Having a job is for your stability, and investments in assets are your way into the future. You might have heard this a couple of times, and in most cases, this is true. A suitable investment into the right assets can make a difference.
How much asset does a typical American have? According to a study by the Federal Reserve, the median net worth of American households was $97,300 in 2016. However, the mean net worth was much higher at $692,100, thanks to a small number of households with very high asset values.
The distribution of assets is quite uneven, however. For example, the top 10% of households by net worth own a whopping 76.7% of all assets, while the bottom 50% own just 1%. With this in mind, you certainly want to reach the higher echelons of these charts. You can do so by investing in the right assets. Here are the essential assets that every investor must-have.
Diversified Portfolio of Stocks and Bonds
Stocks and bonds are the two main asset classes that every investor should have in their portfolio. Stocks offer the potential for high returns but also come with higher risks. If you want a more stable version of stocks, you can get an index fund. Index funds are a compilation of multiple stocks from many companies, making them a safer choice than blue-chip stocks.
On the other hand, Bonds are relatively safe investments that offer stability and regular interest payments. However, bonds don’t have the same returns as stocks.
The key to successful investing is to have a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds. This way, you can minimize your risk while still having the opportunity to earn high returns.
Physical Assets such as Gold or Real Estate
Investing is all about putting money into something that will grow. Some of these investments have to go into physical assets. Here are some good ones you should put your money on.
Real Estate
Real estate is another essential asset for any investor. It’s one of the most popular investment choices: it’s relatively safe and can offer good returns.
There are many different ways to invest in real estate. You can buy the property outright, invest in a REIT, or even use leverage to finance your purchase. Whichever method you choose, make sure you do your research first.
Gold
Gold is a physical asset that has been used as a form of currency for centuries. It’s also an excellent investment choice, as it tends to hold its value well in times of economic downturn.
Investing in gold can be done in many different ways. You can buy gold coins or bars, invest in a gold ETF, or even put your money into a gold mining company. But, again, do your research before making any decisions.
At Least One Car
Many advisors might ask you never to invest in a car, but you should certainly buy one. The commute cost is too much, and you’ll be spending a lot more on it if you don’t have a car.
The best way to get everything out of your purchase is to maintain your car the best way. Get an auto glass repair service every two years and include some other services to that, such as engine and tire repair. This will ensure that your car will last a long time.
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies are a relatively new asset class, but they’ve already made a big splash in the investing world. The most well-known cryptocurrency, Bitcoin has seen its value skyrocket in recent years.
Investing in cryptocurrencies is risky, but it could pay off big time. If you’re going to invest in them, make sure you diversify your portfolio and only invest what you’re willing to lose.
Retirement Accounts such as a 401(k) or IRA
A retirement account is an essential asset for any investor. It’s a long-term investment, but it’s one that will pay off big time in the end.
There are many different types of retirement accounts, but the two most popular are 401(k)s and IRAs. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks, so make sure you do your research before deciding which one is right for you.
You can start contributing to a retirement account as early as age 18. The sooner you start, the better off you’ll be in the long run.
Insurance to Protect your Assets and Income
Investing is all about protecting your assets and income. One of the best ways to do this is to purchase insurance.
There are many different types of insurance, but the two most important for investors are life insurance and liability insurance. Life insurance will protect your family in the event of your death, while liability insurance will protect you from lawsuits.
Make sure you have both types of insurance before you start investing. This way, you can rest assured knowing that your assets are protected.
The Bottom Line
No matter what your financial goals are, you need to have a diversified portfolio of assets. This will ensure that you minimize your risk while still having the opportunity to earn high returns. With this in mind, be sure to include stocks, bonds, real estate, gold, and cryptocurrencies in your portfolio. These are the essential assets that every investor must have.
