Consider this 'very effective diversifier' for tough times
While stocks have taken a hit in the wake of sweeping tariffs, one asset has emerged as a bright spot: gold.
Often seen as the ultimate safe haven, gold isn’t tied to any one 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.
Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, recently highlighted gold’s role in a resilient portfolio.
“People don't have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio,” Dalio told CNBC in February. “When bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier.”
Over the past 12 months, gold prices have surged by around 35%.
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.
Invest in real estate without the headache of being a landlord
Imagine owning a portfolio of thousands of well-managed single family rentals or a collection of cutting-edge industrial warehouses. You can now gain access to a $1B portfolio of income-producing real estate assets designed to deliver long-term growth from the comforts of your couch.
The best part? You don’t have to be a millionaire and can start investing in minutes.
Learn MoreCollect passive income — even when markets fall
Like stocks, real estate has its cycles, but it doesn’t rely on a booming market to generate returns.
Even during a recession, high-quality, essential real estate can continue to produce passive income through rent. In other words, you don’t have to wait for prices to rise to see a payoff — the asset itself can work for you.
It’s also a time-tested hedge against inflation. As the cost of materials, labor and land rises, property values often increase as well. At the same time, rental income tends to climb, giving landlords a revenue stream that adjusts with inflation.
That said, owning a rental property isn’t exactly as passive as it sounds. Between finding tenants, collecting rent, covering repairs and saving for a down payment, being a landlord takes time — and money.
The good news? These days, you don’t need to buy a property outright to benefit from real estate investing. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived, for instance, offer an easier way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class.
With Arrived, you can 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 rental income deposits from your investment.
For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.
With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.
With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.
Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.
With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.
Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.
Talk to an expert
When markets turn volatile and uncertainty looms, it can be difficult to know what moves to make — or whether to make any at all. That’s where a trusted financial advisor can make a big difference.
A good advisor doesn’t just help you pick stocks. They take the time to understand your unique goals, time horizon and risk tolerance — then help you build a diversified portfolio that fits your life, not just the market cycle.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by market noise or unsure about what comes next, it might be the right time to get in touch with a financial advisor through Advisor.com to help you build a plan for your financial future.
Advisor.com is an online platform that matches you with vetted financial advisors suited to your unique needs.
Once you’re matched with an advisor, you can book a free consultation with no obligation to hire.
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