Author: Moneywise

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.

Months after wildfires in California displaced thousands of residents and spurred a massive housing crisis in Los Angeles County, the ongoing impact points to a larger — and unquestionably disturbing — trend.

As extreme weather events increase in both frequency and severity, a growing number of insurers are pulling out of disaster-prone regions. That could make homeownership even less attainable in the future.

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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently testified before the Senate Banking Committee and was asked about the availability of mortgages in states like California.

His response?

“Those banks and insurance companies are pulling out of areas, coastal areas and … areas where there are a lot of fires,” Powell told the committee. “So what that’s going to mean is if you fast-forward 10 or 15 years, there are going to be regions of the country where you can’t get a mortgage.”

Why insurers pulling out is a problem

It’s common practice for mortgage lenders to require borrowers to have homeowners insurance in place before giving out loans. But the requirement to carry homeowners insurance doesn’t end there.

You’re typically required to maintain homeowners insurance while you’re in the process of paying off your mortgage. If your insurance is canceled, your mortgage lender will typically be notified. If you don’t then find replacement insurance, your lender could compel you to use insurance it procures for you, known as force-placed insurance.

But with more insurance companies pulling out of disaster-prone states, homeowners’ options for coverage are getting whittled down.

Between 2021 and 2023, the average annual rate for homeowners insurance increased by roughly 20%, according to Insurify.

The cost to insure homes in disaster-prone states has also risen at a significantly faster rate than the national average. Between 2018 and 2022, consumers living in the top 20% of the at-risk zip codes paid $2,321 in average annual premiums, according to a Treasury Department report. This is 82% higher than those residing in the 20% of lowest risk zip codes.

Finding affordable insurance coverage

Insuring your home shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg.

You can compare offers from leading home insurance providers near you for free through OfficialHomeInsurance.com. Simply enter some basic information about yourself and the type of home you own, and OfficialHomeInsurance.com will browse through their database of over 200 insurers and display the lowest quotes in just two minutes.

By comparing your options and selecting the best rate available, you could save an average of $482 per year on premiums.

On this easy-to-use platform, you can read reviews of various insurance providers, and once you select the one you like, set up a free introductory call with your preferred provider, with no obligation to hire.

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What to do if your homeowners insurance is cancelled

When your homeowners insurance is cancelled, it’s important to find out why. If it’s due to a specific issue with your home, there may be steps you can take to remedy it. But if it’s part of a broad pullback at the county or state level, your options may be more limited.

You could, of course, shop for replacement home insurance. But you may not have many affordable options.

In that situation, your best bet may be a FAIR plan. Short for Fair Access to Insurance Requirements, FAIR programs are state-run and provide insurance coverage for homeowners who can’t get it the conventional way, due to living in a high-risk area.

The problem, though, is that FAIR plans can be pretty basic, offering only coverage for dwelling and personal property. This means you may not be able to get loss of use or liability coverage.

Worse yet, FAIR plans commonly only insure homes at their cash value, as opposed to their replacement cost value — meaning, the amount of money it would take to rebuild. Such is the situation a number of Los Angeles wildfire victims are in now, where they’re entitled to some payout from their insurance, but not enough to rebuild the properties they’ve lost.

That’s why it’s important to research insurance coverage options before buying a home. And if you find that your options are limited, consider it a red flag.

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• Do you rely on your monthly Social Security check to get by? Here are 5 simple money moves for American seniors during Trump’s presidency

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 sage billionaires go, BlackRock chairman and CEO Larry Fink belongs in the same rarefied air as Warren Buffett.

And while he probably stopped worrying about his own nest egg a long time ago, as Fink’s firm hit a record $11.6 trillion in assets under management in Q4 of 2024, he has a warning for his peers without substantial retirement savings in the bank.

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"Record government deficits and tighter bank lending means people, companies, and countries will increasingly turn to markets to finance their retirements, their business, and their economies," he said in the Q3 earnings call.

While Fink recently told a crowd assembled for the conference hosted by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association that it “doesn’t matter” who won the election and that he remains bullish on the market, less optimistic investors may be worried about their funds in retirement and the future of Social Security with Donald Trump beginning his second term.

Here’s what you need to know now to build a strong nest egg for whatever the future may bring.

Building on the ‘fantastic foundation’ of Social Security

"Social Security is a fantastic foundation for retirement," Fink said in an interview with Bloomberg last March. "But if that’s all you have when you retire, you’re going to be living below the poverty line. It’s supplemental but it’s not meant to be the totality of what you have in retirement."

As of April 2025, the average monthly benefit for retirees is $1,976, or under $24,000 a year, according to the Social Security Administration. The maximum benefit for an individual retiring at age 70 in 2025 is $5,108 per month or $61,296 a year.

Planning for retirement isn’t easy, and it’s natural to have lots of questions about how much you should save per month, and how to ensure you have a healthy income after you leave your career behind. If you want expert advice on planning your retirement, seeking a financial advisor is a smart first step.

Advisor.com connects you with vetted fiduciary financial advisors near you. All you have to do is answer a few simple questions about your finances, and Adivsor.com matches you with a short list of certified experts to choose from.

You can then set up an introductory meeting with no obligation to hire.

Social Security likely won’t come close to covering your needs in retirement. In order to live the retirement you want, you’ll need to save up a separate nest egg to supplement your benefits. One of the ways you can do that is by consistently contributing to a retirement account like a 401K or IRA.

Diversify your IRA

With the inconsistent performance of the markets in the last few years, many of those close to retirement may be worried about putting their hard-earned dollars into stocks and bonds.

However, alternative assets can help you reduce your reliance on the stock market to grow your retirement fund.

Gold

A traditional hedge against inflation is gold. Unlike fiat currencies, the precious metal can’t be printed in unlimited quantities by central banks. And because its value isn’t tied to any one currency or economy, gold could provide protection during periods of economic uncertainty. This unique characteristic has earned it the reputation of being a “safe haven” asset.

In 2024, gold has lived up to its reputation, soaring by over 25% and surpassing $2,600 per ounce.

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

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

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

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Real estate

Many Americans consider buying investment properties for income in retirement, but the current market — plus the work associated with finding and managing tenants — may make buying property less appealing.

