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  • 5 of the best low-risk investments for Canadians that protect your cash — and earn you more in 2025

    5 of the best low-risk investments for Canadians that protect your cash — and earn you more in 2025

    One of the keys to building wealth is understanding the relationship between risk and reward. Canadians are always on the lookout for low-risk investments, but you must understand that free lunches do not exist. A risk-free investment (like a GIC) has a lower expected return than a high-risk investment (like an individual stock).

    As an investor, your goal should be to balance the trade-off between risk and reward and find investments to suit your risk tolerance. Here are four low-risk investment options to consider, plus one really terrible low-risk option and one option that was so bad it’s no longer available.

    High-interest savings accounts

    We should all keep some cash savings on hand in case of emergencies. The standard rule for emergency funds is to have three to six months of expenses in cash. Still, no one wants their cash sitting idly by earning nothing. That’s where a high-interest savings account comes into play.

    The best high-interest savings accounts in Canada offer rates that keep up with inflation, but you’ll likely need to stray from the big banks to find them. Plus, it’s a safe bet to park your money in a HISA: savings deposits at most banks and credit unions are insured by Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) for up to $100,000 in case of bank failure. Investments don’t get much more low risk than that.

    Savers looking for a HISA to stash their cash should consider Simplii Financial. This online bank offers no-fee chequing and savings accounts and consistently offers one of the highest interest rates on its HISA acccount.

    Guaranteed investment certificates (GICs)

    One step above a savings account, GICs are another low-risk investment option that can pay slightly higher interest depending on the length of your term. Most GICs come in terms of one to five years — the longer the term, the higher the interest rate.

    Know that with a GIC you’re locking in your money for the length of the term. A steep penalty may apply if you withdraw your funds before the term expires. That’s why GICs make the most sense when you have a specific goal you’re saving for, such as a new car or a down payment on a house in three years.

    Money market funds

    Money market funds were once the go-to place for investors to park cash on the sidelines. It is a mutual fund that invests only in cash or cash-like instruments to provide investors with a safe and liquid place to hold onto their money.

    Today, most money market funds fail to keep up with inflation so investors looking for a low-risk investment option are better off with a high-interest savings account or GIC.

    To make matters worse, money market mutual funds come with a management expense ratio (MER) that further eats into the already low rate of return.

    Low-volatility fund

    The goal of many investors is to maximize return and minimize risk. But how can you achieve this goal when your funds are invested in the stock market? Answer: A low-volatility fund, such as BMO’s low-volatility ETF: ZLB.

    ZLB is an enticing option as it’s a low-risk/high-return investment. Plus choosing low-volatility investments is a proven strategy since lower-risk stocks tend to outperform higher-risk ones across a longer time period.

    ZLB is a five-star Morningstar-rated fund, has the best risk-adjusted return in the Canadian Equity category, and is the top-performing Canadian Equity Fund for over five years. According to Morningstar, ZLB has returned approximately 8.3% annually over the past 10 years.

    Investors looking to add market exposure through a low-volatility ETF like ZLB can do so by opening a discount brokerage account at Questrade and purchasing the ETF through their self-directed platform.

    Annuities

    An annuity is a contract designed to provide you with a guaranteed income stream. Typically used during retirement, annuities are sold by an annuity provider, such as a life insurance company.

    You purchase an annuity with a lump sum and then receive payments for a fixed period or the remainder of your life. The payments are a mix of interest income and return of capital (i.e. paying back some of your own money).

    The amount of money you receive depends on your gender, age, health, the amount of money you invest and the type of annuity you purchase. Other variables include whether you want payments to continue to your beneficiary after you die, the length of time you want to receive payments and the rate of interest at the time you buy your annuity.

    Buying an annuity late in retirement can be a great way to protect yourself from longevity risk (the risk that you outlive your money) by transferring risk from your personal savings to the insurance company. And now with interest rates still higher in 2025, annuity payout rates have improved. For example, a 65-year-old male investing $100,000 can expect roughly $640/month for life, according to the Sun Life annuity calculator.

    Canada savings bonds (no longer available)

    Once a staple of low-risk investments for Canadian families, the Canadian federal government decided to stop issuing Canada Savings Bonds as of November 1, 2017. Still, existing Canada Savings Bonds and Canada Premium Bonds will continue to earn interest until maturity or redemption. Once a certified CSB or CPB matures, it no longer earns interest and should be redeemed by presenting the certificate at any financial institution in Canada. These savings bonds paid out a solid 4.75% as recently as 2000, but the interest rate fell to a pitiful 0.5% in their final years of issuance.

