Category: Moneywise

It’s not every day you find out your landlord is a 24-year-old dating an eight-time Super Bowl winner.

But that’s exactly what happened to several stunned tenants in Boston after learning their properties were owned by none other than Jordon Hudson, the girlfriend of former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

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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

“How does she have her real estate? Isn’t she 24?” one tenant asked the New York Post, after discovering the cheerleader-turned-landlord owned the four-bed Dorchester home they were renting with others for $4,900 a month.

An $8 million domain

Hudson acquired three multi-family properties in late 2023, according to mortgage records reviewed by Realtor.com. Her real estate portfolio now includes a $2.2 million townhouse in Dorchester, a $2.3 million property nearby, a $3 million building in Boston’s Roxbury Crossing neighborhood and a $610,000 Cape Cod cottage in Harwich — about 80 miles southeast of the city.

That’s quite the empire — especially at a time when soaring costs have priced many young Americans out of the housing market entirely.

Dominic Fantoni, a student who splits $9,100 in monthly rent for one of Hudson’s apartments, was baffled by the discovery: “I’m 21 and we are all struggling to pay rent. I wonder how she came into all that.”

Read more: 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

Getting a piece of the action

While Hudson’s rapid rise as a landlord is unattainable for most, the good news is you don’t need millions to get started generating passive income in real estate. You don’t even need to buy a property outright.

One popular option is investing in real estate investment trusts, or REITs. These are companies that own and operate income-producing properties — like apartment complexes, shopping centers and office buildings.

Think of a REIT as a giant landlord: It collects rent, manages the properties and passes at least 90% of its taxable income back to investors in the form of dividends.

Because many REITs are publicly traded, investing in them is as easy as buying a stock. You can purchase shares through a brokerage account and trade them throughout the day — making REITs one of the most liquid ways to invest in real estate.

There’s also no large upfront cost. Unlike buying a house, which usually requires tens or hundreds of thousands for a down payment, you can invest in a REIT with as much money as you are willing to spend.

Real estate crowdfunding platforms offer another accessible option. These platforms allow everyday investors to own fractional shares of rental properties or commercial real estate portfolios — earning a portion of the rental income and benefiting from potential appreciation over time.

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

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

Many people opt to buy real estate for the purpose of renting it out as an investment. And owning a rental property nearby is risky enough. But the risk can be even greater if you decide to buy a long-distance rental.

It may be that you’re in your 20s or 30s without kids, so you have time to travel back and forth to a rental in another state. Or, it may be that you’re a recent retiree looking for a project plus extra money and can afford an income property that cash flows in a different market that’s a few hundred miles away.

There can be benefits to going this route, but also drawbacks. So it’s important to know what you’re getting into.

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• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• 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
• 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

The pros and cons of a long-distance rental investment

Investing in real estate isn’t for the faint of heart. The upside is obvious — you get a chance to diversify your portfolio, collect what could be a steady stream of rental income, and have someone else’s money paying the mortgage on a property that could gain a lot of value over time.

But investing in real estate carries risk. Your property might sit vacant, leaving you to cover its mortgage — or worse. Your property taxes could rise. Things could break. Or a tenant could do far more damage than what their security deposit covers and leave you on the hook for the bill.

When you invest in a long-distance rental, the potential for complications could increase. Since you’re not there all the time to oversee the property, your tenants might have an easier time violating your rules (such as smoking when the lease forbids it or having pets when they’re not allowed).

Also, being many miles away from your rental makes it challenging to address repair issues as they arise. You could hire a property manager who’s local to oversee your rental for you, but that’ll eat into your profits.

Coastline Equity says that property managers typically charge fees as a percentage of monthly rent collected. A common range is 4% to 12%. Maintenance fees may be extra.

On the other hand, buying a long-distance rental investment could make it possible to tap into a less expensive or less saturated market, and one that is emerging. If your local area is filled with available rentals, there’s more competition. And if your local area is expensive, a rental property may not fit into your budget. So going outside your immediate geographic area could work to your benefit.

Also, buying a rental property in a new area might afford you the opportunity to spend time and discover another place you enjoy. If you’re fairly young and unattached, you might even look forward to visiting a different city a few times a year to check in on your rental (and potentially getting to write off that trip as an expense on your taxes). And as a retiree, you might appreciate the change of scenery.

