Should I consider alternative investments?

The stock market is probably the most popular way to invest money, but it is far from the only option out there. Thanks to technology, alternative investments are now a feasible investment choice for everybody, not just rich old men. 

An alternative investment is broadly described as an investment in any asset class excluding stocks, bonds, or cash. Examples include real estate, private equity, cryptocurrency, special-purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), commodities, peer-to-peer lending and private debt. 

The goal is to reduce your portfolio volatility, protect against adverse risks, and generate better returns in a way that is not dependent on stock market performance.

This isn't to say you should sell your stocks, cash out your savings accounts, and invest your whole portfolio in these less traditional investments. As with anything worthwhile, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider before investing your hard-earned money.

Should I invest in cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency has caused a lot of sensation in the financial world. So you may be wondering, is it worth the buzz? It is pretty clear that cryptocurrency has come to stay no matter how much resistance it attracts. But what is cryptocurrency all about? 

A cryptocurrency is a form of digital currency used for the payment of goods and services.

Because cryptocurrencies are designed to be independent of any government or financial institution, you can buy them from exchanges worldwide.

However, like the stock market, because the value of cryptocurrencies fluctuates so often, they're not necessarily a good location to invest your entire life's wealth. 

Cryptocurrencies are also not regulated or insured, making them risky.

Ultimately, 100 percent of your investment portfolio should not be cryptocurrency. 

Should I invest in fractional real estate?

Historically, real estate has been a prevalent alternative investment but have you heard of fractional real estate investment?

Fractional real estate offers a more affordable, hands-off, low-risk method of investing in real estate. A group of individual investors contributes money to a company that purchases a property. In fractional ownership, you own a piece of the real estate and are given a deed for the property.

Because the technology is brand new, there's not a lot of information out there but like any other real estate product, a property owned by a group of fractional investors might lose value precisely like any other property, so it doesn't come risk-free either.

Should I invest in non-fungible tokens?

An NFT is a one-of-a-kind digital asset that denotes ownership of tangible goods like art, video clips, music, and more. NFTs and cryptocurrencies both use blockchain technology as their foundation, but they are not the same. NFTs are not a form of payment.

One of the benefits of this asset is that price fluctuations in the art market do not correspond to standard stock and bond market ups and downs.

Even though NFTs have sold for millions of dollars, they are highly speculative investments that are unsuitable for all investors.

If you're thinking about buying an NFT as an investment, keep in mind that there's no assurance the value will rise. While some NFTs sell for thousands or millions of dollars, others may be worthless or remain so.

No matter what investment you're making, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1.Education comes first 

Always do your homework before making a financial commitment to one investment over another. Individual investors can benefit from alternative investments by increasing their wealth and diversifying their portfolios. Still, knowledge is essential to make informed decisions about which products to pursue based on their objectives.

2.Start small

One widespread myth about investing is that you must have a high income to begin. Yes, the earlier you start, the more time you will have to take advantage of compounding interest, but the best time to start is now. 

Set aside a bit of money you'd be prepared to part with, such as your weekly Uber eats cash if you want to get started with alternative investments without risking too much of your financial assets.

3. Identify your risk tolerance.

Recognizing and comprehending the risks that your investments encounter is a crucial first step in ensuring that your portfolio is tailored to your risk tolerance, investing goals, and peace of mind. If you're losing sleep over the money, the investment is likely not a right fit for your portfolio. 

Don't invest if you are looking for a fast way to make money to pay up your debts and build up an emergency fund. The truth is, you may end up losing all your money. However, if you don’t have high-interest debt, a good cash reserve, and investments in more traditional markets, you may want to invest a small amount with alternative investments.