    When to buy low-risk investments

    Some investors are naturally risk-averse and cannot stand the idea of losing money. For these people, it’s great to know there are so many low-risk investment options available. But risk avoiders should understand there are no safe investments with high returns. The best risk-free investments will simply tread water with inflation (currently hovering around 2%).

    Low-risk investments are also ideal for short-term savers. The fact is, if you need to access your money for a major purchase in five years or less, then you shouldn’t invest that money in the market. It’s perfectly reasonable to stash your cash in a high-interest savings account or GIC and earn a healthy return on your cash.

    When to take additional risks

    If you don’t need to access your money within five years, you should consider some exposure to the stock market. The key is to add bonds to the mix. There’s a reason why bonds exist – to smooth out the volatility of stock returns.

    A risk-averse investor could also look to a reputable robo-advisor like Wealthsimple to construct a conservative portfolio that can give their savings a chance at higher returns.

    Wealthsimple’s conservative portfolio is made up of 30% equities and 70% fixed income (bonds), with a trailing 5-year annualized return of 3.9%. It uses ETFs with low-volatility characteristics to get exposure to international and emerging markets, plus a small mix of core Canadian and U.S. equity ETFs to round out the portfolio.

    This conservative portfolio would have declined only 10% during the horrendous financial crisis of 2008. Other stocks saw declines of up to 60% that year.

    Are there safe investments with high returns?

    Ultimately, there are no low-risk, high-return investments. But there are a number of places for risk-averse investors to park their savings and still keep up with, or beat, inflation.

    That means looking beyond the big banks for better rates on high-interest savings accounts and GICs. It means avoiding costly money market funds and considering low-volatility funds, either purchased on your own through a self-directed investing platform or as part of a portfolio constructed for you by a robo-advisor.

    It also means considering annuities in your retirement to protect your nest egg from longevity risk. All are solid options for you to build wealth and meet your financial goals.

    — with files from Romana King

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

  • Colorado landlord gets massive shock after 300-plus police raid his property — turns out tenants were using the rental space as an illegal club linked with drug trafficking, gang activity

    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.

    Mike Moon got quite the shock when he found out what his tenants were really doing in his rental property.

    In late April, more than 300 law enforcement officers from around 10 federal agencies zeroed in on Moon’s property in the early hours of the morning.

    Don’t miss

    During the raid, officers seized cocaine, pink cocaine and meth. They detained over 100 people and arrested two on existing warrants.

    Jonathan Pullen, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent in charge, told reporters at Denver7 that many of those detained will face federal immigration charges.

    What was the landlord’s reaction?

    “They were supposed to be out of here by the end of this month,” Moon told reporters. He said he felt dumbfounded after learning what his former tenants were doing on the property.

    Moon said that the lease contract specified that the space was for events like weddings, quinceañeras and birthdays. The lease had strict terms, and tenants weren’t allowed to serve alcohol on the property — a rule that was blatantly ignored.

    What rights do landlords have when tenants misuse the property?

    According to state statutes, tenants must adhere to any lease agreements set by the landlord, provided they don’t break any fair housing laws.

    For example, if a tenant “commits a material violation of the rental agreement,” the landlord has the right to evict them. In Moon’s case, the tenants used the property for illegal purposes and didn’t adhere to the property’s intended use.

    There are also cases where landlords can exercise the “no fault” law — as opposed to “for cause” — where they can evict a tenant by not renewing the lease. In Moon’s case, he told the tenants he’s taking back the property to convert it for another use.

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

    How can landlords protect themselves?

    The best way to protect yourself as a landlord is to be proactive — in other words, by being scrupulous before taking on a new tenant.

    When listing your property for rent, review tenant applications carefully and ask for information such as their business license and registration, especially if renting the property for commercial purposes. Interview the applicants in person, request references and background checks. Unfortunately, even with these checks in place, you can still run into bad actors, not to mention the burst pipes and midnight maintenance calls that come with being a landlord.

    But there are other ways to potentially profit off property without the headaches and responsibilities of being a landlord.

    Platforms like Homeshares provide accredited investors  — or those with $25,000 to invest — with direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund.

    This fund can provide an effective, hands-off way to invest in high-quality residential properties.

    With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, the U.S. Home Equity Fund could unlock lucrative real estate opportunities without needing to become a landlord, offering a low-maintenance alternative to traditional property ownership.

    If residential real estate doesn’t sound like a good fit, there are also commercial real estate investment opportunities available.

    First National Realty Partners, or FNRP, can allow accredited individual investors access to institutional-quality commercial real estate investments — and without the leg work of finding deals themselves.