Read more: 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

Also, depending on the nature of your long-distance rental, it could serve as a vacation spot for you. This may not work with a property you rent out on a yearly basis. But if you live in the mountains and buy a rental property 300 miles away near the beach that you rent out week by week, you can block off a few weeks to enjoy that property yourself. And that way, you can visit a favorite area repeatedly without having to worry about securing lodging.

How to make smart long-distance rental investment decisions

A 2024 Clever survey found that 90% of residential real estate investors have lost money on an investment. And 87% have regrets about investing in real estate. So if you’re going to buy a long-distance rental property, it’s important to do your research.

First, get the scoop on the local market. This may be easier with the help of a real estate agent who knows your prospective area very well and who will be familiar with the local rental trends. Find out what vacancy rates tend to look like and ask for numbers to see what sort of rent you can reasonably expect.

There are certain types of areas you may want to focus on for a long-distance rental. First, areas with highly rated school districts tend to be a draw. You can research school districts here.

Secondly, college towns tend to be perpetually busy, with students and staff alike needing housing on a year-to-year basis. The same holds true for areas with large hospital systems. Medical residents often need housing close to work. The same holds true for areas with booming job markets or industries.

You can also look at rentals that are in close proximity to attractions like theme parks, beaches, and ski resorts. But again, it pays to work with a real estate agent, because some of these areas may be fairly saturated with rentals already.

Another thing you may want to look at is up-and-coming neighborhoods — those that are being developed but aren’t quite there yet. Neighborhoods in this category often allow investors to get in at lower price points and then profit when property values soar.

You’ll also want to be mindful of local landlord-tenant laws in any area you opt to buy. To this end, you may need — not just a good real estate agent — but an attorney as well.

If you’re going to buy a long-distance rental, you’ll also need to have the right support system in place. That could mean hiring a competent property manager (or property management company) familiar with the area and that can handle day-to-day operations effectively. Alternately, it could mean maintaining a list of trusted contractors in the area you can call in a pinch.

There are also different online tools landlords can use to manage their rentals, like Avail or Rent Manager. It pays to explore different options to see which platform you find easiest.

Finally, before you buy a rental property in an area you’re not familiar with or close to, spend some time there and talk to the locals. That may give you enough insight to decide whether you’ve chosen the right location for a long-distance rental, or whether you’re about to make a decision that groups you with the other 87% of those who regret such an investment.

In the end, if you decide that buying a rental property outright isn’t for you, you can always explore other ways to invest, such as with real estate crowdfunding platforms.

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

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

In February 2025, nearly 9 million Americans held multiple jobs. What’s more surprising? Many of these moonlighters aren’t just scraping by — they have college degrees and stable careers.

A new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis highlights this striking shift, revealing that even educated professionals now juggle multiple gigs just to keep pace financially.

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The Fed also notes an interesting dilemma in the data: Moonlighting workers contribute to the tight labor market by working more total hours across different jobs.

Because these over-employed individuals are already the gaps in the workforce, their extra hours may reduce opportunities for unemployed people seeking traditional full-time positions.

“Overemployed workers demonstrate a clear willingness to trade higher hourly wages for increased total earnings,” the report states. ”By working significantly more hours, they effectively increase their annual compensation. This behavior might be attributed to a desire to keep pace with recent inflation, as individuals actively seek ways to supplement their income and counteract the erosion of purchasing power.”

Gone are the days when multiple-job holders were primarily low-wage earners trying to make ends meet. Today, even those with diplomas proudly hanging on their walls are pulling double duty. But what’s driving educated Americans to hustle harder than ever?

The economic squeeze

First, let’s talk inflation. It’s relentless and unforgiving, with prices for groceries and other everyday items remaining high. For many younger workers, student loan debt is a significant burden on their cash flow. As of March 202, about 4 million borrowers were behind on their student loan payments, making a substantial increase in delinquency rates since the resumption of payments after the pandemic pause.

But economics isn’t the only factor behind the trend.

A cultural shift in how Americans perceive work also plays a significant role. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are more accepting of multiple income streams as a strategy for achieving financial independence and career flexibility.

