Author: Jing Pan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tesla (TSLA)

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: 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

Cryptocurrency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Real estate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

Kevin O’Leary has made numerous investment bets on Shark Tank, backing everything from kitchen gadgets to cat DNA testing. But when it comes to teaching his own kids about money, his advice is surprisingly simple.

“What piece of advice do I give my kids over and over and over again about money? Don’t spend it, save it, invest it, let it compound — that’s the gift the market gives you,” O’Leary said in a recent YouTube video.

“Take 15% of all your paychecks, all your side hustle, any cash granny gives you, and put it in the market and just let it compound.”

Saving 15% might not sound like a fast track to riches, but O’Leary says the payoff can be enormous — even on a modest income.

“If you make $68,000 a year, the average salary, and you do this your entire life — just 15% of your paycheck — you’ll end up a millionaire at retirement at 65.”

It’s a compelling idea. But how realistic is it?

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The outcome depends on key factors like when you start and what kind of return the market delivers. For example, CNBC estimates that if you begin saving 15% of your income at age 25 and earn a 4% annual return, you’d only need to make $67,459 a year to hit the $1 million mark by 65.

Start at 40, however, and you’ll need to earn more than double — $155,086 per year — to reach the same goal with a 4% return. But if you manage to get an 8% return, the required income drops to $83,563.

Historically, the U.S. stock market has delivered strong long-term returns. The benchmark S&P 500’s average annual return has hovered around 10%, though of course, past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Still, O’Leary’s core message is timeless: the earlier and more consistently you invest, the better your chances of growth.

“Best piece of advice I can give anybody,” he said. “Don’t buy stuff you don’t need — invest it instead.”

Here’s a look at a few simple ways to apply that advice in your own life.

Unlock the market’s gift — and ‘let it compound’

O’Leary’s advice to “put it in the market and just let it compound” echoes the philosophy of investing legend Warren Buffett.

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

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

Still, setting aside 15% of every paycheck may feel out of reach for many. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the current personal savings rate in the U.S. is just 4.9%.

The good news? You don’t have to start big. The beauty of this strategy 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

Building wealth while earning passive income

Beyond stocks, real estate has long been a favorite asset class for building wealth — especially among income-focused investors.

While stock markets can swing wildly on headlines, high-quality properties often continue to generate stable rental income.

In fact, Buffett often uses real estate to illustrate what a productive, income-generating asset looks like. In 2022, he stated that if you offered him “1% of all the apartment houses in the country” for $25 billion, he would “write you a check.”

Why? Because regardless of what’s happening in the broader economy, people still need a place to live and apartments can consistently produce rent money.

The best part? You don’t need to be a billionaire investor to get in the game.

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.

One option is Homeshares, which gives access to the $30-plus trillion 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.

Talk to an expert

At the end of the day, everyone’s financial situation is different — from income levels and investment goals to debt obligations and risk tolerance. Some may be juggling student loans or credit card debt, which can make it difficult to jump straight into investing. Others might feel uneasy about market volatility.

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.

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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.

Bubbles don’t always burst — sometimes they deflate. But the process can still be painful, as some Florida home sellers are now discovering.

According to a Bloomberg analysis of Redfin data, the number of contracts to buy homes in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach dropped in April compared to a year ago, marking the steepest declines among the 50 largest metro areas in the U.S.

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Notably, pending sales in Miami plunged 23%, while transactions in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach declined by 19% and 14%, respectively.

According to Chen Zhao, head of economics research at Redfin, the region is clearly under pressure.

“South Florida is the epicenter of housing market weakness in the United States,” she told Bloomberg.

Homes are also sitting on the market much longer than elsewhere. In April, the median time to sell in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale was 83 days, and 81 days in Miami — more than double the national average of 40 days.

South Florida saw a historic run-up in prices during the pandemic, with homes routinely selling above asking price. But the tide has turned.

In April, the median home sale price across Florida fell 3.2% year over year. And in West Palm Beach, Miami and Fort Lauderdale, nearly 5% of homes sold below asking — compared to just 0.77% nationally.

“I think you’re seeing a really long, slow deflation of that bubble,” Zhao said in the Bloomberg analysis, reflecting on the shifting market dynamics.

And while Florida may be feeling the pain, Zhao cautions it might not be the only state that ends up struggling: “The question for the rest of the country is, will this spread? Florida is uniquely bad right now.”

‘Not enough housing’

Florida’s housing market seems to be under pressure, but that doesn’t necessarily signal a nationwide collapse. In fact, according to Redfin, the median U.S. home sale price in April was $437,864 — up 1.3% from a year earlier.

Zoom out further, and the long-term trend remains clear: Redfin data show U.S. home prices have surged roughly 45% over the past five years.