Several real estate crowdfunding platforms are currently stripping out the management and admin that’s usually required when you invest in real estate.

If you are an accredited investor looking to make a larger allocation in this sector, commercial real estate investments might be worth looking into. U.S. commercial properties typically deliver 4%-6% returns annually, while residential returns generate 1.5%-3% returns per annum.

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.

You can also 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.

Invest as you spend to save for your future

"We need to really educate our citizens about the need for savings," said Fink — though not via vanilla bank accounts. Investing, he stressed, allows people to take advantage of capital markets and compounding.

Thankfully, there are ways to invest for retirement no matter the size of your income or portfolio, so you don’t need to be reliant on Social Security benefits alone.

If you want to boost your nest egg over time without having to think about it, you can use Acorns to start saving and investing for retirement with just your spare change.

When you make a purchase on your credit or debit card, Acorns automatically rounds up the price to the nearest dollar and places the excess into a smart investment portfolio. This way, even the most essential spending translates to money saved for the future.

For those looking to enhance their investing strategy as well, Acorns offers different tier memberships, including a gold tier that allows you to customize your portfolio by adding individual stocks and includes a retirement account with a 3% IRA match.

If you sign up for Acorns today, you can get a $20 bonus investment.

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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?
• Do you rely on your monthly Social Security check to get by? Here are 5 simple money moves for American seniors during Trump’s presidency

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.

What’s the biggest risk investors face in the stock market? Depending on who you talk to, it could be anything from tariff uncertainty to geopolitical conflicts. It might even be angst amid rising recession fears.

However, according to Warren Buffett, the biggest risk is shared by all three: short-term thinking.

“Over time, we think it highly likely that gains will prevail – why else would we buy these securities? – though the year-by-year numbers will swing wildly and unpredictably,” Buffett wrote in Berkshire Hathaway’s 2025 stakeholder letter.

“Our horizon for such commitments is almost always far longer than a single year. In many, our thinking involves decades. These long-termers are the purchases that sometimes make the cash register ring like church bells.”

Buffett has been consistent about this perspective for years.

“Stocks are safe for the long run and they’re very unsafe for tomorrow,” the legendary investor and Berkshire Hathaway CEO told CNBC in 2017.

Here’s why the Oracle of Omaha resists the temptation to get caught up in short-term stock market speculation.

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Managing short-term volatility

The markets have been on a wild swing over the last few weeks, with uncertainty regarding tariffs causing the S&P 500 index to record one of the most volatile weeks ever ending April 11.

“The data in hand so far suggests that growth has slowed in the first quarter from last year’s solid pace,” Jerome Powell, the Chair of the Federal Reserve, told the Economic Club of Chicago on April 16.

“Tariffs are highly likely to generate at least a temporary rise in inflation. The inflationary effects could also be more persistent.”

Markets have see-sawed since Trump’s April 2 reciprocal tariff announcement. Concerns persist about tariff-driven inflation and a potentially slowing economy.

Cutting through this noise can be challenging, especially with weekly shifts in U.S. economic policy.

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“If you think you can jump in and out or that you know the time to come in, I think you’re making a mistake,” Buffett said in the same CNBC interview.

But consulting a financial advisor can help you drown out the noise and filter for the information to secure your financial future.

Finding a trustworthy financial advisor is easier than ever with Advisor.com. All you have to do is answer a few questions about your finances and goals, then Advisor.com will comb through its database to match you with a FINRA/SEC-registered fiduciary advisor best suited for your needs.

From there, you can set up a free introductory call with no obligation to hire to see if they’re the right fit.

Investing in long-term prospects

Buffett rarely makes short-term predictions, but he’s been remarkably candid and confident about his long-term investment thesis.

“No matter what the headlines say … American business is going to do fine over time,” Buffett said during an interview with PBS in 2017.

“I’ve owned stocks consistently since 1942,” Buffett added. “I was buying stocks the day before the [2016] election. I was buying stocks the same day after the election. Had Hillary been elected, it would’ve been the same thing.”

Instead of trying to time the market, the Oracle of Omaha recommends consistently investing in a low-cost index fund for most everyday investors.

“Keep buying it through thick and thin, and especially through thin,” Buffett said during a separate interview with CNBC in the same year.

Another way to build a base for your financial future is through setting aside a little money every day. One way to do this is by turning everyday spending into an investment opportunity with Acorns.

Here’s how it works: Once you link your debit and credit cards, you can sit back and relax while Acorns builds your portfolio. Every time you make a purchase Acorns will round up the transaction to the nearest dollar and set aside the difference. Once you hit $5 in savings it’s automatically invested into a smart investment portfolio of diversified ETFs.

So, a $4.25 coffee turns into a $0.75 investment in your future. What’s more, you can receive a $20 bonus investment when you sign up with Acorns. For those who want a more active investment role, you can also automatically invest in low-cost-diversified ETFs on a monthly basis.

Diversify your portfolio with alternative assets

While Buffett believes that your stock portfolio will hold up fine over the long term, diversifying with alternative assets can help you hedge against market swings.

In short, don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Saving for retirement with gold

Gold has historically been touted as a relatively safe investment alternative and a hedge against inflation.

You can combine the recession-resistant nature of gold with the tax benefits of an IRA by opening a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals. Their IRA specialists can help you each step of the way — from working with IRS-approved depositories to drafting flexible investment plans.

Plus, you can get up to $20,000 in complimentary precious metals on qualifying purchases and a free wealth preservation guide when you sign up with Thor Metals.

Hedging with real estate

Another option that can protect your portfolio is real estate. This market typically has some resiliency against inflation but has long been the domain of institutional investors

However, with Arrived everyday investors can buy into single-family homes and vacation rentals across the United States.

With just $100, you can own shares in pre-vetted properties hand-picked for their investment potential. This way, you can become a landlord without having to deal with the hassles of property ownership, midnight maintenance calls or tenant management.

Once you invest with Arrived you can sit back, relax and collect monthly payouts from any rental income generated.

Another option is investing in commercial real estate for those with more cash on hand. While commercial properties have higher risk they can also offer higher returns.

Accredited investors can tap into the commercial real estate market by investing in grocery-anchored properties through First National Realty Partners (FNRP).