For them, holding several jobs can be as much about autonomy, skills diversification and creating financial resilience as much as simple survival.

The pandemic accelerated this shift dramatically, normalizing remote and hybrid work arrangements. Digital platforms like Fiverr, Uber, and Upwork have made securing supplemental income opportunities easier than ever.

Now, educated professionals effortlessly toggle between primary jobs and side hustles, exploiting digital tools and remote work to maximize their earning potential.

Read more: 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

The dark side of moonlighting

Despite the benefits, working multiple comes at a cost. The harsh reality? Chronic stress, burnout and diminished work-life balance. Constantly juggling competing priorities, deadlines and employer expectations is an exhausting endeavor, placing workers at risk for mental and physical health issues.

Financially, the juggling act can also get messy. Multiple income streams complicate tax filing and financial planning, requiring careful tracking and strategic management. Without proper oversight, extra earnings could be swallowed by taxes and financial inefficiencies.

Then there’s the lack of labor protections. Many side gigs don’t offer essential worker benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions or paid leave, leaving educated workers exposed and vulnerable. If economic conditions worsen or personal crises arise, these workers could face rough financial setbacks.

Will the trend become permanent?

Experts increasingly believe that multi-job holding, especially among educated workers, is shifting from a temporary trend to the new norm. With ongoing economic volatility, student debt, inflation and changing workforce expectations, this pattern seems likely to stick around.

So, what does this mean for the future?

Employers may have to adapt quickly. To retain top talent, they’ll need to offer more flexibility, competitive compensation and incentives that acknowledge their employees’ changing economic realities.

“Lifetime employment at a single job is largely a thing of the past,” entrepreneurship expert Caroline Castrillon recently wrote in a recent Forbes article examining the rise of non-linear career paths. “While some employers may frown upon non-linear careers, those attitudes are quickly changing.”

The bottom line is clear: Even a college degree no longer guarantees financial security. As educated Americans hustle harder than ever, the very structure of the workforce is transforming. Multi-job holding isn’t just about extra pocket money anymore — it’s rapidly becoming essential for survival in today’s unpredictable economy.

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

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

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has Southern Californians on the alert for a new strain of phone scams that cost one Ojai resident his life savings.

Someone claiming to be a law enforcement agent with the United States Marshals Service called him and told him to send all his money to an out-of-state location.

As KTLA 5 reports, after the Ojai man complied with the instructions, he met with local police and discovered he’d been conned.

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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

The Sheriff’s Office issued a release warning people to be wary of this and other scams involving government impersonation.

Government impersonation scams on the rise

Their warning is relevant nationwide, as a growing number of con artists impersonating government agents are scamming Americans out of their hard-earning savings.

Last year, the U.S. Marshals Service warned of a spike in similar scams in Cincinnati, as reported on the local station WLWT 5.

Of course, government impersonation scams aren’t limited to phone calls.

Read more: 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

In 2023, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (ICC) reported a spike of more than 60% in online government impersonation scams that robbed 14,190 people — the majority of them older adults — of more than $390 million in savings.

What can you do if you’re scammed?

If you’re the victim of an impersonation scam (whether it’s someone posing as a federal agent, IT professional or a bank rep) you can try to get your money back.

But it’s important to act fast.

The Federal Trade Commision advises that you immediately attempt to stop payment or reverse the financial transaction.

Do this by contacting the relevant credit card company, financial institution, wire transfer company or money transfer app immediately. A credit card company is likelier to do this. If you sent cryptocurrency, you have no chance of recovery.

While you’re dealing with these financial institutions, change your account numbers and freeze your credit so no one can open new credit in your name.

Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion (the three major credit bureaus) to alert them of the scam.

Report the crime to local police and the Federal Trade Commission. This will help authorities investigate these crimes and warn others if fraud is occurring.

How can you avoid being scammed?

Anyone can fall victim to a scam, but you can reduce the odds by following these tips:

• Understand that people can spoof numbers so it looks like they’re calling from a government agency (or bank or even your family). Look up the official phone number to confirm legitimacy and call back if necessary.
• Be aware that no legitimate business or government agency requests payments via cryptocurrency, money transfer app, or wire transfer.
• Do not provide remote access to your financial accounts or account information via phone or email unless you initiated the call.
• Do not wire or give money to someone you don’t know and never mail cash to anyone.
• Talk to a trusted family member or a banker before wiring any money in a transaction you didn’t initiate.