    FNRP’s team works with some of the nation’s largest grocery-anchored brands, including Kroger, Walmart and Whole Foods, while providing insights into the best properties both on and off-market. And since these brands sell necessities, the investments tend to perform well even during economic volatility, acting as something of a hedge against inflation.

    You can speak with experts, explore available deals and easily make an allocation, all through FNRP’s personalized portal.

    What to read next

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

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

  • The typical US home seller is asking for $39,000 more than what buyers are willing to pay, Redfin data says. Here’s what homeowners can do to increase their odds of a sale in a cooling market

    The typical US home seller is asking for $39,000 more than what buyers are willing to pay, Redfin data says. Here’s what homeowners can do to increase their odds of a sale in a cooling market

    Frustrated homeowners across the U.S. are reluctantly slashing asking prices by tens of thousands of dollars as the real estate market shifts out of their favour.

    After years of soaring home values, today’s market tells a different story — buyers are cautious, mortgage rates are high and inventory is swelling.

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    According to a recent Redfin report, the median U.S. home seller is now asking for 9% more than what buyers are willing to pay. That amounts to a roughly $39,000 gap — a significant miss for those relying on their home sale to fund their next move.

    As sellers adjust to a slower pace and more selective buyers, they ask a critical question: Should I price high and wait, or price low to sell fast?

    Here’s what the data says about the risks of waiting, the rewards of pricing strategically and how to strike the right balance.

    The financial risks of delaying price cuts

    Holding out for top dollar may sound appealing, but it can cost you in today’s market. Homes that linger on the market accrue thousands in carrying costs, from mortgage payments and property taxes to maintenance and insurance.

    Take, for example, a $500,000 home with estimated monthly costs of $3,000. If it sits unsold for three extra months, that’s $9,000 in out-of-pocket expenses — not including price reductions or buyer concessions.

    There’s also market risk. Rising inventory is giving buyers more leverage. Realtor.com data show active listings were up 30% year-over-year in April. As more properties hit the market, sellers risk being edged out by newer, better-priced homes.

    And then there’s opportunity cost. MarketWatch reports sellers like Spencer Bauman in Utah, who had to cut $75,000 from his asking price after 72 days with no offers, face delays in moving forward with their next purchase or financial goals.

    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

    Benefits of a strategically priced home

    Getting the price right from the start can lead to a faster sale, less stress and more money in your pocket.

    Most buyer activity happens in the first two to three weeks of a listing. If a home is overpriced during that crucial window, it can quickly become a “stale listing.”

    Buyers may assume something is wrong with it or use its time on the market to negotiate steep discounts.

    A well-priced home, by contrast, can generate more interest, leading to faster offers and fewer concessions. It also keeps your timeline predictable which is an essential factor if you rely on the proceeds for a down payment or avoid bridge financing.

    “The most important thing you can do as a seller is fairly price your home. If you overprice, chances are you’ll get no activity, and then it will become even harder to recoup your investment," Redfin Premier Real Estate Agent Chaley McVay said in the report.

    What’s the middle ground?

    You don’t have to underprice your home — just price it smartly. Start by getting a realistic valuation based on comparable sales in your area, not wishful thinking.

    In some markets, pricing slightly below the competition can spark buyer interest and lead to multiple offers. It also gives your listing a psychological edge.

    A home priced at $489,000 feels more approachable than one at $500,000, even if the difference is negligible.

    Finally, set a timeline. If your home hasn’t attracted serious interest within 21 days, be ready to reevaluate your price or make improvements that could boost appeal.

    In today’s market, the best strategy is to stay nimble. Sellers who understand buyer sentiment and act quickly, instead of clinging to yesterday’s prices, are likely to close the deal.

    What to read next

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

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

  • Crushed by costs: Survey reveals ‘cost of living in Canada’ now the top fear for households (just ahead of BoC rate decision)

    Crushed by costs: Survey reveals ‘cost of living in Canada’ now the top fear for households (just ahead of BoC rate decision)

    Even as Canadians kick back and enjoy exploring their own country or relax into summer while soaking up sunshine rays, many are still struggling with the higher cost of living.

    As the Bank of Canada prepares for its next interest rate decision on July 30, 2025, a recent survey from Money.ca shows that nearly two-thirds of respondents (63.9%) confess that the cost of living is their top economic concern — dwarfing worries about borrowing costs, jobs or debt levels. The findings highlight a growing divide between current economic indicators and how Canadians actually feel about their day-to-day finances.