With a minimum investment of $50,000, you can own shares of grocery-anchored retail properties leased to national brands like Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods and CVS. These retailers typically have a lower risk profile since they sell necessity-backed goods across the country.

FNRP’s team of experts handles every component of the investment cycle allowing you to reap the benefits without any operational headaches.

Thanks to FNRP’s triple net lease structure investors don’t have to worry about tenant costs eating into their potential returns.

How it works is simple: Answer a few questions – including how much you want to invest – and start browsing their full list of available properties.

Accessing art as an asset

Another popular asset that has little correlation with the stock market is art. Returns on contemporary art outpaced the S&P 500 index by 43%, between 1995 and 2024. What’s more, 52% of art experts predict the market for modern and contemporary art will improve in 2025, according to a survey conducted by Merrill Private Wealth Management.

Investments in blue-chip art used to be reserved only for the ultra-wealthy. Masterworks is changing that by enabling everyday investors to join in on multimillion-dollar art investments.

To date, each of Masterworks’ 23 sales has individually returned a profit to investors. Even better, investors realized representative annualized net returns like +17.6%, +17.8% and +21.5% among assets held for longer than a year.

It’s easy to get started with  Masterworks, and you can even skip the waitlist to invest in blue-chip art.

See important Regulation A disclosures at Masterworks.com/cd.

What to read next

• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Do you rely on your monthly Social Security check to get by? Here are 5 simple money moves for American seniors during Trump’s presidency

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.

When the economy takes a hit, unfortunately, so does your wallet. While the standard advice to  save diligently, invest in your 401(k) and avoid unnecessary spending still applies, a recession calls for an even closer look at your money habits.

Here are 15 moves — and missteps to avoid — to ensure your hard-earned money keeps working for you, even in a recession.

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Should: Build up your emergency fund

Financial emergencies don’t send a calendar invite — they just show up. A sudden medical bill, a broken appliance or a job loss — these moments have a way of testing not just your patience, but also your bank account.

That’s why having an emergency fund, separate from long-term investments like a 401(k), is a good idea. Parking your emergency stash in a high-yield savings account can mean the difference between stagnant cash and steady growth. While the national average savings account rate sits at 0.41%, high-yield accounts can offer returns closer to 4%.

Should: Consolidate your debt

Another way to prepare yourself for a recession is to rethink your approach to debt. While debt can sometimes feel like an anchor that keeps pulling you down, there are ways to stay afloat, such as through debt consolidation.

By rolling multiple loans into one, you’ll have fewer bills to juggle, meaning less stress and fewer chances to miss a payment. If you qualify for a lower interest rate you can also save money in the long run.

You can compare rates offered on debt consolidation loans from vetted  lenders near you through Credible.

Here’s how it works: Answer some basic questions about your annual income and debt then Credible will show you offers from leading lenders like Discover, Upstart, SoFi and more. You can get approved for debt consolidation loans of up to $200,000 at the lowest possible interest rate on the platform.

This process is entirely free and won’t impact your credit score.

Credible also has a best rate guarantee: if you close a loan with a better rate than you prequalify for you can get a $200 gift card.

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Should: Recalculate your net worth

There was a time when net worth felt like a conversation reserved for Wall Street titans. But in reality, everyone has a number attached to their financial identity. To calculate yours, start by adding up your assets, including cash in the bank, investments and retirement accounts. Then, subtract your liabilities, such as debts and other financial obligations. The result is your net worth.

During an unexpected shift in the economy or even a surprise expense, knowing what you have — and what you owe — can help you navigate the uncertainty.

Should: Take a closer look at your budget

Some people turn a blind eye to how much they’re really spending, but when it comes to money, ignorance isn’t bliss — it’s just expensive. A budget isn’t designed to cut out everything from your life. Instead, it’s a way for you to set your financial priorities and make sure your money is being property allocated.

For example, one popular budgeting method is the 50/30/20 rule, which simplifies budgeting into three categories: needs, wants and savings or investments. Instead of complicated spreadsheets, this method offers a clear framework that keeps your spending in check without taking over your life.

If you struggle with sticking to your budget, tracking where your money is going is a great place to start. With Monarch Money, you can track all your accounts in one place — helping you know where your money is and where it’s going.

Monarch Money notifies you when recurring bills or subscriptions are due, so  you don’t miss a payment. You can also create a customized budget on the platform with your own list of categories, as well as set financial goals and monitor your progress towards them. Plus, Monarch Money includes opt-in predictive AI tools that can help you automatically categorize your transactions and build infographics highlighting your spending habits.

Should: Stock up on essentials

Inflation may be unpredictable, but your grocery bill doesn’t have to be. While you can’t hoard a year’s worth of fresh produce, stocking up on nonperishable items is a way to cushion against rising costs.

With food prices up 2.8% from last year — and the Consumer Price Index showing a 0.6% jump from December 2024 to January 2025 — every little bit of planning helps. If you’ve got the pantry space, now’s the time to grab extra staples before they get even pricier.

Should: Talk to a financial advisor

Talking to a financial advisor during periods of economic uncertainty is even more important. While inflation eats away at purchasing power, a financial advisor can help you figure out the best path forward. Whether it’s retirement, big purchases or adjusting long-term financial goals, an advisor can help ensure that a potential recession doesn’t derail your plans.

Finding an advisor that matches your investment style can be time consuming, but with Advisor.com you’re only a few clicks away from connecting with vetted financial experts near you.

All you have to do is enter some basic information about your current financial situation and your goals. Then Advisor.com will match you with a FINRA/SEC-registered advisor in your area for free. From there, you can set up an introductory call to see whether they’re the right fit for you.

Unlike most traditional financial advisors, you don’t need significant assets or a minimum net worth to find a fiduciary expert through Advisor.com.

Should: Consider additional income streams

There’s something comforting about a steady paycheck, but when the cost of everyday essentials climbs higher a single income stream might not cut it. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 9 million U.S. workers were juggling multiple jobs as of February 2025, with more than 5 million balancing a full-time career and a part-time gig.

But you don’t necessarily have to snag a second job to make extra income.

With Arrived, you can invest in residential properties across the country and potentially generate passive income, without the operational headache of being a landlord.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived pays out rental income generated from properties as dividends monthly. Plus you’re entitled to receive capital gains at the end of the investment hold period, as residential property values typically rise over time.