Finally, resist pressure to act quickly. Time pressure is something con artists use to get their victims to hand over cash before they can think things through.

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

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

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

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

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

His concerns aren’t without merit.

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• 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

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

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

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

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

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

Precious metals

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

As market uncertainty mounts, investors often take cover with precious metals. For instance, gold has climbed around 35% over the past year, hitting over $3,200 per ounce, while silver has posted impressive gains of around 36%, reaching over $30 per ounce.

Those looking to incorporate precious metals into their retirement strategy can benefit from modern investment solutions, like those offered by companies like American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold is a leading precious metals dealer – allowing you to invest directly in gold or silver.

With secure storage, expert guidance, and customizable investment plans, American Hartford Gold helps investors diversify their portfolios while protecting against inflation. Gold IRAs provide a tangible safeguard for retirement savings, combining financial security with significant tax advantages, making them an appealing choice for long-term wealth preservation.

Read more: 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

Real estate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 12% to 18%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

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

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

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

Fine art

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

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

Now, that’s changed with Masterworks — a platform for investing in shares of blue-chip artwork by renowned artists, including Pablo Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Banksy. Masterworks has had 23 successful exits to date, and every one of them has been profitable. All told, Masterworks has distributed over $60 million in proceeds back to investors, including the principal.

To get started, simply browse their impressive portfolio of paintings and choose how many shares you’d like to buy. Masterworks will handle all the details, making high-end art investments both accessible and effortless. See important Regulation A disclosures at Masterworks.com/cd.

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

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.

Headline inflation has eased in the U.S., but according to economist and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, soaring prices may persist amid President Donald Trump’s tariff plans.

“Developments in the last 24 hours suggest we may be headed for serious financial crisis wholly induced by US government tariff policy,” Summers wrote in a post on X on April 9.

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• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• 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
• 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

Though inflation rates have come down from the pandemic highs, Trump’s tariffs might reverse the progress. The Federal Reserve, after slashing rates twice last year, announced a brief pause in January.

What’s more, 90% of chief financial officers across large organizations in the U.S. have rung warning bells regarding a resurgence of inflation and potential economic slowdown, according to the latest quarterly CNBC CFO Council survey.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell echoed these sentiments, saying that Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs were “significantly larger than expected.”

“The same is likely to be true of the economic effects, which will include higher inflation and slower growth,” Powell said in early April.

Summers, a vocal critic of the Trump administration, stated that the latest tariff policies made “little sense.”

“If any administration of which I was a part had launched an economic policy so totally ungrounded in serious analysis or so dangerous and damaging, I would have resigned in protest,” he wrote in a different post on X on April 3.

Inflation impacts everyone by eroding the purchasing power of money. If you share Summers’ concerns, here are three strategies to potentially guard against its impact.

Invest in real estate to hedge against inflation

Real estate has long been considered a hedge against inflation thanks to its intrinsic value and income-generating potential.

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 adjusted for inflation. This combination makes real estate an attractive option for preserving and growing wealth during periods of ever-increasing prices.

If you’re an accredited investor, First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows you to invest in necessity-based commercial real estate.

FNRP has developed relationships with the nation’s largest grocery-anchored brands, including Kroger, Walmart, and Whole Foods. With a minimum investment of $50,000, accredited investors can access promising real estate investments.

Their team makes investing in commercial real estate simple by offering white-glove services to investors. FNRP acts as the deal leader, providing expertise and doing the legwork, while investors can use their secure platform to explore available deals, engage with experts and easily make an allocation.

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

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

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

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 12% to 18%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

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

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

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

Read more: 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

Diversify your retirement portfolio with gold

Gold is another popular long-term hedge against inflation.

The reasoning is simple: Gold can’t be printed in unlimited quantities by central banks like fiat money. Because its value isn’t tied to any one currency or economy, diversifying into gold can provide some protection during periods of economic uncertainty. This unique characteristic has led to a reputation for being a “safe haven” asset.