    Cost of living dominates the economic anxiety

    The findings of the Money.ca survey offer a clear signal of what Canadians are feeling most acutely — a feeling that could influence how the central bank frames its next interest rate policy decision. While past rate hikes were aimed at taming inflation, households are now more preoccupied with ongoing affordability challenges than with the cost of borrowing itself.

    Based on survey data is appears Canadians continue to feel the pressure of elevated grocery prices, rent, and transportation costs. There may be hope from some that the nation’s central bank will consider consumer sentiment as it decides whether or not to cut, hold, or raise the overnight benchmark rate.

    Top economic concerns of Canadians: July 2025 survey
    Money.ca

    Will the Bank of Canada cut, hold, or hike?

    The Bank of Canada held its policy interest rate at 4.75% at its last meeting in June 2025, after cutting from 5% earlier that month. Some economists anticipate another small cut this time around, as inflation continues to cool modestly and job growth softens. Yet, others expect the Bank to pause and wait for more data before making additional moves.

    No matter which way the BoC decides to go, the decision appears to come with risks. Cutting too soon could weaken the Canadian dollar and reignite inflation — especially if the U.S. Federal Reserve maintains its higher rates for longer. Holding steady might keep mortgage and loan costs high, worsening household affordability. Finally, a hike in rates (although very unlikely) could potentially worsen consumer sentiment and tip some households into financial distress.

    Canadians’ top concern is broader than interest rates

    While the Bank of Canada’s rate decision will impact living costs, most survey respondents did not consider higher intererest rates as their primary concern. Turns out fewer than 1 in 9 Canadians selected “high interest rates” as their top concern — despite more than two years of rapid hikes. This suggests that while interest rates are affecting Canadians, they are seen more as a side effect of deeper economic problems like inflation, housing, and everyday affordability.

    This is most likely due to the perceptoin that while high rates have slowed inflation, the damage is done — people are still paying more for food, gas and rent. This also emphasis the gap the continues to emerge between macroeconomic indicators and household realities.

    What’s next

    All eyes are now on the Bank of Canada’s July 30 announcement. While core inflation is gradually trending downward, and the job market is beginning to show signs of strain, the Bank of Canada’s decision will ultimately depend on whether it believes consumer pain — especially related to cost of living — outweighs the risk of reigniting inflation.

    Whatever the move, the signal from Canadians is clear: affordability — not just inflation — is now the top issue.

    Survey methodology

    The Money.ca survey was conducted through email between July 16 to 21, 2025. Approximately 6,220 email newsletter subscribers, over the age of 18, were surveyed with 183 responses. The estimated margin of error is +/- 6%, 18 times out of 20.

    About Money.ca

    Money.ca is a leading financial platform committed to providing individuals with comprehensive financial education and resources. As part of Wise Publishing, Money.ca is a trusted source of reliable financial news, expert advice, comparison tools and practical tips. Canadians get insight on a variety of personal financial topics, including investing, retirement planning, real estate, insurance, debt management and business finance.

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

  • Canada Post strike could delay CPP and OAS: Here’s how seniors can protect their income

    Canada Post strike could delay CPP and OAS: Here’s how seniors can protect their income

    The negotiations between Canada Post and its unionized postal workers have been ongoing for more than 18 months and despite a mandate from the federal jobs minister, more than three weeks ago, there’s still been no date set for a vote by Canada Post workers on the “final” contract offer by the Crown corporation.

    As negotiations between Canada Post and its unionized postal workers stretch on — they’ve been ongoing for more than 18 months — many Canadians, especially seniors, are wondering what it means for their monthly income. For those relying on government programs like the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), or the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), the fear of missing a payment can cause real anxiety.

    But there’s good news: You can safeguard your retirement income by making a few smart moves today.

    Why the mail matters (or doesn’t)

    While many Canadians now receive their government benefits via direct deposit, a significant portion — particularly older, rural, or less tech-savvy individuals — still receive paper cheques in the mail. If postal workers walk off the job, it could delay those payments indefinitely.

    During previous strikes, contingency plans have been put in place to prioritize the delivery of government cheques. However, delays are still possible, and local distribution points may change or require in-person pickup — a barrier for anyone with mobility issues.

    How to protect your income flow

    Sign Up for Direct Deposit Immediately

    The Government of Canada offers direct deposit for all benefits. You can register:

    • Online: Through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
    • By phone: Call 1-800-277-9914
    • At your bank: Most Canadian financial institutions can help set this up in person or online

    Verify Your Information

    Even if you’re enrolled in direct deposit, double-check your:

    • Banking information
    • Mailing address
    • Contact details in your MSCA

    Watch for CRA or Service Canada Notices

    Sometimes, important requests (e.g., proof of income for GIS) are mailed. A delay in replying due to a strike could interrupt your payments.

