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How To Build Wealth at Any Age

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Are you tired of feeling stuck in a financial rut? Do you feel like you need to progress more toward your financial goal? Don’t stress – building wealth is possible at any age, and in this article, we’ll discuss some of the best strategies for US homeowners.

Whether in your early 20s, or late 40s, there is always time to start taking control of your finances and maximizing your earning potential. We’ll cover everything from diversifying your income streams to investing in real estate. Buckle up and prepare to take the first step toward financial success!

Get Creative: Alternative Investments and Passive Income

Let’s face it – relying on a single source of income can be risky. Diversifying your income streams to maximize your earning potential and ensure financial stability is essential. And while traditional markets like stocks and real estate can be great investment options, you can explore other alternative investments to help build wealth at any age.

If there’s one takeaway from this article we want you to have, it’s that homeowners build wealth faster than non-homeowners. We’ll dive more into this topic below but suffice it to say, the data shows that homeowners have larger net worths whether you cut the data across age, race, gender, or even location.

Online Businesses, Crowdfunding, or Peer-to-Peer Lending

One option is to look into alternative investments like online businesses, crowdfunding, or peer-to-peer lending. With the rise of the internet, there are now more opportunities than ever to invest in non-traditional assets.

For example, you could invest in a startup business through a crowdfunding platform like Kickstarter or lend money to others through peer-to-peer lending websites like LendingClub.

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Passive Income Sources

But what about passive income sources? These offer a way to earn ongoing income even if you aren’t technically working. After putting in some initial effort to get it started, passive income may be able to continue with relatively less work (although some maintenance is always required). For instance, renting out a property. Whether you own a second home or just have a spare room, you can earn a steady income by renting it out.

And if you’re interested in starting your own blog or website, you could earn money through advertising or affiliate marketing.

Tax Benefits Associated With Certain Investments

Certain investments come with tax benefits. For example, investing in a rental property allows you to deduct expenses like property taxes and maintenance costs from your taxable income. And if you invest in a business, you can claim deductions for expenses like equipment and supplies.

In addition to the potential financial benefits, exploring alternative investments and passive income sources can also be a fun and rewarding experience. You might discover a new passion or hobby that generates income. And by diversifying your income streams, you’re better protected against unexpected events like a job loss or economic downturn.

Do Your Due Diligence Before Investing in Any Alternative Assets

Of course, doing your due diligence before investing in alternative assets is important. Ensure you understand the risks and potential returns associated with each investment, and seek the advice of a financial professional if you need clarification.

And remember, diversification is key – don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

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Side Hustles: Contracting and Side Businesses

Building wealth doesn’t always have to involve taking on a second full-time job. Pursuing side hustles is an excellent way to generate additional income without sacrificing too much of your free time. Side hustles have many benefits, including flexibility, the ability to use your existing skills, and the opportunity to learn new ones.

1. Freelancer Sites for Those With Existing Skills

Use your existing skills to find work on freelancer sites such as Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer. These sites connect businesses and individuals with freelancers who can provide graphic design, web development, writing, and more services. Freelancing provides flexibility regarding when and where you work, allowing you to work around your existing schedule.

2. Alternative Options for Creating Income

If you don’t have specific skills or more free time, there are other options to create income. Completing surveys and other online tasks can be an easy way to earn extra cash. Some apps and websites pay you to watch ads, play games, and complete other simple tasks. While there may be more lucrative options, they can still add up.

3. Buying and Managing Websites or Assets

Another way to generate income is to buy and manage websites or digital assets. This can include purchasing a website or social media page that generates revenue through ads or affiliate marketing. Alternatively, you can buy assets such as cars, vending machines, and appliances and fix them up to flip them for profit. These ventures require some upfront investment but can be a profitable way to earn additional income.

Homeownership: Building Equity and Increasing Net Worth

Homeownership is a great way to build wealth and increase your net worth. It is one of the most significant investments a person can make in their lifetime. Owning a home provides several benefits, including building equity and providing a stable living environment for families.

Building Equity Through Paying Down The Mortgage

Equity is the difference between the value of the property and the amount of money owed on the mortgage. Over time, homeowners build equity in their homes by paying down their mortgages. As the mortgage balance decreases, the homeowner’s equity increases.

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By making extra payments or refinancing a shorter-term loan, homeowners can accelerate the process of building equity. Equity can also increase by making home improvements, increasing the property’s value.

Renting Out a Room or ADU for Additional Income

Another way homeowners can build wealth is by renting out a room or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on their property. These can provide additional income, which can be used to pay down the mortgage, build savings, or invest in other income-generating opportunities.

Homeowners can also take advantage of tax benefits associated with rental properties, such as property tax deductions and depreciation.

Historical Appreciation of Real Estate

Historical data shows real estate has appreciated at an average rate of 3-5% per year. While this may not seem like a significant amount, over time, the appreciation can add up, resulting in substantial gains in net worth.

Many statistics and facts demonstrate how homeownership can help build wealth. For example, homeownership is associated with higher net worth and more significant financial assets than renting.