In other words, gold’s appeal as a stable store of value typically grows when inflation erodes the purchasing power of currencies.

Investors have already taken note of gold’s resilience. In fact, gold has increased in value sevenfold over the last 100 years. Even better, in 2025, gold prices have surpassed $3,000 per ounce.

Those looking to incorporate precious metals into their retirement strategy can benefit from modern investment solutions, like those offered by companies like American Hartford Gold.

American Hartford Gold is a leading precious metals dealer – allowing you to invest directly in gold or silver.

With secure storage, expert guidance, and customizable investment plans, American Hartford Gold helps investors diversify their portfolios while protecting against inflation. Gold IRAs provide a tangible safeguard for retirement savings, combining financial security with significant tax advantages, making them an appealing choice for long-term wealth preservation.

Purchase contemporary art as an investment

It’s easy to see why great works of art tend to appreciate — especially during times of inflation. Supply is limited, and many famous pieces have already been snatched up by museums and collectors.

For example, in 2022, shortly after inflation reached a 40-year high, the art collection of late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen sold for a total of $1.5 billion at Christie’s New York, making it the most valuable private collection of all time. As such, art can be a popular way to diversify a portfolio because it’s a tangible asset with little correlation to the stock market.

Traditionally, investing in art has been a privilege reserved for the ultra-wealthy.

But now, investors of all experience levels can invest in the art world.

Masterworks is a platform for investing in shares of blue-chip artwork by renowned artists, including Pablo Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Banksy. Masterworks is easy to use and has had 23 successful exits to date, every one of them profitable. Even better, postwar and contemporary art prices have outpaced the S&P by 64% between 1995 and 2023, according to Masterworks.

How it works is simple: Start by browsing Masterworks’ impressive $1 billion portfolio of paintings and choose how many shares you’d like to buy. Masterworks will handle all the details, making high-end art investments both accessible and effortless.

Masterworks has already sold over $61 million worth of art, including the principal, and distributed the proceeds to everyday investors. What’s more, the art market had almost no correlation with the S&P 500 between 1995 and 2024, according to the MW All Art Index, which can make an investment in fine art worth considering for your portfolio.

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

Musician Cat Stevens (Yusuf) once ruefully sang that the first cut is the deepest, which explains why many Americans are bracing themselves for the fallout of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) cutting of the federal budget.

The world’s richest man wants to cut $1 trillion from the federal budget. In a recent Fox News interview, Musk declared that the cuts wouldn’t harm essential U.S. services, promising Americans they could have their fiscal cake and eat it, too.

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“The government is not efficient,” Musk said. “There’s a lot of waste and fraud. So, we feel confident that a 15 percent reduction can be done without affecting any of the critical government services.”

But as analysts and concerned citizens point out the numbers — and reality — might not add up to Musk’s optimism.

Millions of Americans depend on essential services like health care and retirement support, so the coming months may prove critical in determining whether Musk’s actions will deliver prosperity or deepen economic woes.

What does $1 trillion in cuts really mean?

What’s pinching the chain in Musk’s cuts is President Donald Trump’s recent round of tariffs.

The broad-sweeping tariffs, which have been temporarily placed on pause, have driven a wedge between his administration and the Tesla billionaire. Since Inauguration Day, DOGE has spearheaded layoffs across all departments of the federal government, leading to concerns that Musk is moving too fast and endangering services counted on by millions of Americans.

DOGE, and its cuts, have yet to be approved by Congress. But Musk and his team argue that federal spending has ballooned irresponsibly, claiming wasteful expenditures can easily absorb these cuts without hurting Americans’ daily lives. Recent events, however, suggest the reality might be more complicated.

Cuts made by DOGE are impacting older adults particularly hard. Social Security offices, a vital resource for retirees managing their benefits, have seen significant staffing cuts, causing online systems to buckle and physical locations to become overwhelmed. Older Americans — many unfamiliar with digital platforms — now face hurdles to support. Retirees have flooded social media and news outlets venting their frustrations, suggesting Musk’s self-described “revolution” feels more like abandonment.

The cuts have also injected unpredictability into the stock market. Experts suggest Wall Street, already in turmoil over tariffs, might be underestimating the impact of the DOGE cuts, which could reduce consumer confidence.