Arrived is open to all U.S. citizens and green card holders who are 18 years or older. Get started with just $100.

Should: Be mindful of big purchases

That dream vacation, a new car or the latest tech might seem tempting, but major purchases can strain your budget when economic uncertainty is on the horizon. Before swiping your credit card, it might be worth asking yourself, is this a necessity or can it wait?

Shouldn’t: Panic and sell investments

When the stock market starts sliding, the instinct to sell everything and cut your losses can be powerful. But selling in a panic often locks in losses that could have recovered over time. Market fluctuations are nothing new, but historically they tend to rebound — and those who stay invested usually come out ahead.

In an interview with CNBC back in 2017, legendary investor Warren Buffett warned against the risks of timing the market. Instead, he recommended consistently investing in low-cost index funds despite market volatility.

“The temptation when you see bad headlines in newspapers is to say, well, maybe I should skip a year or something. Just keep buying,” Buffett stated. “American business is going to do fine over time, so you know the investment universe is going to do very well.”

One way you can do this is by investing spare change from everyday purchases into a diversified portfolio of ETFs with Acorns. Simply link your debit or credit card, and Acorns will automatically round up your purchases to the nearest dollar. This extra change is then put into a smart investment portfolio.

For instance, if you purchase a breakfast burrito for $10.25 Acorns will round up the purchase to $11 then set aside the difference. Once you hit $5, Acorns will invest the sum into a smart portfolio of ETFs — diversified with stocks and bonds.

You can get a $20 bonus investment when you sign up with Acorns.

Shouldn’t: Ignore your credit score

Your credit score isn’t just a random number and ignoring it can ruin your financial reputation, especially during a recession when lenders tighten their criteria. A poor score can mean higher interest rates on loans and credit cards, or even difficulty securing a mortgage, car loan or rental approval.

Many people assume that if they’re not actively borrowing, their credit score doesn’t matter. But even something as simple as missing a payment, carrying a high balance or closing an old credit card can quietly chip away at it.

Shouldn’t: Forget to shop around for better deals

Some expenses are optional — your morning latte, that extra streaming subscription. Insurance rates, utility bills, even phone plans — these are the nonnegotiables that can steadily drain your bank account if you’re not paying attention.

Yet, according to ValuePenguin, more than 65% of Americans don’t bother comparison shopping for better rates. That means many people are overpaying simply because they haven’t looked around.

In fact, ValuePenguin found that 92% of auto insurance policyholders who shopped around during their last renewal ended up saving money.

Through OfficialCarInsurance, you can compare auto insurance rates from leading providers like Progressive, GEICO, and Allstate for free.

Based on your location, age, driving history, and the make and model of your car OfficialCarInsurance will comb through its database and display offers as low as $29 per month.

The best part? Browsing insurance offers through OfficialCarInsurance won’t impact your credit score at all.

Get started and find rates as low as $29 per month.

If you are struggling with skyrocketing home insurance rates — which rose by an average of 10.4% last year — comparing offers from multiple insurance providers through OfficialHomeInsurance might be worthwhile.

By comparing home insurance rates and selecting the lowest possible cost, you can save an average of $482 per year.

Shouldn’t: Ignore inflation’s impact on your spending

The impact inflation has on your spending is something you might not notice right away, but over time you’ll see it. For instance, what used to be a $4 cup of coffee might now be pushing $6. When you don’t adjust your budget for inflation, you risk spending more than you realize — which can slowly whittle your savings.

If you want to preserve your dollar, investing in inflation-resistant assets like gold could be a good place to start. One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.

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

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

Shouldn’t: Withdraw from your retirement accounts early

Dipping into your retirement savings might seem like an easy solution, but cashing out early can do more harm than good. Retirement accounts, like 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts IRAs, come with early withdrawal penalties — typically 10% if you take money out before age 59½.

Another option is to tap into your home equity, provided you own your home and have been paying off your mortgage on time for years.

Rates on HELOCs and home equity loans  are typically lower than APRs on credit cards and personal loans, making it an appealing option for homeowners with substantial equity.

Unlock great low rates in minutes by shopping around. You can compare real loan rates offered by different lenders side-by-side through LendingTree.

Just answer a few simple questions, and LendingTree will match you with up to 5 lenders with low rates today.

Shouldn’t: Quit your job without a plan

Even in a thriving economy, quitting your job without a backup plan is a bold move. When companies tighten budgets and layoffs become more common, walking away from a steady paycheck without a clear next step can put you in a tough spot.

A recession isn’t the time for impulsive exits. Instead, if you’re feeling stuck or undervalued, start mapping out your next move before handing in your resignation. Update your resume, network strategically and explore new opportunities while you still have financial stability.

Shouldn’t: Get caught up in lifestyle inflation

Lifestyle inflation can be a silent budget killer. This can happen if you get a raise or a bonus check, making spending a little easier. Whether you’re thinking of upgrading your apartment, dining out or just justifying a big purchase because you now have some wiggle room.

But if your spending rises as fast as your earnings, you’re not actually getting ahead — you’re just treading water in a more expensive pool. Instead of getting caught up in lifestyle inflation, building an emergency fund, investing more and paying off debt faster are smarter moves.

What to read next

• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Do you rely on your monthly Social Security check to get by? Here are 5 simple money moves for American seniors during Trump’s presidency

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.

A quick Google search reveals that millennials are often characterized as entitled whiners who are quick to complain about their financial struggles — but it’s not a fair assessment.

There’s a reason why millennials — typically defined as between the age of 28 and 43 — are on shakier financial ground compared to previous generations.

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• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

A study from Allianz shows that, while boomers have been able to benefit from periods of strong economic growth, millennials have been hit with one financial crisis after another since reaching an age when it was finally possible to start saving and growing their wealth. A study in the American Journal of Sociology found that millennials have 30% less wealth at age 35 than boomers did.

Here’s how society’s “biggest losers” can get ahead even after multiple setbacks — and what Americans of any age can learn from their struggles.

Why millennials got a raw deal

Millennials have had a number of economic factors working against them over the years.