Affordability, however, remains a major challenge due to the imbalance between supply and demand. As Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged in a press conference last year, the real issue behind America’s housing crisis is clear: “We have had, and are on track to continue to have, not enough housing.”

A June 2024 analysis by Zillow estimates the U.S. housing shortage at 4.5 million homes — a gap that continues to support demand and rental prices in many regions.

Meanwhile, many investors view real estate as a time-tested hedge against inflation. As the cost of materials, labor and land rises, property values often follow — and so do rents. This allows landlords to earn income that tends to keep pace with inflation.

Of course, with today’s high home prices, elevated mortgage rates and an uncertain outlook, jumping into the market might feel daunting. But the good news is, you no longer need to buy a property outright to tap into the benefits of 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: 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

Hedge against chaos

If you’re uneasy about where the U.S. housing market — or the broader economy — is headed, you’re not alone. Warnings from top economists and investors are piling up.

Nobel Prize–winning economist Paul Krugman has cautioned that a recession could hit the U.S. this year. Meanwhile, Ray Dalio — founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates — recently sounded the alarm on “something worse than a recession.”

With soaring national debt, persistent fiscal deficits and rising geopolitical tensions, it’s no surprise that markets have been on edge. So where can investors turn for shelter?

Dalio points to a familiar safe haven: gold.

“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.”

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

Hence why, over the past 12 months, gold prices have surged by more than 40%.

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

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

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

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• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs

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.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has a stark warning for Americans.

“Congress is making America bankrupt,” he wrote in a June 3 post on X.

The comment came as Musk reposted a chart from X account World of Statistics, showing U.S. budget deficits from 2000 to 2024 — and the numbers are sobering.

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In fiscal 2000, the federal government posted a $236 billion surplus, followed by a $128 billion surplus in 2001. (The chart didn’t distinguish between deficits and surpluses, but those two years were surpluses, according to Federal Reserve data.)

Unfortunately, that was the last time Washington ran a budget in the black.

By 2002, the U.S. had fallen into a $158 billion deficit — spending more than it collected in revenue. The gap only widened in the years that followed, reaching $1.29 trillion in 2010 and ballooning to $3.13 trillion in 2020.

For fiscal 2024, the U.S. government spent $6.75 trillion while taking in $4.92 trillion, resulting in a $1.83 trillion deficit.

Musk has long criticized excess government spending, and he recently took aim at President Donald Trump’s signature budget bill.

“This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination,” Musk wrote on X. “Shame on those who voted for it: You know you did wrong.”

He also warned that the bill could push the federal deficit to $2.5 trillion and saddle Americans with “crushingly unsustainable debt.”

Will America go bankrupt?

Years of deficit spending have added up: U.S. national debt now stands at more than $36 trillion — and continues to climb.

Whether America can technically go bankrupt is a complicated question because the federal government cannot file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.

Instead, Congress would have to decide to let the federal government default on its debt, otherwise it can keep borrowing as long as there is demand from investors for government bonds.

“Technically speaking, the government can’t go bankrupt because it only promised to hand over a certain number of dollars; it didn’t promise what the value of those dollars would be. Because the value of the dollars was never specified, the government can print enough to render the dollars nearly worthless. To the rest of us, the effect is the same as the government going bankrupt,” wrote the co-hosts of podcast Words & Numbers back in 2016.

In other words, printing money to stay afloat has significant consequences, as inflation erodes the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar.

Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, echoed this concern earlier this year.

“There won’t be a default — the central bank will come in, and we’ll print the money and buy it,” he told CNBC in February. “And that’s where there’s the depreciation of money.”

How to protect your purchasing power

For many Americans, the sting of inflation still lingers. Although headline CPI has eased from its 40-year peak of 9.1% in June 2022, everyday essentials — like food and housing — remain stubbornly expensive.

While warning that U.S. debt is spiraling out of control, Dalio points to a tried-and-true safeguard: gold.

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

Gold has long served as a hedge against inflation. Unlike fiat currencies, it can’t be printed in unlimited quantities by central banks — a feature that makes it especially appealing when governments ramp up spending.

It’s also considered a classic safe haven. Because gold isn’t tied to the fate of any single country or currency, it often sees inflows during periods of economic distress or geopolitical uncertainty — pushing prices higher.

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

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

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

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

Read more: 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 during inflationary times. Real estate has also proven to be a powerful hedge.

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

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

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.

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.

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 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

• 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 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
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs

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.

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?”

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A timeless safe haven

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: 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

The 1 sector that thrives in conflict

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

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

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

Defense stocks tend to gain attention when global risks rise. Companies like Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), RTX (NYSE:RTX) and Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) are among the biggest players in the industry.

For broader exposure, investors can also consider ETFs like the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (BATS:ITA), which provides diversified exposure to the sector.

Passive income, even in uncertain times

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs

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.