyosaki believes that excessive money printing fueled the bubble by inflating asset prices across the board.

Now, he predicts even more serious consequences.

“What I am attempting to say is ‘The Everything Bubble’ is going to turn into ‘The Everything Crash,’” he predicts, vividly comparing the impending collapse to “Mt. Vesuvius blowing up.”

While the Canadian stock market experienced a remarkable rally in 2024, with the S&P/TSX composite index ending 18% higher for the year, Kiyosaki points out that savvy investors are already offloading overpriced assets and moving into cash.

He highlighted Warren Buffett, whose company Berkshire Hathaway has sold a significant portion of its Apple (APPL) shares this year. “Warren Buffett is selling even his Apple shares and sitting on stacks of cash,” Kiyosaki notes.

‘Prices about to explode’

So, how do you navigate the bubble and the impending crash? Kiyosaki points to three key assets.

“If a major stock market crash occurs. Which I am expecting… Because the stock market has been high for too many years… This is not good news for people who do NOT own gold, silver, and Bitcoin,” he warned on X.

This isn’t the first time Kiyosaki has promoted these assets. His confidence in them remains strong, boldly declaring that “Bitcoin, gold, silver prices [are] about to EXPLODE.”

Gold and silver have long been considered popular hedges against inflation. The reason is straightforward: these precious metals can’t be printed in unlimited quantities by central banks like fiat money.

And because their value isn’t tied to any one currency or economy, these metals could provide protection during periods of economic uncertainty.

In October 2023, Kiyosaki 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.”

It seems that the first part of his prediction is materializing. Gold prices have surged in 2024, now hovering around US$2,871.74 per ounce.

Kiyosaki is also bullish on silver, recently telling followers that “BEST ASSET TODAY: Silver… buy it before it hits $50.00.” With silver currently trading at $34.40, his target suggests a potential 45% upside for the metal.

Bitcoin is another hot asset in 2024, having surpassed the US$96,000 mark amid bullish sentiments.

While some see Bitcoin as the new gold, Kiyosaki doesn’t dwell on comparisons between the two. “It really matters little which is better, gold or Bitcoin. That would [be] like people discussing which car is better… Ferrari or Lamborghini… as they take the bus,” he wrote on X.

However, Bitcoin’s volatility is something Kiyosaki acknowledges. He warns that the cryptocurrency could crash to $5,000 before surging to $100,000, $250,000, or even higher.

Still, Kiyosaki paints a clear picture of the future for those who own these assets.

“Those who own real gold, silver, and Bitcoin will get richer… [and be] able to afford Ferraris or Lamborghinis… while talkers who take the bus… say to themselves… ‘I really do not like either Ferraris or Lamborghinis,’” he quipped on X.

Sources

1. Statistics Canada: Consumer price index portal

2. CP24: S&P/TSX composite ticks higher to close out a strong 2024 (December 31, 2024)

3. American Hartford Gold: Interactive Gold Price Charting Tool

4. The Globe and Mail: Crypto Market Surges as Bitcoin Breaks $96,000 Amid Bullish Sentiment (Jan 21, 2025)

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 summer grilling season kicks off, Americans may be in for a costly surprise at the meat counter.

Beef prices are climbing — and the latest government data confirms it. According to the Consumer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. beef and veal prices have jumped 8.6% over the past year. Ground beef surged 9.9%, beef roasts rose 9.5% and beef steaks were up 6.3%.

Omaha Steaks President and CEO Nate Rempe says the problem boils down to supply.

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• 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

“The number of head of cattle in the United States is at a low, really not seen since the 1950s. In fact, it’s wild,” Rempe recently told Fox Business.

As of Jan. 1, 2025, there were 86.7 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms, according to the Department of Agriculture — the lowest count since 1951.

With domestic beef demand still strong, Rempe warned that tight supply is “putting a lot of upward pressure” on prices — and it won’t be resolved overnight.

“Supply is a tricky issue. You can’t just flip a switch [or] adjust a tariff. We need to rebuild the herd, and that’s going to happen over the next roughly 12 months. My guess is by Q3 [20]26 we’ll kind of start to come out of this,” he said in the interview with Fox.

Beef isn’t the only grocery item getting more expensive. The food index from the CPI has surged 26% over the past five years, and the USDA expects food prices to rise another 2.9% in 2025.

To be sure, headline inflation has cooled from its 40-year high of 9.1% in June 2022. But the cost of essentials like food and housing remains persistently high.

