Alternative Investments: Are They Even Available to the Average Investor?

By Jennifer Gilbert

The definition of an alternative investment according to Wikipedia is an investment product other than the traditional investments of stocks, bonds, cash, or property. You know...the traditional investments that we have been spoon fed for most of our life and the traditional investments that many of us lost our shirts on during the crash of 2008/2009.

The first type of alternative investment that comes to mind are precious metals and if you read anything that I post on my blogs you know I give you example after example after example from the experts in the field of why you should at least consider owning precious metals. Especially since they are still are relatively cheap; even when trading at the most recent high's of close to $42.00 for silver and $1476.00 for gold.

While not too long ago it was hard to purchase smaller units of these commodities, today you can find reputable companies where you can buy smaller amounts of both silver and gold. And yes, there are plenty of reputable companies out there that will allow you to purchase precious metals with your retirement funds without penalties for that conversion.

The mystique of alternative investing is starting to be put to bed by investing experts such as Kip Herriage and trends forecaster Gerald Celente. If you follow their publication closely there is little mystique on alternative investments and wealth strategies. They make investing fun, easy, educational and best of all they leave you with the peace of mind that the experts are standing closely by watching the cycles and trends and more importantly reporting on those cycles and trends on a timely basis...allowing you to reposition your portfolio in an effective and very timely manner.

The economic tipping point for the United States is no longer theoretical. It is a reality today and sadly most people are not even aware of it. Over the next 3 years we will be witnessing the largest transfer of wealth we have ever seen in history (a 50 Trillion dollar transfer of wealth), and those that follow the "old paradigm" ("traditional investments") will be left in poverty, while those that learn the "secrets of the new paradigm" ("alternative investments") will become the wealthy of the future.

Continue to do your due diligence and education not only in the alternative investments of precious metals but other investment opportunities as well. Together we can and will weather this perfect economic storm.

Jen Gilbert is a former medical sales consultant. When the market crashed in 2008-2009 and like so many other people lost over 50% of her savings, she became a student of wealth strategies, wealth tactics and wealth accumulation. Jen took it upon herself to get the financial education that she could rely on, no matter what was happening with the economy, the market or world trends. Now she educates individuals on how they can do exactly the same...create lasting financial independence so they are less reliant on the vagaries of the government and the economy.

Become wealthy in the age of risk starting today:

http://www.Crash-Proof-Prosperity.co
http://www.JenniferLGilbert.com

What are you waiting for? It's only a bit of education. The more you know the better life gets.

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Alternative Investments: Stocks, Bonds, Real-Estate. Which One is the Best Investment?

Author: Larry Taylor

Alternative Investments: Stocks, Bonds, Real Estate-Which One is the Best Investment? Is there opportunity looming just over the financial horizon or is it ‘hidden right before your eyes"?

The true key to making an investment safe is by investing in a time-tested "top dog" where the return on investment is moderate to high.

Consider these types of investments for your portfolio:

1. Bonds. Bonds are a safer investment than stocks. This is because a stock is an investment without a guaranteed return, while a bond is similar to a loan and has a promised return, plus interest.

• There is a difference between promised and guaranteed. No investment can be guaranteed but with bonds, you know what to expect. Look for investments with a low probability of default (the chance that the company would close its doors or file bankruptcy).
  
  
• Bonds are generally paid back to you by the end of the year. However, the terms can be different for each agreement.

• The larger the bond, the larger the profit. But remember, you're always going to make more money on a higher interest bond. So, you may be better off investing your funds in one high interest bond rather than two lower interest bonds.

1. Stocks. As mentioned, stocks can be risky but, in order to earn a high return, some level of risk must be involved. You can minimize your risks by choosing one of the safer stocks (such as constantly thriving defensive stocks) to invest in.

• Companies, such as Pepsi (PEP), McDonalds (MCD), The Procter & Gamble Company (PG), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) are some of the safer choices in the stock market. These companies also place a high value on shareholder satisfaction.

• Investing in defensive stocks, which are reliable and have proven their longevity and profitability, allows you a small blanket of security that you wouldn't get investing in the newest, hottest companies, which can tank at any moment.

• Keep in mind, when investing in stocks, there are no 100% safe choices, but you can minimize your risk by buying stocks of a time-tested and profitable company. Or spread out your risk by investing in profitable, long-standing mutual funds where your return is based on a portion of a whole portfolio of stocks.

• Stocks are a better choice for your long-term financial planning goals. If you're a cautious investor, look for a long-standing solid company to invest in.

1. Multi-family real estate. Now is a great time to invest in a multi-family dwelling. Due to the housing meltdown, there are many multi-family units priced to move quickly.

• A multi-family dwelling is a safer investment than a single-family home because you're able to retain more tenants. Therefore, if one tenant decides to leave at the end of their lease, you still have other tenants set up in other units that are still generating income.

• Multi-family dwellings are more profitable than single-family homes. For example, if you have three 2-bedroom units renting for $700 each per month, you're bringing in $2,100 per month. As opposed to the one, smaller income from just one tenant.

Developing an investment strategy takes patience and an honest assessment of your risk tolerance. Real estate investing has always been a popular investment. Owning a fully occupied multi-unit rental property guarantees a monthly return provided you budget for maintenance and other contingencies.

Bonds are safe, but they have the lowest return. However, a few hidden gems in the market offer high interest rates. Stocks offer a higher return but the return isn't guaranteed and you expose yourself to greater risk.

A smart strategy is to spread your risk and return through a diversified portfolio of investments, some with lower risk and others with moderate risk. Only go for high-risk investments if you have money to burn! This strategy will let you enjoy consistently positive returns throughout the years.

To learn more about other personal finance tips, see the resource box below for a free 6 day finance eCourse plus additional financial tips.

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