    Risks of waiting (until there is a full-blown strike)

    As of June 10, 2025, the only strike action taken by striking Canada Post workers is to ban overtime. Right now, talks continue between CUPW, the union representing Canada Post workers, and the Crown corporation.

    If talks breakdown, there could be further strike action, including a complete stoppage of all mail delivery. For retirees, a postal strike won’t just delay cheques — it could:

    • Cause late payments for prescription drug coverage or rent
    • Interrupt GIS payments if required documents aren’t received by the CRA
    • Create financial hardship for seniors living on a fixed income

    Going digital can help you beyond the strike

    One way to alleviate some or all problems that may arise from a full-blown postal strike is to switch to digital. This means getting correspondence and money through digital messages, such as email or secure mail servers.

    And making the switch to digital isn’t just a short-term fix — it’s a long-term upgrade:

    • Faster access to your money
    • Fewer risks of lost or stolen cheques
    • Easier access to notices and updates from government programs

    For those uncomfortable with online tools, many community centres, libraries, and banks now offer help with digital banking and government services.

    For caregivers: Step in now

    If you’re helping an aging parent or relative, now is the time to act:

    • Ask if they still receive mailed cheques
    • Help them set up direct deposit or access online accounts
    • Watch their accounts during the strike period for payment irregularities

    Bottom line

    A Canada Post strike could delay essential income for thousands of seniors — but it doesn’t have to. Switching to direct deposit, verifying your information, and staying informed can ensure your payments arrive on time, every time. The sooner you act, the better protected you’ll be — not just during a strike, but long after.

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

  • Mike Rowe warns Americans that the ‘will to work’ is disappearing — says 6.8 million able-bodied men aren’t even looking for a job. Here’s why and what it means for US job market

    Mike Rowe warns Americans that the ‘will to work’ is disappearing — says 6.8 million able-bodied men aren’t even looking for a job. Here’s why and what it means for US job market

    Concerns about a lack of job-ready skills have dominated workforce debates, but Mike Rowe, CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, is pointing to another crisis: a diminishing desire to work.

    “The skills gap is real, but the will gap is also real,” said the 63-year-old former TV host in a recent interview with Fox Business.

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    According to him, 6.8 million “able-bodied men” are not just unemployed but not even seeking employment. “That’s never happened in peacetime,” he argued.

    Here’s why he believes America’s famous work ethic is gradually eroding.

    Men abandoning the workforce

    Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that women’s participation in the workforce has remained relatively stable since the early-1990s. However, men’s participation has steadily declined, dropping from 86.6% in 1948 to 68% in 2024.

    According to the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), the participation rate for men in their prime working years (ages of 25 to 54) has fallen from 98% in September 1954 to 89% in January 2024.

    Notably, 28% of these men said they were not working by choice, validating Rowe’s claim that the desire for employment has diminished. However, the survey also found that 57% of prime-age men cite mental or physical health issues as barriers to working or job-seeking, suggesting that many are not as “able-bodied” as Rowe assumes.

    Additionally, 47% of these men cite a lack of training and education, obsolete skills, or a lacklustre work history as major obstacles to employment. Fortunately, Rowe has a solution for this specific group.

    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

    Solving the crisis

    Expanding opportunities for skills training could help bring some men back into the labor force.

    Through his foundation, Rowe has given away $8.5 million in scholarships since 2008, supporting more than 1,800 men and women enrolled in skilled trades programs across the country.

    “My goal with mikeroweWORKS is not to help the maximum number of people,” he told Fox Business. “It is to help a number of people who comport with our view of the world and are willing to go to where the work is. Who are willing to demonstrate something that looks a lot like work ethic here in 2025.”

    Similarly, the BPC calls for expanding Pell Grant eligibility so that more people can access financial aid. As of 2024, roughly 34% of undergraduate students receive a Pell Grant, according to the Education Data Initiative.

    Expanding workplace support programs could be key to reentering the workforce for men struggling with mental and physical health challenges. More than half of prime-age unemployed men surveyed by BPC said health insurance is a major factor in deciding whether to return to work.

    Other critical benefits include paid sick leave, disability accommodations, flexible schedules and medical leave. Additionally, 40% of respondents said mental health benefits are very important, and 28% said they might have stayed at their previous job if they had access to paid medical leave.

    While these solutions may be complex and expensive, improving male workforce participation could yield significant economic benefits, including lower inflation and higher growth, according to a 2023 study by the Center for American Progress.