During the Great Recession (2007-2009), many millennials were in their 20s, facing high unemployment, stalled careers, and mounting student loan debt. Unlike boomers, who attended college when costs were low, millennials faced steep tuition, with average public college costs rising from $514 in 1973-1974 to $4,587 in 2003-2004.

The job market’s slow recovery and low interest rates further hindered millennials’ savings efforts, while higher rates in the 1970s helped boomers build wealth. The pandemic didn’t help matters.

However, millennials can navigate these obstacles and maximize the longevity of their future nest egg or any other long-term financial goals by seeking a trusted financial advisor — and finding one doesn’t need to be a long, stressful process.

Advisor.com simplifies the search process by connecting individuals with an exclusive network of fiduciary advisors, each dedicated to transparency and held to high ethical standards.

All you have to do is answer a few simple questions regarding your finances and long-term goals, and Advisor.com will connect you with a vetted expert near you who is best suited for your needs. You can then set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if they’re the right fit for you.

How millennials can get ahead

Personal finance expert Suze Orman stresses that the key to building wealth lies in compound interest.

“Their priority is their youth, their priority is time,” Orman once told Moneywise, highlighting that compounding over time is crucial to financial freedom.

For example, saving just $100 a month starting at age 35 with a 12% annual return could grow to $300,000 by retirement age, Orman explained. While still below the $1.46 million Northwestern Mutual recommends for a comfortable retirement, it’s a step toward catching up after economic setbacks.

Millennials can also make up lost ground with real estate, which offers robust growth potential whether through homeownership or through other investments like real estate crowdfunding platforms and real estate investment trusts (REITs). REITs allow for real estate investment without needing to buy physical property, making them an accessible option for beginners with even modest funds.

Read more: Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how

Investing in real estate without buying a property

In fact, there are emerging platforms that simplify real estate investing further, offering flexible options to invest in large-scale real estate projects without the traditional barriers to entry. These services open up new opportunities to grow wealth and diversify portfolios.

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.

And you aren’t limited to residential opportunities when it comes to income-producing real estate.

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.

Building your nest egg with gold and high-interest savings accounts

With another 20-25 years in the workforce, even older millennials have time to grow their retirement savings through increased IRA or 401(k) contributions and smart investing. Even so, with rising living costs and economic uncertainty, it’s important to consider different ways to secure your financial future.

Many investors are seeking more diversified strategies, such as gold IRAs, to provide stability and protect their savings against inflation and market fluctuations.

Additionally, high-interest savings accounts have become a more attractive option for those looking to boost their savings with minimal risk.

If you’re keen on making gold a key part of your retirement strategy, consider opening a gold IRA. This retirement account can help you stabilize your finances by allowing you to invest directly in physical precious metals rather than stocks and bonds.

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.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more accessible and hands-off approach to saving and investing, platforms like Acorns offer a great solution.

Acorns makes it easy to grow your savings by automatically rounding up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and investing the change into a diversified portfolio. It’s a simple way to start investing without even thinking about it.

And the investing options with Acorns don’t end there. You can also open an IRA with Acorns Later and reap the tax benefits that are associated with registered retirement accounts. Acorns Silver plan offers a 1% IRA match on new contributions, while the Gold plan, you can get a 3% IRA match.

And with a $20 bonus for signing up, it’s an easy entry point to begin investing toward your long-term goals while still managing the demands of daily expenses.

What to read next

• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Do you rely on your monthly Social Security check to get by? Here are 5 simple money moves for American seniors during Trump’s presidency

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.

What’s the secret to a wealthy retirement? It’s more than saving or investing earlier — though those help. The real game-changer, the move that separates the financially comfortable from the truly rich retirees, doesn’t involve a single trade or real estate deal.

It all starts with a plan.

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• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

“The biggest piece of advice for retirees is to create a financial plan before retiring,” Patrick Marcinko, a certified financial planner, told Nasdaq. “A good financial plan should provide peace of mind that you are on track for a successful retirement, financially.”

Getting retirement right goes way past hoping for the best. It’s mapped out, and now we have evidence those plans can help retirees thrive while others are just getting by.

How a financial plan drives your retirement

Many retirees wonder if they’re saving enough or putting their money in the right places. A plan answers those questions with precision, showing you how to optimize your 401(k), IRA, or Health Savings Account (HSA) to take full advantage of tax benefits. It also ensures you’re not leaving money on the table when it comes to employer matches or overlooked savings opportunities.

Next, it addresses your lifestyle. No two retirements are the same: Whether you envision traveling the world, downsizing to simplify your expenses or picking up part-time work, a financial plan aligns your income with your personal goals.

It also prepares you for rising costs in critical areas like health care, which Fidelity estimates will cost the average 65-year-old retiring in 2024 around $165,000 over their lifetime. With medical expenses rivaling inflation — WTW’s Global Medical Trends Survey anticipates a 10.2% increase in U.S. medical costs in 2025 — planning ahead can mean the difference between staying afloat and struggling to cover basic needs.

To make a rock-solid financial plan, you need an advisor you can trust. Finding a match is easy with Advisor.com — a platform that can connect you with a vetted professional best suited to your income level and portfolio.

Just answer a few quick questions about yourself and your finances, then the online platform connects you with a vetted financial advisor in minutes. You can schedule an initial consultation for free and with no obligation to hire.

Diversify your portfolio

Risk management is another essential piece of the puzzle. A recent outlook from Morgan Stanley found that a diversified investment strategy is more likely to offer better risk-adjusted returns compared to familiar approaches like passive exposure to the S&P 500 Index. A financial advisor can also help you manage the right asset mix for your portfolio based on your risk profile, investing time horizon and financial goals.

Diversification acts as a hedge against market downturns, economic uncertainty, future inflation spikes and even your own longevity.

If you’re feeling shaky about the current state of the stock market, you can spread your risk by investing in commodities.

Opening a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals allows investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account.

You get the tax advantages of an IRA as well as 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, request a free information guide. It includes details on how to get up to $20,000 in free metals with qualifying purchases.

Read more: Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how

Real estate investing

Another investment that has a reputation for potential growth is real estate. It used to be cumbersome, costly and very admin-heavy, but no longer.

Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived are making it easy to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

Their platform allows you to invest in shares of rental homes and vacation rentals without taking on the responsibilities of property management or homeownership.

