Most people think investing in something is limited to buying bonds and stocks. Which packs many risks as nobody relies on a stock market for a stable income.
So, if a person wants to avoid any investment that trades through a broker or an online broker? Only some excellent substitute investment opportunities are worth giving a try. Some of these business ideas can be highly profitable.
Before investing, the first thing a person needs to focus on is to stay away from scams and get-rich-quick schemes. A person needs genuine investment plans that may take some time but will prosper after a while.
Below is a list of five alternative investment ideas besides the stock market.
Peer-to-Peer Lending
Peer-to-peer lending is a new concept. These online services offer all sorts of loans to people in need. Once the borrower is eligible for the loan, they will get a loan funded by ordinary people willing to lend to others.
In this process, there is no bank involved. Money is combined with other investors’ capital, and all investors will make a loan to that individual asking for a loan. The best part about this is that the rates are higher than anyone can find anywhere else. Most people get double-digit returns from the interest and the fixed payment that a person will get monthly by investing here.
The only risk involved here is that a person might end up loaning to someone who may not have been able to get a loan from a bank or, for some reason, cannot go through old-fashioned loan outlets. However, if you do not feel comfortable, there is always a choice to fund or not.
Real Estate
Investing in real estate is another great idea, allowing you to buy and own property. A person can also buy a house or an apartment complex and put it up for rent. It is an excellent idea because the returns can be decent, as a person does not have to pay in full for the property immediately. It is possible to make a down payment through bank house financing and pay the dues with the rental income.
This investment option can be availed alone, or a person can do it with a partner. Having a reliable partner with basic real-estate knowledge will help spread some risks. However, before buying property, people must ask themselves if they have what it takes to be a property owner. Like any other investment, few risks are involved, such as breaking things, accidents, people falling behind on rent, etc. A person may hire management companies to handle such issues, but it will cost more.
Gold
Investing in gold is another great idea for a person without the risk of losing their money. However, getting a respectable profit from gold can take a long time, as it is a long-term investment.
Owning Your Own Business
A person can always use their money to invest in their own business. This type of investment can produce significant returns. It can also flop and end up failing.
A properly planned business often produces a decent, steady income and grows with time. A person can put part of their money into a business and invest the rest elsewhere to divide the chances of success and failure. Another way is to make a part-time business plan, something a person can do after work and on weekends. That way, people can keep their day jobs and make extra money.
Equity Crowdfunding
If someone is not entirely comfortable owning their own business, they can always invest in someone else’s business. Many new start-up companies often need money in exchange for shares of their companies on equity crowdfunding sites. Buying shares from a company means that now a person owns a part of it and will be rewarded if that company prospers. The only risk involved is that the investor will lose their money if the company fails. However, a person can put their cash into equity crowdfunding by starting with as low as a few hundred dollars.
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