    What to read next

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

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

  • This top EU official admits ‘Trump is right’ about his China warning — agrees the Asian powerhouse is a ‘serious problem’ that threatens us all. Here’s why and how to protect yourself

    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.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hasn’t shied away from criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump — especially when it comes to his sweeping tariffs. But lately, the two have aligned on a shared concern: China.

    “When we focus our attention on tariffs between partners, it diverts our energy from the real challenge — one that threatens us all,” von der Leyen said during the “Global economic outlook” roundtable at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.

    “On this point, Donald is right — there is a serious problem,” she admitted. “The biggest collective problem we have has its origins in the accession of China to the WTO in 2001 … China has largely shown … unwillingness to live within the constraints of the rules based international system.”

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    In particular, von der Leyen accused China of “undercutting intellectual property protections” and providing “massive subsidies with the aim to dominate global manufacturing and supply chains.”

    She said China’s actions don’t reflect fair market competition, but instead represent “distortion with intent,” which she warned undermines the manufacturing sectors of its trading partners.

    In her statement, von der Leyen urged G7 nations to confront the issue together, noting that the bloc represents 45% of global GDP and more than 80% of global intellectual property revenues — leverage that could be used to pressure China.

    The European Commission chief also revealed she is “working closely” with Trump on a mutually beneficial trade agreement.

    Her remarks echo Trump’s long-standing warnings about China — and add momentum to the broader push among Western nations to rethink their economic ties.

    For investors, it could be a wake-up call: When global power shifts, it pays to have something solid in your corner.

    A time-tested safe haven

    With global tensions rising and major economies reassessing their trade ties, investors are turning to assets that can hold up in turbulent times. One that continues to stand out, according to legendary hedge fund manager Ray Dalio, is gold.

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

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

    Over the past 12 months, gold prices have surged 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, which combines the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

    To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $10,000 in free silver on qualifying purchases.

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

    The asset that made Trump rich

    If gold is the common go-to hedge for moments of chaos, real estate is the long game — and no one knows that better than Trump himself.

    Before politics, Trump made his fortune in real estate — and the asset class remains a powerful tool for building and preserving wealth, especially during inflationary times. That’s because property values and rental income tend to rise along with the cost of living.

    Unlike some other investments, real estate doesn’t need a roaring stock market to deliver returns. Even during downturns, high-quality properties can generate rental income — offering a dependable stream of passive cash flow.

    As Trump told Steve Forbes back in 2011, “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.”

    Today, you don’t need to buy a property outright to benefit from real estate investing. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived offer an easier way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class.

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

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

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

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

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

    What to read next

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

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

  • I just inherited $10,000 — but all I’m hearing these days is the US is headed for a recession. Should I use the cash to pay off my $9,000 credit card debt or keep it for my emergency fund?

    I just inherited $10,000 — but all I’m hearing these days is the US is headed for a recession. Should I use the cash to pay off my $9,000 credit card debt or keep it for my emergency fund?

    If you’re worried about a near-term recession, you’re certainly not alone. According to an April survey conducted by business outlet Chief Executive, American CEOs revealed their take on the current economy, and it found that 62% now anticipate a slowdown or recession in the next six months — up from 48% in March.

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    If you’re worried about a recession and recently came into, say, a $10,000 inheritance, you may be wondering whether you should use that money to pay off a $9,000 credit card balance or put the money into an emergency fund.

    The truth is that paying off debt and boosting savings are both smart moves at a time like this. Let’s dig into the pros and cons of paying off debt versus increasing savings so you can decide what to do.

    Paying off debt

    The longer you carry debt, the more it can cost you. So, if you use your $10,000 inheritance to pay off your credit card balance, you’ll potentially save yourself a boatload of money on credit card interest.

    Plus, if a recession hits, it could result in more widespread layoffs. And if you end up losing your job, not having credit card minimums to meet could make that situation a lot less stressful.

    On the other hand, if you use your $10,000 inheritance to pay off $9,000 in credit card debt, you’ll only be leaving yourself with $1,000 for savings purposes.

    The fact that you owe $9,000 on credit cards means you may not have much in the way of savings to begin with. But a mere $1,000 cushion isn’t likely to get you very far if you lose your job and are unemployed for months. So, while paying off your credit cards solves one problem, it could open the door to another.

    Keeping the cash as an emergency fund

    A $10,000 emergency fund could be extremely handy if you were to lose your job in a recession.

    Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to have at least a three-month emergency fund to get through a layoff without having to resort to more debt. If you keep that $10,000 in your savings account, it could spare you from having to add to your credit card balances and rack up even more interest charges.

    Also, it happens to be that savings accounts are paying generously right now because interest rates are up.