Fortunately, history has shown that savvy investors and consumers can take steps to protect themselves from inflation’s impact.

Real estate

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.

This combination makes real estate an attractive option for preserving and growing wealth when the U.S. dollar is losing its value.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Gold

Gold has helped preserve wealth for thousands of years — and it remains just as relevant today, especially in the face of modern inflation.

One key reason? Unlike fiat currency, gold can’t be created out of thin air by central banks.

It’s also long been viewed as 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.

Over the past 12 months, the price of the precious metal has surged by more than 40%.

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

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

Priority Gold is an industry leader in precious metals, offering physical delivery of gold and silver. Plus, they have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 5-star rating from Trust Link.

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

To learn more about how Priority Gold can help you reduce inflation’s impact on your nest egg, download their free 2025 gold investor bundle.

Farmland

The steady rise in food prices serves as a powerful reminder: no matter what happens in the economy, people still need to eat.

That’s why farmland is considered a natural hedge against inflation. As food prices climb, so does the value of the land that produces it. At the same time, farmland is a tangible, income-generating asset that isn’t directly tied to the ups and downs of financial markets.

According to the USDA, U.S. farmland values have steadily climbed over the past few decades, driven by increasing demand for food and limited supply of arable land.

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

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

Depending on the type of stake you want, you can potentially get a cut from both the leasing fees and crop sales. Then, years down the line, you can benefit from appreciation and profit from its sale.

What to read next

• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
• Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

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.

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, has a stark warning for Americans.

“For those who care about the value of their money, the risks for U.S. government debt are greater than the rating agencies are conveying,” he wrote in an alarming post on X in May.

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• 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
• 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

Dalio was referring to the recent downgrade of the U.S. sovereign credit rating by Moody’s, following similar moves by S&P Global in 2011 and Fitch in 2023.

While these downgrades have made headlines, Dalio cautions that the real threat runs deeper than the government’s ability to repay its debt obligations.

“[Regarding] the U.S. debt downgrade, you should know that credit ratings understate credit risks because they only rate the risk of the government not paying its debt,” he explained. “They don’t include the greater risk that the countries in debt will print money to pay their debts thus causing holders of the bonds to suffer losses from the decreased value of the money they’re getting (rather than from the decreased quantity of money they’re getting).”

Simply put, if the government resorts to printing more dollars, the currency itself loses real value — something Americans have experienced firsthand.

The U.S. Dollar Index fell 10.8% in the first half of 2025 — marking its worst performance since 1973, when Richard Nixon was president. Meanwhile, inflation has steadily chipped away at the dollar’s purchasing power. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis inflation calculator, $100 in 2025 buys what just $12.56 could in 1971 — the year the U.S. moved off the gold standard.

If you share Dalio’s concerns and care about protecting the value of your money, here’s a look at a few ways to hedge against these risks.

A safe haven shines again

Gold has helped people preserve their wealth for thousands of years. Today, its appeal is simple: Unlike fiat currencies, the yellow metal can’t be printed at will by central banks or governments.

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

Dalio has repeatedly emphasized gold’s importance in a resilient portfolio.

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

Over the past 12 months, the price of the precious metal has surged by roughly 40%.

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, 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 $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases.

A time-tested income play

Gold isn’t the only asset investors rely on to preserve their purchasing power. Real estate has also proven to be a powerful hedge.

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

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

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

The good news? You don’t need to buy a property outright — or deal with leaky faucets — to invest in real estate today. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived offer an easier way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class.

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

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

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

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

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

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. Art also has a low correlation with stocks and bonds, which helps with diversification.

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

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

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

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

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

At the end of the day, everyone’s financial situation is different — from income levels and investment goals to debt obligations and risk tolerance. If you’re unsure where to start, it might be the right time to get in touch with a financial advisor through Advisor.com.

Advisor.com is an online platform that matches you with vetted financial advisors suited to your unique needs. They can help tailor a strategy to your unique financial situation, whether you’re looking to grow wealth, diversify beyond stocks or plan for long-term financial security.

Once you’re matched with an advisor, you can book a free consultation with no obligation to hire.

What to read next

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• Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
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• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At his age, and with his own retirement slated for the end of 2025, Buffett’s takeaway is clear: “For a guy at 94, it’s not the most interesting thing to get involved in something where the negotiations could take years.”

How to invest like Buffett

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: 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

How to invest in real estate without the headaches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to read next

• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
• Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

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.