Simply browse a curated selection of homes, each vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, you can choose the number of shares you want to buy and start investing today.

If you’re an accredited investor, you might consider investing in commercial real estate.

For years, direct access to this $22.5 trillion 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 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.

Fine art investing

In times of economic uncertainty, alternative investments can be an appealing way to hedge your investments. One of the most attractive options is investing in fine art.

Instead of buying a single painting for millions of dollars, you can now invest in fractional shares of blue-chip art — by renowned artists including Pablo Picasso, Basquiat and Banksy — through Masterworks.

Masterworks takes care of all the heavy lifting in art investment — from buying the paintings, to storing them, to selling them opportunistically for you — with no art experience required.

All you have to do is select how many shares you want to buy and Masterworks will take care of the rest. As soon as Masterworks sells a piece you invested in, you get a return from the net proceeds. While every artwork performs differently, from their 23 exits so far, Masterworks investors have realized representative annualized net returns like +17.6%, +17.8%, and +21.5%, among assets held for longer than one year.

What to read next

• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Do you rely on your monthly Social Security check to get by? Here are 5 simple money moves for American seniors during Trump’s presidency

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.

America’s Social Security program is both popular and woefully underfunded.

Experts have been warning that the social safety net millions of Americans rely on is on the verge of fraying. Now, personal finance author and motivational speaker Tony Robbins is calling on people of all ages to start weaving their own safety net.

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• Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

"Time to get your head out of the sand and do some easy number crunching to find out where you are and where you need to be," his website advises. "Remember this: Anticipation is the ultimate power. Losers react; leaders anticipate."

Robbins might be preaching to the choir. According to the AARP, 74% of Americans believe Social Security will not provide enough to live on during their retirement. Two-thirds of them also consider the monthly benefits too low to live on.

If you share these concerns, here’s what you can do to secure your financial future.

Craft your own financial security plan

Since Social Security payments are likely to be insufficient, creating your own independent nest egg seems like an obvious solution. Robbins recommends setting a target to save at least 20 times your annual living expenses to fund a comfortable retirement.

On average, U.S. adults currently believe the “magic number” to retire comfortably is $1.46 million, according to Northwestern Mutual. This is 15% higher than the estimate in 2023, even though the average retirement savings dropped to $88,400 in 2024, nearly $1,000 less than the previous year.

In other words, most Americans understand how much they need to save but are unable to take the necessary steps.

If you’re struggling with where to start, Advisor.com can help you find a financial advisor in just a few clicks. Advisor.com combs through a database of thousands of vetted experts and matches you with those best suited to make the most of your money. Even better, each advisor is a fiduciary, which means they must put your interests first by law.

A pre-screened financial advisor can also help you assess how many years you have left to invest before retirement. What’s more, a good advisor will help you chart a course during unpredictable market conditions, tariff-related or otherwise.

According to research by Vanguard, people who work with financial advisors see a 3% increase in net returns. This difference can be substantial over time. For instance, if you start with a $50,000 portfolio, you could potentially retire with an extra $1.3 million after 30 years of professional guidance.

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Push for change

Despite its limitations, Americans overwhelmingly support the Social Security program and want the government to salvage it. A January 2025 poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that two-thirds of Americans believe the government is spending “too little” on Social Security.

An AARP survey found that 85% of Americans back efforts to preserve the program, even if it requires higher taxes for everyone. According to the National Institute on Retirement Security, 87% of U.S. adults believe ensuring the program’s funding should be a top priority for elected officials, no matter the country’s fiscal challenges.

Regardless of how well-funded the program is, it’s clear that relying solely on Social Security for retirement is a risky proposition. On average, Social Security benefits replace only about 40% of pre-retirement income, which is often not enough to cover basic living expenses, let alone healthcare costs, leisure activities or unexpected emergencies.

Investing in gold can reduce your dependence on Social Security, providing a diversified source of income for retirement. Gold is often considered a hedge against inflation, as its value tends to rise when the cost of living increases, protecting your purchasing power over time.

It’s also seen as a safe-haven asset that investors flock to under uncertain market conditions. For instance, the price of gold surged to record highs in April 2025 amid concerns around the fallout of President Trump’s global tariffs.

For those looking to capitalize on gold’s potential, one option is opening a gold IRA with the help of Priority Gold.

Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account. This can give you the tax advantages of an IRA with the potential protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an option for those seeking to ensure their retirement funds are well-shielded against economic uncertainties.

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

Retire abroad

As of 2024, 21% of Americans say they would like to move abroad, up from just 10% in 2011, according to a Gallup poll. Meanwhile, the Social Security Administration reports that over 760,000 retirees are already collecting benefits while living overseas.

For those struggling with the ongoing retirement crisis, relocating to a country with a lower cost of living and a high quality of life — like Japan, Panama, Portugal, or Greece — could be a smart solution.

To make this more achievable, consider setting up a dedicated automatic savings fund for your retirement goals. This can help you build a larger nest egg for either relocating or ensuring a more comfortable retirement, even if you decide to stay in the U.S.

One of the most effective ways you can make this happen is by automatically investing your spare change with Acorns.

The app automatically rounds up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference into a diversified portfolio. This means that while you’re still earning an income every transaction — from your morning coffee to grocery shopping — contributes to building your retirement fund.

Plus, with an Acorns Gold, you get a 3% IRA match on new contributions and the ability to customize your portfolio by selecting your own stocks.

What to read next

• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Do you rely on your monthly Social Security check to get by? Here are 5 simple money moves for American seniors during Trump’s presidency

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.

During your working years, it’s important to have cash savings for unplanned expenses. These could run the gamut from home repairs to medical emergencies to a period of unemployment.

But what if you’re retired and are therefore relying on your savings and investments to fund your lifestyle? In that case, the guidelines for keeping cash on hand change quite a bit.

Here’s what you need to know before you retire.

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• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

Why do retirees need cash?

In the context of retirement, cash can mean funds in a checking or savings account, or certificates of deposit (CDs) —essentially, money that’s shielded from market fluctuations.

Here are some reasons you’ll need cash as a retiree.

1. You’re living off of savings now

While Social Security offers income, the average benefit of $1,918 per month may not cover all expenses. Once that’s spent, cash allows you to handle surprises like car repairs or home maintenance without selling stocks or draining your savings.