    If your $9,000 credit card balance happens to be on a 0% interest credit card with a good number of months until that 0% rate goes away, you could keep the money in savings for a bit, earn some interest, and see how economic events shake out.

    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

    Of course, the downside of this approach is that if you’re not looking at a 0% APR on your credit card debt, keeping the money in savings could mean racking up extra interest needlessly.

    If your credit APR is 24% — which is roughly the average APR on new credit accounts these days — and it takes you three years to pay off your balance, it could cost you around $3,700 in interest alone.

    Plus, the reality is that even if a recession hits, you’re not guaranteed to lose your job, so you may not need the extra emergency savings immediately. On the other hand, you know for a fact that your credit card balance is there, and that the longer it takes you to repay it, the more money you stand to lose to interest.

    Taking a balanced approach

    A $10,000 windfall gives you a lot of leeway to better your financial situation ahead of a recession. One thing you could do is split that money between your credit card debt and your emergency savings.

    The upside of this approach is that you get more protection in case your job disappears, but you also whittle down your credit card balance to a point where your minimum payments should shrink and your interest charges should be reduced.

    The downside, though, is that you may feel like you haven’t fully tackled the goal of paying down your debt completely or building your emergency fund completely.

    Putting $5,000 toward your debt still leaves you with a $4,000 balance, which is not a small sum. And while $5,000 is a nice emergency fund, it’s probably not enough to float you for three months either.

    Then again, 40% of Americans can’t cover a $1,000 emergency expense from savings, according to U.S. News & World Report. With $5,000 in savings, you’re in a much better place than people in that boat, even if you don’t have a “complete” emergency fund.

    Ultimately, all of the choices above are financially responsible ones. You’ll need to think about how vulnerable your job and industry might be to layoffs in the event of a recession. You’ll also need to consider what your credit card debt is costing you before you can make a choice that’s right for you.

    What to read next

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

  • Gen Z adults spend twice as much as they make and don’t have enough saved to cover a month’s expenses. But they could be leveraging their big advantage over older counterparts

    Gen Z has had a tough go economically. Many graduated college when the U.S. was in the throes of the pandemic and unemployment was sky-high. They struggled to find work.

    Then Gen Zers were faced with a period of rampant inflation as the economy improved. While inflation has eased, the cost of living is still high.

    A March 2025 Bank of America report reveals that 52% of Gen Z employees aren’t making enough to live the life they want, and that inflation is one of their biggest financial challenges.

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    The report found that on average, Gen Z workers spend nearly twice as much as they earn. They don’t have enough money saved to cover even one month’s expenses.

    This puts an entire generation at increased risk of debt and vulnerability if they’re laid off.

    Gen Z habits may be unsustainable

    The Bank of America report found that Gen Z’s per-household spending on both necessary and discretionary items has grown faster than the overall population.

    For example, in the past year, their spending on entertainment and travel rose 25.5%. Experien reports that the average Gen Zer carries $3,456 in credit-card debt.

    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

    While they’re spending a lot on the here and now, they aren’t saving long term. Only 20% of Gen Zers are saving for retirement, according to a 2024 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) report.

    They don’t even have much saved in their bank accounts. Federal Reserve data shows that Americans under 35 have less cash in their transaction accounts than older cohorts, with a median balance of $5,400 — compared to $7,500 for 35 to 44-year-olds; $8,700 for 45 to 54-year-olds; and $13,400 for those aged 65 to 74).

    Gen Zers are clearly trailing. While part of that can be attributed to lower wages, it may also be a byproduct of the way they prioritize discretionary purchases.

    How Gen Zers can improve their financial outlook

    If you’re a Gen Zer without much in the way of savings, take heart. You’re young, meaning you have the advantage of time to build wealth and fund a comfortable retirement.

    You just need to prioritize your finances. Here are some ways to do that.

    Track spending with budgeting apps. Gen Z is technically savvy, so budgeting apps that integrate your bank and credit card accounts are an easy way to track and categorize your spending. This will help make you more mindful of your spending habits, and help identify discretionary expenses that you can cut back on.

    Make monthly savings part of your budget. Automate a monthly contribution to your savings account when your paycheck hits. Build up an emergency fund to cover three or more months of expenses.

    Start investing in your retirement now. Over time, small contributions can go a long way. For example, if you invest $200 a month in an IRA or a 401(k) over 40 years, you’re looking at retiring with about $479,000 at a 7% return. That’s roughly 2.5 times as much as the typical older American has in their retirement nest egg.

