Here's the net worth you need to join America's 1%, plus a few strategies to build that first-class portfolio
Yahoo Finance·2026-01-16 10:17

Core Insights - The article discusses the increasing availability of alternative investment options for individuals looking to diversify their portfolios beyond traditional mortgages and real estate investments [1][4]. Group 1: Real Estate Investment Trends - Direct real estate ownership constitutes approximately 22.5% of the portfolios of ultra-high net worth individuals, according to a survey by Knight Frank involving over 600 wealth managers managing nearly $3 trillion in assets [2][4]. - The average net worth of the top 0.1% of households in the U.S. is around $23.325 million, highlighting the wealth concentration among the ultra-wealthy [4]. - The top 10% of households in the U.S. have a net worth of about $2.65 million as of November 2023, indicating a significant wealth gap [3]. Group 2: Alternative Investment Platforms - Platforms like Fundrise Venture Capital allow investors to access curated portfolios of innovative private companies starting at a minimum investment of $10, making pre-IPO tech investing more accessible [4]. - Arrived offers shares in SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, allowing investors to participate in real estate without the burdens of traditional landlord responsibilities [6][7]. - Lightstone Group, a major real estate investment firm with over $12 billion in assets, provides access to institutional-quality multifamily and industrial real estate through its platform Lightstone DIRECT, requiring a minimum investment of $100,000 [9][10]. Group 3: Commercial Real Estate Opportunities - First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited investors to own shares in commercial properties leased to major brands like Kroger and Walmart, with a minimum investment of $50,000 [11]. - FNRP utilizes a triple net lease structure, ensuring that tenant costs do not impact potential returns, thus providing a more stable investment option [11]. Group 4: Art as an Investment - Art has outperformed the S&P 500 with a compound annual growth rate of 12.6% from 1995 to 2022, making it an attractive alternative asset class [14]. - Masterworks enables investors to buy fractional shares in high-value artworks, providing a unique diversification opportunity compared to traditional investments [15][16]. Group 5: Financial Advisory and Portfolio Management - Research from Vanguard indicates that working with a financial advisor can enhance net returns by approximately 3% over time, significantly impacting long-term portfolio growth [18]. - Advisor.com connects individuals with licensed financial professionals to help tailor investment strategies based on personal financial goals and market conditions [19][20].