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What if Medicare and Medicaid are on the chopping block?

Beyond these immediate impacts lies a deeper concern: Experts warn the math behind Musk’s $1 trillion cuts doesn’t add up without significantly scaling back Medicare and Medicaid. They represent nearly a quarter of the federal budget.

If cuts are made to Medicare and Medicaid, millions could find their health coverage compromised or significantly reduced.

Currently, Medicare serves approximately 67 million Americans. Medicaid provides essential healthcare to roughly 72 million low-income individuals, including children, older adults in nursing homes and disabled Americans. Any substantial reduction in these programs would inevitably ripple across communities, straining hospitals and leaving countless families struggling to afford basic medical care.

Health policy experts have sounded the alarm for those reasons. According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation report, cutting even a small percentage of Medicare or Medicaid could lead to thousands of healthcare facility closures, disproportionately affecting rural and underserved urban areas.

“Any reduction in federal Medicaid spending would leave states with tough choices about how to offset reductions through tax increases or cuts to other programs, like education,” Kaiser Family Foundation analysts concluded in a recent Medicaid brief studying the impacts of proposed Medicaid cuts. “If states are not able to offset the loss of federal funds with new taxes or reductions in other state spending, states would have to make cuts to their Medicaid programs.”

Public reaction

Public skepticism (and incredulity) underscore a fundamental tension between Musk’s economic vision and the gritty realities facing everyday Americans.

Economists widely acknowledge the need for fiscal responsibility and targeted spending cuts. However, Musk’s trillion-dollar gamble highlights crucial trade-offs between government size and service quality, forcing hard conversations about national priorities. As debates rage and details emerge, citizens must remain informed and engaged, understanding exactly what’s at stake.

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

In today’s turbulent economic climate, marked by President Trump’s recent tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, concerns about a potential recession are escalating.

As markets react to these developments, investors explore strategies to protect their portfolios.

One such strategy involves inverse ETFs.

What are inverse ETFs?

Inverse ETFs, also known as bear or short ETFs, are designed to move in the opposite direction of a specific index or asset. For example, if the S&P/TSX 60 Index declines by 2% daily, an inverse ETF tracking this index would aim to increase by approximately 2%. This mechanism allows investors to hedge against market downturns and presents an opportunity to profit from them, instilling a sense of optimism in the face of market challenges.

Benefits of inverse ETFs

There are two primary benefits to inverse ETFs:

• Accessibility: Inverse ETFs provide a straightforward way for investors to hedge against market declines. Purchasing an inverse ETF is as simple as buying any other stock or traditional ETF through your brokerage account, giving you the power to protect your investments.
• Diversification: These ETFs cover various markets and sectors, enabling investors to target specific areas they anticipate will decline. Whether you’re bearish on the overall market, a particular industry, or even commodities like oil, there’s likely an inverse ETF available.

Risks and considerations

While inverse ETFs can be valuable tools, they come with notable risks, including:

• Short-Term Focus: Inverse ETFs are typically rebalanced daily, aiming to achieve their inverse returns daily. Over more extended periods, due to the effects of compounding, the performance of these ETFs can diverge significantly from the inverse of the target index’s performance. This makes them less suitable for long-term investment strategies.
• Higher Costs: Inverse ETFs often have higher expense ratios compared to traditional ETFs, which can erode returns over time.

Understanding Inverse ETFs through the S&P 500 and the VIX ETF

Suppose you believe the S&P 500 is overvalued and due for a pullback. Instead of shorting individual stocks or buying put options, you could buy an inverse ETF like the ProShares Short S&P 500 ETF (NYSE:SH). This ETF aims to return the inverse of the daily performance of the S&P 500.

• If the S&P 500 drops 1% daily, SH should rise approximately 1%, which is what we mean by ‘inverse returns ‘. This means that for every 1% drop in the S&P 500, SH should increase by 1%. This is the basic principle behind inverse ETFs.
• If the S&P 500 rises 1%, SH will decline roughly 1%.

For more aggressive traders, leveraged inverse ETFs exist, such as ProShares UltraShort S&P 500 (NYSE:SDS), which seeks twice the inverse return (-2x).