    Take advantage of employer matching dollars in your 401(k). If you get a raise, apply it to your retirement savings. It won’t feel like you’re missing the extra money – you just won’t get used to seeing it in your paycheck from the start.

    Boost your income with a side hustle. In late 2024, 66% of Gen Z and millennial workers had started or were planning to start a side hustle, with 65% intending to continue in 2025, according to Intuit. This can help you build an emergency fund and nest egg while freeing up money for more discretionary spending.

    Invest your earnings. It doesn’t have to be complicated; S&P 500 index funds are a good bet, as they allow you to build an instantly diversified portfolio without having to do a ton of research. If you need help, consider talking to a financial planner.

    Gen Zers have lots of time to get to a more financially secure place. It’s just a matter of starting on the right path — right now — to leverage the time that’s on their side.

    What to read next

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

  • Warren Buffett warns against this 1 big money mistake during wartime — says it’s the ‘last thing’ you should do in ‘virtually’ every war. Are you making the same error as the US attacks Iran?

    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.

    The U.S. has carried out strikes on three of Iran’s key nuclear sites. President Donald Trump recently claimed the facilities were “completely and totally obliterated,” while Iran vowed to CNN that America will “pay” for its attacks “directly.”

    Iran retaliated by firing missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar — and the threat of escalation is real. On the night of the initial U.S. strike, Trump warned on social media platform Truth that “any retaliation” by Iran against the U.S. would be met with “force far greater than what was witnessed tonight.”

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    While Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran on June 23, it’s now in question — just hours later. Both countries have since violated the agreement, according to Trump.

    "We basically have two countires that have been fighting for so long and so hard, that they don’t know what the f— they’re doing," he told the press as he left for the NATO summit.

    For investors, the uncertainty is unsettling as the U.S. becomes further entangled in the Israel-Iran conflict. While geopolitical experts continue to weigh in, legendary investor Warren Buffett has offered a timeless perspective on what investors should — and shouldn’t — do during times of war.

    “The one thing you can be quite sure of is if we went into some very major war, the value of money would go down — that’s happened in virtually every war that I’m aware of,” Buffett told CNBC in 2014, the last time Russia invaded Ukraine.

    “The last thing you’d want to do is hold money during a war.”

    In times of heightened uncertainty — when markets swing on every headline — it can be tempting to retreat into cash for safety. But Buffett’s warning highlights a crucial point: War often fuels inflation. It typically brings a surge in government spending, reduced production of consumer goods and supply chain disruptions — all of which can drive prices higher.

    What should investors own then?

    “You might want to own a farm, you might want to own an apartment house, you might want to own securities,” he said.

    Let’s take a closer look at these assets.

    Securities

    To illustrate how stocks can perform during conflict, Buffett pointed to World War II.

    “During World War II, the stock market advanced — the stock market is going to advance over time. American businesses are going to be worth more money, dollars are going to be worth less, so that money won’t buy you quite as much,” he told CNBC.

    “But you’re going to be a lot better off owning productive assets over the next 50 years, than you will be owning pieces of paper.”

    Buffett has long championed a straightforward way for everyday investors to put this principle into action — no stock-picking skills required.

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

    The beauty of this approach is its accessibility — anyone, regardless of wealth, can take advantage of it. With Wealthfront’s automated investing platform, the power of compound interest works for you. Their sophisticated "set it and forget it" approach means your money is professionally managed and automatically rebalanced, allowing your wealth to grow steadily over time.

    Start investing for the long term with globally diversified portfolios or go for a higher yield than a traditional savings account with an automated bond portfolio.

    Open your account today and receive a $50 bonus to jumpstart your investment journey. Whether you’re saving for retirement, a home, or building generational wealth, Wealthfront’s low-cost, automated investment strategy can help you achieve your financial goals.

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

    Real estate

    In that 2014 interview, Buffett named “apartment houses” as one of the assets you might want to own during wartime. He has repeatedly pointed to real estate as a prime example of a productive, income-generating asset.

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

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

    Real estate also provides 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.

    The best part? You don’t need to be a billionaire to start investing in real estate today.

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

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

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

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

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

    Farmland

    Buffett’s comment that “you might want to own a farm” during wartime reflects a simple truth: Come what may, people still need to eat.

    Even in times of peace, farmland has proven to be a valuable asset. According to the USDA, U.S. farmland values have steadily climbed over the past few decades, driven by increasing demand for food and limited supply of arable land.

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

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

    Depending on the type of stake you want, you can get a cut from both the leasing fees and crop sales, providing you with a cash income. Then, years down the line after the farm rises in value, you can benefit from the appreciated land and profit from its sale.

    What to read next

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