Additionally, homeownership has been shown to lead to more significant long-term wealth accumulation and lower poverty rates. According to the Federal Reserve, the median net worth of homeowners is approximately $255,000, while the median net worth of renters is only $6,300.

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Asset Diversification Is Key: Investing for Financial Stability

Building wealth through investing is an effective way to increase financial stability and achieve long-term goals. However, it is essential to diversify investments to minimize risk and maximize earning potential.

Diversification of assets helps reduce vulnerability to risks associated with one particular asset class. By diversifying your investments, you can offset losses in one asset class with gains in another. This approach reduces the impact of market volatility on your portfolio and can increase financial stability over the long term.

Several asset classes are generally considered recession-proof (or at least more resistant to a prolonged downturn). These include precious metals, real estate, and high-quality bonds. Diversifying investments across these asset classes can reduce portfolio risk.

Value Stocks or Growth Stocks

Investors may also consider investing in value or growth stocks depending on their investment strategy. Value stocks are undervalued by the market and offer investors an opportunity to purchase a stock with strong fundamentals that others have overlooked. In contrast, growth stocks represent companies that are growing rapidly and are expected to continue growing.

Alternative Assets

Alternative assets such as artwork, wine, trading cards, NFTs, and music can also provide diversification benefits to investors. These assets can be uncorrelated to traditional asset classes like stocks and bonds, meaning their performance is not directly tied to the market.

However, it’s important to note that alternative assets can be illiquid, making them difficult to buy and sell quickly. Additionally, the value of these assets can be subjective and fluctuate significantly over time.

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Leverage Compounding Interest

Compounding interest is another key concept in building wealth through investing. Compounding occurs when interest or returns earned on an investment are reinvested, generating additional returns. Over time, this can lead to significant growth in an investment portfolio.

For example, if you invest $10,000 with a 5% annual return and reinvest the earnings, your investment will grow to over $16,000 in ten years.

Investing can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you are new to the world of finance. Consider hiring a financial advisor to help you navigate the process and make informed investment decisions.

Final Take

Building wealth is possible at any age with the right strategies. We have discussed several key strategies, including diversifying income streams, pursuing side hustles, building equity through homeownership, and investing for financial stability.

It is essential to prioritize financial stability and work towards achieving financial goals. I encourage you to implement these strategies to build wealth and secure your financial future. By taking action now, you can achieve financial success at any age.

This article was produced by Wealth of Geeks.

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Cut Costs, Not Features with This Microsoft Bundle Deal

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Cut Costs, Not Features with This Microsoft Bundle Deal

Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

Software subscription fees can quickly add up, and for small-business owners, entrepreneurs, or freelancers, these costs can eat into profits. Businesses spend approximately 29% of their IT budgets on software, according to a 2023 survey by Gartner.

For business professionals who are looking to streamline workflow without paying steep subscription fees, the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle might be the perfect solution. For just $71.94 (regularly $927), this comprehensive four-part bundle offers Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019, Windows 11 Pro, Project 2019, and Visio 2019.

While it’s not the newest version of Microsoft’s software, it can deliver tremendous value for anyone seeking tools to manage their business, boost productivity, and work efficiently. The bundle offers a lifetime license, meaning you’ll get all the functionality you need without the recurring costs associated with subscription services like Microsoft 365.

However, it does come with Windows 11 Pro, which includes the recent AI updates. Windows 11 Pro delivers a modern, intuitive interface with enhanced security features such as biometric login and Smart App Control, making it ideal for professionals who prioritize privacy and usability. It’s also equipped with tools that support multitasking, such as Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops.

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For companies looking to reduce overhead without compromising essential functionality, making a one-time purchase of slightly older software is a smart financial move. This includes Office’s most popular productivity tools, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Project 2019 is a must-have for anyone who is managing large or small projects. It helps track tasks, timelines, and resources, making it easier to stay on top of deadlines and ensure your team moves in the right direction. Project 2019 gives you the tools to streamline processes and manage tasks efficiently.

Visio 2019 is ideal for creating professional diagrams, flowcharts, and organizational charts. It’s particularly valuable for visualizing complex data or workflows, which is essential for business owners looking to improve operational efficiency.

If you need a productivity boost without eating into savings, take a closer look at this bundle.

Get the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle with Office, Project, Visio, and Windows 11 Pro for $71.94 (regularly $927).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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3 Trends That Will Change the Future of Entrepreneurship

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3 Trends That Will Change the Future of Entrepreneurship

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The most recent data from the new Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report reveals a powerful trend for the future of entrepreneurship.

Young adults, aged 18-24, had both the highest entrepreneurial activity and entrepreneurial intentions in the United States, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2023-2024 United States Report. With similar results in 2022, this is not just a minor shift — it’s a fundamental change that could have lasting impacts on the economy and society.

I serve as the chair of the board for the Global Entrepreneurship Research Association, the entity that oversees GEM, which was founded in 1999 as a joint venture of Babson College and the London Business School. As the GEM U.S. team co-leader and a professor of entrepreneurship at Babson, I see firsthand the impact of the research created by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.