The role of the VIX and volatility ETFs

Another way investors hedge against market downturns is through volatility ETFs tied to the VIX, or CBOE Volatility Index, often called the “fear index.” The VIX tends to spike when the market falls, making it a popular hedge.

Instead of shorting the market directly, you could buy an ETF like ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (NYSE:VIXY).

• When stocks decline and fear rises, the VIX increases, and VIXY typically rises.
• When markets are calm or rising, the VIX drops, and VIXY declines.

However, VIX ETFs come with their risks, as they track VIX futures rather than the actual index, which can lead to significant decay over time.

Key takeaways

• Inverse S&P 500 ETFs like SH or SDS allow investors to bet against the broader market.
• VIX ETFs offer exposure to market volatility but can erode in value due to the structure of futures contracts.

Is investing in inverse ETFs right for you?

Given the complexities and risks associated with inverse ETFs, they may not be suitable for all investors. If you’re considering them as a hedge against potential market downturns, it’s crucial to know how and when to use inverse ETFs. To help, here are three general rules for adding an asset to your investment portfolio.

Understand the Product: Ensure you fully comprehend how inverse ETFs work, including their daily rebalancing feature and the implications for longer-term performance. This knowledge will empower you to make informed investment decisions, enhancing your sense of control and confidence.

Assess Your Risk Tolerance: These instruments can be volatile and are generally intended for short-term strategies. Align their use with your risk tolerance and investment objectives.

Consult a Financial Advisor: Before incorporating inverse ETFs into your portfolio, discuss your plans with a financial advisor to ensure they fit your investment strategy.

While inverse ETFs offer a mechanism to profit from potentially or hedge against market declines, they require careful consideration and understanding. Before proceeding, ensure they align with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

This article Trump’s tariffs, market chaos and the rise of inverse ETFs: How investors are hedging the stormoriginally appeared on Money.ca

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

Imagine breathing a little easier this tax season, not because you’ve filed on time, but because the IRS has handed you an unexpected extension.

Recently, the IRS rolled out a major tax filing and payment extension, but only for one specific state.

The move came after the state was declared a disaster zone by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in the wake of intense and damaging severe weather.

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But here’s the twist: the extension isn’t just for folks hit hard by natural disasters. It’s a statewide reprieve.

FEMA unlocked a set of emergency relief, including a tax break

The state in question is Tennessee, and if you are a resident in any of its 95 counties, you’re able to take advantage of the extended deadline.

Recent storms have battered parts of the Southeast, bringing powerful winds, flooding and tornadoes that disrupted homes, businesses and infrastructure. In response, FEMA declared the entire state a disaster zone, unlocking a broad set of emergency relief options, including this tax extension.

Now, all individuals and businesses in the state, regardless of whether they were personally impacted or not, have until Nov. 3, 2025, to file their federal returns and make any payments due. That’s more than half a year past the typical April 15 deadline.

According to the IRS, this relief is automatic and applies to all counties in the state.

Even if you’ve already filed, the payment extension still applies.

And, it’s not just Tennesseans who benefit. If you live outside the state but either work in Tennessee or do business there, you’re in the clear for the extended deadline too.

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Important details about the tax extension

Here’s what you need to know about the tax extension for Tennessee:

• Tax filing and payment deadlines for individuals, businesses and certain tax-exempt organizations have been pushed to Nov. 3, 2025.

• Estimated tax payments (typically due April 15, June 16, Sept, 15) are also delayed.

• Individual retirement account (IRA) and health savings account (HSA) contribution deadlines are extended as well, giving you extra time to maximize retirement and health savings for the 2024 tax year.

• Business tax filings, including payroll and excise taxes, are covered in most cases.

• If you were directly impacted by the storms, such as losing your home or being displaced, you may be eligible for additional relief beyond the blanket extension.

The IRS encourages those with unique circumstances to reach out directly, though you may need to be patient due to staffing shortages contributing to delays.

Tips for filing your taxes

Don’t forget about your taxes. Just because you may have more time doesn’t mean you should put off filing indefinitely. If you’re affected by the extension, set a calendar reminder to revisit your taxes in the summer.

