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Alternative Investments

With current low interest rates, traditional fixed-income investments are a poor choice. Instead, investors should look into options outside the stock market, such as starting their own businesses or buying gold and other unique assets, to increase the returns on their money.

The Highs and Lows of Peer-to-Peer Investing

The following post about peer-to-peer investing is by ESI from ESI Money, a blog about achieving financial independence through earning, saving and investing (ESI). It was written by an early 50s retiree who has achieved financial independence, shares what has worked for him and details how others can implement those successes in their lives. To learn more about retiring early, you can get his free e-book Three Steps to Financial Independence.

Health Savings Account: A Tax Efficient Investment Alternative?

Want to take away the pain of paying medical bills? A health savings account may be able to do that. A health savings account, or HSA, is a tax-advantaged way to reimburse yourself for medical expenses, similar to a flexible spending account (or FSA). But unlike the flexible spending account, the balance in an HSA accrues year after year and is never forfeited if it goes unspent in a given year.

Use Fixed Income Options to Earn a Better Return on Your Investments

It’s no secret that traditional fixed income investments (money market funds, U.S. treasury bills, and certificates of deposit) pay returns that are something close to nothing. Worse, this situation has continued for several years. An allocation in fixed income assets has become an unproductive investment, especially when inflation is calculated into the mix. But there are fixed income options that will allow you to earn a better return on your investments.

Social Security Basics – 3 Questions to Ask Before Taking Benefits

One of the realities you will face upon retirement is navigating the world of Social Security. The whole time you earn income, you’re paying into the system, and are entitled to receive some of that back when you retire. However, understanding Social Security basics, when to take benefits, and learning what happens if you don’t follow correct procedure, can be a daunting task.

Should You Invest in Annuities? Interview with Stan the Annuity Man

Earlier this year, annuity guru Stan Haithcock released his book The Annuity Stanifesto. Haithcock is a well-known annuity expert, often lauded for his independent advice and transparency about the realities of the annuities market. He started his career in New York City and worked with many big firms, but left about eight years ago.

How to Use Crowdfunding as an Alternative Way of Investing

There’s been a lot of coverage about crowdfunding and though it isn’t new, it got a nice shot in the arm in 2012 when Congress passed the JOBS Act. JOBS is actually an acronym for Jumpstart Our Business Startups. Among other things, it advanced the cause for crowdfunding for investment purposes, and that’s why it’s been generating so much excitement. Here’s how to think outside the traditional investing box with crowdfunding.

The Next Evolution in Investing – Securities Crowdfunding

Chances are, you have heard of fundraising platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. These platforms allow you to fund businesses and other ventures you think are worthwhile and have the potential to be successful. However, when you contribute money through one of these crowdfunding platforms, you aren’t making a true investment. Instead, you are making a donation.

Should You Invest in Physical Gold?

Gold seems to be all the rage these days, especially physical gold. Whether you are investing in gold coins, or whether you are investing in a gold account and receiving a record of numbered gold bars that belong to you, it’s important to understand the challenges that can come with investing in physical gold.