Financial freedom is a universal dream and the golden ticket to abundant golden years. While all investments are inherently risky, there are certain investments which can potentially lead to more stable and longer term outcomes. In this article, we’ll explore eight potential ways to make your money work for you that doesn’t involve investing in crypto, the stock market, or the forex market.

Why Not Crypto, the Stock Market, or the Forex Market?

Is the stock market rigged? No, not quite. But the stock market and the forex market, otherwise known as the foreign exchange market, as well as the cryptocurrency market, are very volatile and risky, and although all the investment options listed in this article are risky — as all investments inherently are — they offer a unique investment opportunity to explore and diversify in new arenas.

Dividend Stocks

With an initial investment, investors can invest in a diversified portfolio of dividend-paying stocks which pay out a portion of their profits regularly to shareholders. The idea behind this approach is that investors can choose to receive these dividends as income or reinvest them to purchase additional shares, compounding wealth over time.

Index Funds

A more hands-off approach to investing, consider, index funds are mutual funds that aim to mirror the performance of a stock market index, for example the S&P 500. Investing in index funds can potentially provide a steady stream of dividend income, coupled with the potential for long-term capital appreciation. They are also relatively cost-effective due to their typically lower expense ratios as compared to other mutual funds.

Rental Properties

Owning rental properties can be another potentially lucrative way to invest over the long term. By allocating an initial investment towards the purchase of a rental property, investors can collect rental income for as long as they hold the property. This investment can also serve as a hedge against inflation, as housing prices tend to rise in tandem with increases in other consumer prices. However, this investment goes hand in hand with property management, which can be a burden, both financially and with time.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

For those who prefer not to own physical property directly, REITs can be a unique investment alternative. REITs are legal entities that own various types of investment properties and distribute dividends to their investors. Investors get the benefits of owning property without the responsibilities of maintenance and property management.

Fixed-Income Securities

Fixed-income securities like bonds, money market funds, and brokered certificates of deposit can provide regular interest or dividend payments with relatively lower risk. These are often considered a safer investment option as compared to stocks. While the returns may be lower, they can offer more stability and reliability.

Peer-to-Peer Lending

P2P lending, or peer to peer lending platforms connect investors with borrowers who need funding. By pooling money with other investors, investors can access funds for loans. However,  it is essential to carefully assess the creditworthiness of borrowers to manage the risk associated with this investment.

Annuities

Annuities are insurance contracts where one pays a premium to the annuity company in exchange for receiving monthly payments starting at a later date, often in retirement. While annuities may offer guaranteed income, it’s essential to be aware of the fees associated with them.

A Financial Advisor: Schedule an Introductory Meeting

All in all, one of the foundational keys to success in investing lies in diversification and having a well thought out strategy. Before diving into any of these options, it’s crucial for investors to consult a financial advisor who can help create a personalized plan tailored to their financial goals and risk tolerance, and to always approach investing with the understanding that investing is inherently high risk, and investors should never invest more than they can afford to lose.