Remember to talk to a tax professional. If you were impacted by severe weather or need clarity, a tax professional can help you interpret what’s covered and what’s not.

Hang onto all of your documentation. If you do apply for further relief, keep records of storm-related damage, expenses or displacement that may support your case.

Check state deadlines. While the IRS has granted federal relief, state tax deadlines may differ. Be sure to check with your state’s revenue department for updates.

Whether you’re dealing with storm recovery or just grateful for a little breathing room, this unexpected extension could make a big difference.

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

Washington Attorney General, Nick Brown, recently announced a lawsuit against RealPage and several landlords in the state. The lawsuit alleges that RealPage, a Texas software company that provides tools to landlords to determine rental rates and other lease terms, used sensitive data from landlords to keep rent prices artificially high.

“RealPage’s unfair practices are cheating renters and pricing families out of stable housing,” said Brown in a recent press release.

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Brown continued, “Washington is facing a housing crisis and we must respond with every available tool.”

RealPage isn’t a stranger to lawsuits. In fact, the U.S. Justice Department sued RealPage for similar reasons, including the algorithmic pricing scheme, late in 2024.

The company faces similar lawsuits in North Carolina, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Oregon and Tennessee.

For its part, RealPage provided K5 with a statement, refuting the claims in the suit, calling them "devoid of merit," adding its "revenue management software is purposely built to be legally compliant and has always used data legally and responsibly."

Washington’s case

Many landlords used RealPage to help determine appropriate rental prices for apartments.

According to the lawsuit, Washington property managers used this software to price out an estimated 800,000 leases in the state between 2017 and 2024.

As the AG’s investigation revealed, RealPage’s pricing software uses nonpublic, competitively sensitive market information. In general, the algorithm tended to suggest raising rents. For some renters, the suggestions led their landlords to impose steep rent increases.

Chris Vialpando, a renter in Seattle’s Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, experienced a 50% rent increase after his landlord started using RealPage to price rental units.

“I was almost homeless for a short second there because I really had to dig deep to figure out how I was going to do it,” Vialpando told K5.

His story is one of many that sparked the AG’s office to take action.

The complaint alleges that based on participating landlords and their rivals’ competitively sensitive information, these landlords were able to avoid having to compete independently to attract renters based on pricing, discounts, concessions, lease terms and other lease terms — as they would have to in a free market.

It also alleges that RealPage used this scheme and its “substantial data trove” to maintain a monopoly in the commercial revenue management software market.

Finally, the investigation found that RealPage’s rental price suggestions generally lead to higher costs for renters.

Brown’s release alleges the RealPage tool violates Washington’s Consumer Protection Act, which is designed to keep the state free of unfair and deceptive business practices.

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How price fixing impacts renters

The crux of the price-fixing scheme is the fact that landlords shared sensitive data with RealPage. In turn, landlords used the tool knowing that other landlords contributed sensitive data to the algorithm.

One potential client of RealPage said, “I always liked this product because your algorithm uses proprietary data from other subscribers to suggest rents and term. That’s classic price fixing.”

A big red flag is that the RealPage software makes it difficult for a landlord to avoid taking the software’s suggestions.

Instead, it suggests accepting the price recommendations automatically. If a landlord using the software wanted to charge a different rate, they must provide a reason to the company.

Additionally, RealPage recommended landlords enforce 13-month rental terms. This long timeline prevents too many units from hitting the market at the same time, which helps keep rent rates higher.

From a landlord’s point of view, the tool offers an opportunity to charge more for rent. But colluding with other landlords isn’t legal because it doesn’t allow for the market forces of supply and demand to settle at a reasonable and fair market rate.

As of writing, the average rent for a 699-square-foot apartment in Seattle is $2,252. Within the state, the Washington State Standard reports approximately one-third of households spend more than 30% of their household income on housing costs, making them “cost-burdened.”

Unfortunately, this pressure can put many renters into unstable housing situations that sometimes lead to homelessness.

While the impacts of artificially high rents based on RealPage recommendations initially only impacted the renters unlucky enough to have a landlord using RealPage, it’s likely the higher rents rippled out into the marketplace.

With that, these actions may have gone beyond displacing individual families to put additional pressure on housing affordability and possibly worsened the housing crisis.

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