Many people dream of being financially secure and independent. An effective way of achieving these financial goals is through investing. If done properly and responsibly, investing can be one of the best ways to grow your money and make you more financially secure and independent. The good news is that investing has grown more popular recently, with about 55% of adults investing in the US stock market alone. That all seems pretty simple. But to make sound investments, you need to know where you place your money. Not every investment opportunity is ideal for you. You must assess your needs and how much risk you are willing to take. That being said, here are some smart financial investment options to consider this year:
- Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency has grown increasingly popular in the past few years. It is a digital currency that is intended to be a type of medium of exchange. The most popular and widely available type is Bitcoin. Because of its fluctuating prices, it attracts a lot of potential traders and investors. Although cryptocurrency has declined this year, many others are still extremely profitable, so those that invested years back might be sitting on some amazing earnings. The risk is high, but it is a good choice for investors who wouldn’t mind losing all of their investment for the chance to earn more. On the other hand, it’s not a good choice for risk-averse investors or people looking for much safer investment choices. If something interests you, it will help you get a crypto tax CPA to help you understand cryptocurrency better and track your crypto activity.
- Rental housing
Getting into rental housing can be an excellent investment choice if you want to manage properties. Even though mortgage rates are at an all-time high, it’s still a good time to purchase a property. To invest in rental housing, you will first need to find a suitable property, buy it or finance it, and handle maintenance and tenants. You can find a lot of success in rental housing if you make many smart purchases. This type of investment is perfect for long-term investors who are not looking for quick returns but want a steady cash flow. There is always the risk of overpaying for property and spending more on the house than budgeted. Plus, finding tenants for your rental property might not be easy. However, by investing in a rental property in a favorable or popular area, ensuring it is well maintained and suits the needs of your target customers, you are bound to make good returns.
- High-yield savings accounts
The best thing about high-yield savings accounts is that it pays you interest on your cash balance. And you can easily access your money by transferring it into your main account or through an ATM. It’s a smart investment option for people who will need to access cash soon.
High-yield savings accounts are the best investment choice for risk-averse investors and for those who need money in the short term. You’re more likely to get your money back in full with this type of investment because most banks that offer this service are insured. However, you might risk losing your purchasing power if rates are low due to inflation.
- Government bonds
The best way to describe a government bond is like a loan that you give to a government body that pays you interests over a specific timeframe, usually between one to 30 years. Because of the regular cash flow, bonds are also known as fixed-income securities. They are also essentially risk-free.
The only disadvantage of government bonds is that you might not get high returns compared to other investment options. That’s why many risk-averse or conservative investors go for this option. You can buy government bonds from a broker or directly from a government agency.
- Corporate bonds
Corporate bonds are similar to government bonds, except that you will loan your money to a private company instead of the government. They are riskier because the government does not back them, but they are extremely high-yielding if successful. Corporate bonds are your best bet if you’re willing to take more risks and have potentially higher yields. You can also buy corporate bonds through an investment broker.
Investing is a smart way to increase your wealth within a specific period. Fortunately, there are several investment options available to different types of investors, from the risk-takers to the risk-averse. It would be best to seek financial guidance and advice from an expert if you are new to investing or would want more information on how to manage your assets.