If you want to grow your savings more efficiently, you can so just that with a high-yield cash account like the one offered by Wealthfront.

Wealthfront is a financial services platform offering a range of products, from automated investing to cash accounts. The Wealthfront Cash Account offers 5.00% APY — that’s 10x the national average.

With full access to your money at all times, Wealthfront also offers fast (and free) transfers to internal Wealthfront investing accounts, as well as external accounts

To get started, you can fund your cash account with as little as $1 and start stacking up your savings.

To compare all the best savings options, you can check out Moneywise’s Best High Yield Savings Accounts of 2025 to find some savvy savings options that earn you more than the national average of 0.4% APY.

Like the sound of high-yield account rates?

Then you might also be interested in exploring certificates of deposit (CDs). A CD is a low-risk savings option that can yield interest comparable to, or even higher than, the top savings accounts. The trade-off for this higher rate is that your money stays locked in the account for a set period.

With SavingsAccounts.com you can shop and compare top certificates of deposit rates from various banks nationwide.

Their extensive database shows the most competitive rates, with daily rate updates and personalized recommendations based on your risk preferences and time horizon so you can find the right CD to meet your retirement savings goals.

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2. You will face unplanned expenses

For workers, an emergency fund doesn’t just safeguard against a job loss. It can also be the ticket to covering surprise expenses without going into debt. And being retired doesn’t make you immune from surprises.

Many retirees face home repairs as their properties age alongside them. Your monthly Social Security check may not be enough to replace a water heater, or cover hospital expenses if you encounter a medical emergency.

If you’re concerned that Medicare might not cover your expenses, there are other insurance options you can consider.

Long-term care insurance offers coverage for the costs of in-home assistance, nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

Without proper planning, paying for long-term care could deplete your retirement fund. In many cases, the burden of paying for care often falls on family members – potentially straining their finances.

When considering long-term care insurance, GoldenCare offers different options based on your needs, including hybrid life or annuity with long-term care benefits, short-term care, extended care, home health care, assisted living, and traditional long-term care insurance..

If your health is excellent, you may be able to cover your health care expenses with relative ease. If you have multiple health issues, it’s a good idea to stockpile extra cash in case your bills start to mount at a time when it’s not advantageous to tap your investments.

3. You want to protect yourself from investment losses

You may have the majority of your retirement savings in a portfolio of investments that include stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The upside of holding these investments in retirement is that they can continue to generate growth, giving you access to more money. The downside is that their value can change based on market conditions.

If you have a riskier portfolio more concentrated in stocks, then you may want more cash on hand to balance that out. If your portfolio is largely bonds, you might get away with less cash, since bonds are less volatile than stocks and can provide predictable interest payments that you can use as income.

If you’re optimizing your investments for stability, gold is typically more stable than stocks during economic downturns and recessions. In fact, gold has increased in value sevenfold over the last 100 years.

Opting for a gold IRA gives you the opportunity to hedge against market volatility by allowing you to invest directly in physical precious metals rather than stocks and bonds.

These days, you don’t even have to go to a bullion shop to buy precious metals. There are plenty of online platforms that offer a wide selection of gold and silver bars and coins and fair pricing.

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.

How much cash should you aim for in retirement?

Just as there are different opinions when it comes to building an emergency fund for your working years, the guidance varies over how much cash you might need in retirement.

Remember that it’s never a bad idea to speak with a qualified financial advisor.

Based on your expenses, needs, and investment portfolio, services like Advisor.com may help you find a financial professional who can strike the ideal balance in your portfolio so you have enough cash on hand without going overboard.

WiserAdvisor matches you with vetted financial advisors suited to your unique needs. Getting connected with an advisor through their platform is free and easy — just answer a few questions about yourself and their algorithm will match you with advisors, with no obligation to hire.

You can browse your advisor matches with WiserAdvisor’s comparison tool and book a free consultation.

What to read next

• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Do you rely on your monthly Social Security check to get by? Here are 5 simple money moves for American seniors during Trump’s presidency

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.

Warren Buffett is not only one of the savviest investors of our time, but also one of the wealthiest. The Oracle of Omaha now has an estimated net worth of over $160 billion. But he’s long been an advocate of investing in as simple a manner as possible.

"There’s huge amounts of money that people pay for advice they really don’t need … In my view, for most people, the best thing to do is to own the S&P 500 index," he said in May 2020.

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• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

Buffett also once said that 90% of his wife’s inheritance will go into an S&P 500 index fund.

But SEC filings data from March revealed that Buffett’s company Berkshire Hathaway unloaded its entire positions in the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust — two low-cost exchange-traded funds the company had previously held for years.

That’s a move that may be spooking investors and causing them to question their own portfolios.

Why Buffett just dumped the S&P 500

Buffett didn’t say why his company chose to completely exit two established S&P 500 ETFs last quarter. But there are a number of reasons why he might have gone this route.

"This could indicate concerns about market valuations, increased volatility, or even a shift toward individual stock selection over broad index exposure," Daniel Milks, founder of Fiduciary Organization & Woodmark Advisors, told etf.com.

Collectively the shares were a relatively small position for Berkshire at only $45.3 million of a $267 billion portfolio. It’s possible that the exit was a means of cleaning up Berkshire’s portfolio, something it has reportedly done before.

"Given Warren Buffett’s history of emphasizing long-term investing, this isn’t necessarily a warning sign for retail investors to panic," Milks said.

Should Buffett’s S&P 500 exit sound alarms about a market crash?

Between Buffett dumping Berkshire’s S&P 500 ETFs and other stocks, plus his growing cash pile, investors may worry he’s anticipating a near-term market crash. After all, recent market volatility due to U.S. tariff rollouts has caused many investors and analysts to question if the country is headed for a recession.

In Q1 of 2025, Berkshire also sold its entire stake in Ulta Beauty, and trimmed holdings in Bank of America, Citigroup, Nu Holdings, Charter Communication and Capital One.

If you’re worried about a stock market crash it can pay to remind yourself of your long-term investing goals and your investment horizon.

If you’re investing for retirement in 20 or 30 years, reacting to imminent market events — hypothetical or actual — can distract from long-term wealth management.