Here are three entrepreneurship trends from the new GEM report that are changing the landscape for the future.

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Related: 21 Success Tips for Young and Aspiring Entrepreneurs

1. Young entrepreneurs on the rise

For years, entrepreneurship has been dominated by older, more experienced individuals, but this year’s report shows that the youngest adults are now at the forefront. According to GEM, 24% of 18- to 24-year-olds are engaged in some form of entrepreneurial activity, a higher rate than any other age group. What’s driving these young entrepreneurs is equally remarkable: They aren’t just starting businesses to make money; many are deeply committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment.

These young entrepreneurs make sustainability a key priority. They are more likely than entrepreneurs from older generations to build businesses with sustainability as a core focus — whether that means reducing their environmental footprint or focusing on social causes. This shift toward impact-driven entrepreneurship isn’t just anecdotal. GEM data shows a significant number of young entrepreneurs taking real, measurable steps to create businesses that align with their values. With sustainability as their north star, young entrepreneurs appear to be simultaneously pursuing societal impact as well as profits.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. While young people are leading the way in starting businesses, they are also discontinuing them at higher rates than their older counterparts. The discontinuation rate for 18- to 24-year-olds is 15%, the highest among all age groups. This is not surprising, given the challenges of inexperience and more limited access to capital. Starting a business is tough, and sustaining one is even more challenging. But despite these hurdles, the enthusiasm and energy that young people bring to entrepreneurship are undeniable, and with the right support, this generation has the potential to drive substantial change.

2. Tech gender gap narrows

One of the most promising findings in the GEM report is the narrowing gender gap in the technology sector. Historically, tech startups have been dominated by men, but 2023 saw a record-low difference in the number of men and women starting tech companies. The gap has narrowed to just 1%, with 8% of women compared with 9% of men launching businesses in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

This is a significant step forward and reflects broader efforts to support more women technology startups. Still, it’s important to recognize that while progress is being made, continued focus on providing equal opportunities is essential to ensuring this trend continues.

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3. Optimistic outlook for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs

Another highlight from the report is the optimistic outlook among Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. These groups showed stronger confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities and lower fear of failure compared to their white counterparts. Black respondents, in particular, demonstrated high levels of resilience and self-assurance, which is vital in overcoming barriers faced in starting and sustaining businesses. This optimism is encouraging, but there’s still much work to be done in assuring ecosystems offer equal opportunities for all aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their background.

Related: I Wish I Received This Advice as a Young Entrepreneur

A promising future

Reflecting on the key findings of this year’s GEM report, it’s clear that the entrepreneurial landscape is changing in meaningful ways. The rise of young, sustainability-driven entrepreneurs signals a future where business is not only about profit but also about making a difference. These young entrepreneurs are launching businesses at a time when the world is looking for solutions to some of its most pressing challenges — climate change, poverty and economic recovery.

Yet, to fully realize the potential of this next generation, there must be more focus on addressing the challenges they encounter. Young entrepreneurs need access to the right resources — whether it’s funding, education or mentorship — to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. The narrowing gender gap in tech is encouraging, but we must continue to foster environments that support women and other underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.

The GEM report paints a picture of an entrepreneurial future driven by purpose, diversity and innovation. But it also reminds us of the work that lies ahead in making entrepreneurship more accessible and sustainable. If we can provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need, we will not only see more businesses being created — we’ll see businesses that are making a lasting, positive impact on the world.

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These Are the Top Side Hustles to Work Less, Make More Money

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These Are the Top Side Hustles to Work Less, Make More Money

In the best-case scenario, a side hustle could turn into a multimillion-dollar business that generates a passive income stream — but at the very least, starting a side gig could help pay some bills.

A new survey from personal finance software company Quicken shows that almost half (43%) of Americans with a side hustle, or an extra source of income added to a primary income, make more money and clock in fewer hours overall than those without a side hustle.

The three most popular side hustles pursued by those who work less and make more money were personal assistance (20%), cooking and baking (16%), and caregiving (16%). One in five people with side hustles said they were business owners, too, selling products online or offering services like photography.

The majority of people with side hustles (82%) said starting a side gig helped them financially, and kept them from living paycheck to paycheck. Most with side hustles (57%) had savings equal to at least four months of living expenses.

Related: Side Hustles Are Soaring as Entrepreneurs Start Businesses Working Part- or Full-Time Elsewhere, According to a New Report

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The survey also found that, for younger side hustlers, a way to an extra income doubles as a path to becoming more employable. 44% of Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) choose to start a side hustle in order to obtain skills for long-term careers, much higher than the overall 18% of Americans who started a side hustle with the same motivation.

Quicken conducted the survey online, gathering responses from more than 1,000 Americans.

Additional research on side hustles, released in August by NEXT Insurance, showed that three out of five people bring in less than $1,000 monthly in side income, while 22% make $1,000 to $10,000 a month, and 15% make more than $10,000.

Related: Starting a Side Hustle Should Come With a Warning Label — Here’s What You Need to Know

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