Planning your financial future over the decades might be intimidating, but the right wealth expert can help you chart a course.

Advisor.com helps you find a fiduciary who can help rebalance your portfolio to potentially weather stock market storms.

This online platform connects you with a vetted financial advisor in minutes. Simply answer a few quick questions about yourself and your finances, and Advisor.com will match you with the professional best suited to diversifying your portfolio. You can schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire.

Read more: Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how

Diversify your portfolio

No matter what the rest of the year has in store for the NYSE, you can protect yourself by shepherding your money to less volatile pastures. While many investors are looking at stock markets in Canada and the EU, you can also consider diversifying outside of the markets with commodities, real estate and passion assets like art or fine wine.

For instance, gold has seen strong growth in the last five years. If you want in on this asset without the hassle of hiding gold bars in your closet, you could open a gold IRA with the help of American Hartford Gold.

Even better, you can often roll over existing 401(k) or IRA accounts into a gold IRA without tax-related penalties. American Hartford Gold offers a free guide on investing in precious metals in 2025.

Qualifying purchases can also receive up to $20,000 in free silver.

Real estate is another asset with growth potential in 2025. Though some markets are beginning to cool, experts agree that a falling interest rate could get buyers back in the game.

One option you can consider is investing in shares of rental and vacation homes with Arrived, while skipping the hefty price tag of a down payment.

Arrived is an easy-to-use platform where you browse a curated selection of homes, each vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, simply choose the number of shares you want to buy and start investing — no hassle, no mortgage, and no landlord duties.

For accredited investors, you could instead consider opportunities in commercial real estate. First National Realty Partners (FNRP) gives you the opportunity to diversify your portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial real estate properties.

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

Finally, alternative assets like fine art have traditionally been out of reach for everyday investors But now with Masterworks you can access the growth potential of this market.

Masterworks helps non-accredited and accredited investors purchase fractional shares of artwork by iconic artists like Banksy and Basquiat.

Fine art has consistently outperformed the stock market in the long-run. In fact, contemporary art outperformed the S&P 500 with a compound annual growth rate of 12.6% between 1995 and 2022, according to a report from Fortune magazine.

As such, art can sometimes be used to diversify and potentially safeguard your investments with Masterworks. What’s more, Masterworks investors have realized representative annualized net returns like +17.6%, +17.8%, and +21.5% among assets held for longer than one year.

What to read next

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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?
• Do you rely on your monthly Social Security check to get by? Here are 5 simple money moves for American seniors during Trump’s presidency

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.

Homeownership has long been a cornerstone of the American dream. It symbolizes independence, financial security and prosperity — but is it a dream worth chasing?

Not if you ask real estate investment guru Grant Cardone.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Cardone said, “The average mortgage today is double the rent in America.”

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He went on to say that you’d have to be “crazy” to buy a home.

“Buying a home without a doubt is the worst investment people can make, yet it’s also the most common one,” he wrote in an Instagram post earlier this year.

So where should you put your money instead? Here are a few ways you can still invest in real estate with buying and managing a property yourself.

What Cardone advises

“A $576,000 home will have to be sold for $1.2 million in 10 years,” Cardone said in the Instagram post. “You’re not going to sell it for that, to break even.”

He described the exercise as “dead money” — a term used for an investment that has shown little increase in value or is locked up for a long time with little yield.

Cardone advocates for real estate investments that aren’t tied to your own living situation.

If you’re keen on getting into the real estate game, crowdfunding platforms — a process championed by Cardone — allow everyday investors to pool their money to purchase property (or a share of property) as a group.

Invest in REITs and ETFs

You can also invest in a residential real estate investment trust (REIT), publicly traded companies that collect rent from tenants and pass that rent to shareholders in the form of dividend payments. DLP Capital gives you easy access to REITs through their crowdfunding platform.

Through a number of their tax-advantaged funds, DLP Capital puts a focus on making an impact on America’s housing crisis by investing in income-producing affordable rental housing in high-demand U.S. regions. So, you’re not only investing in a worthy asset, but also in the community it’s a part of. The platform offers a variety of funds in residential and multifamily real estate with targeted annual returns of up to 13%.

To start investing with DLP Capital, all you have to do is answer a few questions about yourself and you can start browsing REIT options, find the right fit for you, and take advantage of these vehicles known for generating steady returns.

While Cardone seems clear on his investment priorities, it helps to seek a second opinion from the experts. That’s why the team of former hedge fund analysts and experts at Moby spend hundreds of hours each week sifting through financial news and data to provide top-tier market advice, written in easy-to-understand formats.

Moby’s superior research includes insights on the REIT and ETF markets, so you can reduce the guesswork when selecting investments. In four years, across almost 400 stock picks, Moby’s recommendations have beaten the S&P 500 by almost 12%, on average.

Become a wiser investor in just five minutes, backed by their 30-day money back guarantee.

Read more: Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how

Invest in rental properties

Most Americans who rent their homes feel that they can’t afford a downpayment to buy their own property — much less an investment property to rent.

So, if you aren’t ready to jump into home ownership (financially or otherwise), there are platforms like Arrived that let you buy stakes in rental properties, earn dividends, and skip the responsibilities of property management.

Backed by world class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived’s easy-to-use platform offers SEC-qualified investments such as rental homes and vacation rentals for as little as $100. Their flexible investment options allow both accredited and non-accredited investors to benefit from this inflation-hedging asset class with ease. You start by browsing vetted properties, then you simply select a property and choose the number of shares to buy..

Necessity-based commercial real estate

Investing in necessity-based real estate is one way to grow your money over time.

Commercial real estate has long been touted as a wise investment for adding stability to your portfolio, outperforming the S&P 500 over a 25-year period.

First National Realty Partners (FNRP) provides accredited investors access to institutional-quality commercial real estate investments with the potential to passively collect distribution income.

As a private equity firm, FNRP acts as the deal leader and offers white-glove service to investors, providing expertise and doing the legwork. The team 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.

You can engage with experts, explore available deals and easily make an allocation, all on FNRP’s secure platform.

What to read next

• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Do you rely on your monthly Social Security check to get by? Here are 5 simple money moves for American seniors during Trump’s presidency

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