Canva | Brigitte Theriault from Getty Images Signature and canaran from Getty Images Pro Key Points A 37-year-old reached $10M net worth by building and selling multiple businesses and investing the proceeds. 65.3% of businesses fail within 10 years of opening. He holds $7M in liquid investments to enable early retirement before age 59.5. Have You read The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans? Americans are answering three questions and many are realizing they can retire earlier than expected. ...

Even six-figure earners might not feel financially secure if they’re heavily in debt or falling prey to lifestyle inflation. There’s a difference between high income and high net worth — and there’s a growing gap between the two, according to a U.S. Economic Insight report that Visa released in November 2025. Must Read “Thanks to a booming stock market, strong real estate values and a resilient dollar, every day in 2024 an estimated 1,000 Americans achieved a net worth — defined as the total value of ...

Rocket Companies Inc. (NYSE:RKT) ranks among the best stocks under $25 to buy now. On December 19, Jefferies initiated coverage of Rocket Companies Inc. (NYSE:RKT), with a Buy rating and a $25 price target. The firm sees Rocket Companies Inc. (NYSE:RKT) as a vertically integrated system that will retain customers throughout the whole home purchase cycle, from browsing to signing and loan servicing. Jefferies believes Rocket Companies Inc. (NYSE:RKT) shares may not yet represent the company’s increased ea ...

Core Insights - Gold has increased over 60% in value this year, reaching approximately $4,350 in mid-October, indicating strong investor confidence in the commodity compared to the stock market [1][3] - The appeal of gold lies in its historical role as a store of value, being independent of any single country or currency, making it a preferred choice during economic stress or geopolitical uncertainty [2][4] - Investors, particularly those in the Tiger 21 group, are shifting towards more cautious portfolio strategies, increasing allocations to cash, fixed income, and gold, while slightly pulling back from stocks and real estate [3][5] Gold Market Dynamics - The performance of gold reflects a defensive investment posture as Wall Street faces uncertainties, including potential AI bubbles and interest rate changes by the Federal Reserve [4] - Gold IRAs are becoming popular as they allow investors to hold physical gold within a retirement account, combining tax advantages with the protective benefits of gold investment [8] Bitcoin as an Alternative Asset - Bitcoin is gaining traction as a mainstream investment, viewed as a secure asset alongside gold, despite its market size being only a tenth that of gold [10] - The volatility of Bitcoin is attributed to its lack of backing by central banks, but its built-in scarcity (capped at 21 million) adds to its appeal [11] - Investors are optimistic about Bitcoin's potential rebound after a recent decline from an all-time high of around $126,200 to approximately $85,500 [10] Real Estate Investment Trends - There is a noted pullback in real estate allocations among high-net-worth investors, yet real estate remains a reliable asset class for wealth preservation, especially during inflationary periods [19][20] - Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived and Mogul are providing accessible ways for investors to engage in real estate, allowing fractional ownership and income generation without the burdens of traditional property management [21][23]

Core Insights - The number of billionaires has increased significantly from 2,000 in 2017 to over 3,000 today, indicating a growing concentration of wealth [1] Group 1: Wealth Protection Strategies - Billionaires employ various legal tactics to protect their wealth, which can also be applicable to individuals with lower net worths [2] - Portfolio diversification is a common strategy to mitigate risk and maximize returns, with suggestions to diversify beyond just financial portfolios into international real estate and investments [3] - Investing internationally helps reduce country-specific risks, as exemplified by investors like Ray Dalio who advocate for global investments and gold holdings to hedge against inflation and political instability [4] Group 2: Trusts and Asset Protection - Trusts, including irrevocable trusts, grantor retained annuity trusts, and dynasty trusts, are utilized by billionaires to safeguard assets from lawsuits and ensure wealth transfer to descendants [5] - The cost of setting up an irrevocable trust is estimated to be around $1,500 or more, while revocable trusts typically start at approximately $1,000, making these strategies accessible to a broader audience [7]

Group 1 - The capital gains tax is applicable on profits from the sale of assets such as homes or stocks, and it varies based on the holding period of the asset [1][2] - Capital gains are defined as profits made from selling an asset at a higher price than its purchase price, excluding unrealized gains [2] - There are two types of capital gains: short-term, taxed at ordinary income rates, and long-term, taxed at lower rates [3][4] Group 2 - Short-term capital gains tax applies to assets held for one year or less, taxed at the same rate as the individual's income [3] - Long-term capital gains tax applies to assets held for over a year, with a maximum rate of 20% expected for 2025 tax filings [4][8] - The capital gains tax rates for 2025 are structured as 0%, 15%, or 20%, depending on the taxpayer's income level [8] Group 3 - Capital gains tax is not limited to stocks; it applies to various capital assets including real estate, bonds, mutual funds, NFTs, cryptocurrency, and collectibles [6] - The tax liability on capital gains is influenced by the duration of asset holding and the taxpayer's income bracket, with higher incomes resulting in higher tax rates [7]

Austin Dean is the founder and CEO of Waystone Advisors.Courtesy of Austin Dean Wealthy individuals tend to use non-traditional investment strategies. They favor cash value life insurance, securities-backed lines of credit, and real estate. These methods can offer flexibility, tax advantages, and earlier access to investment funds. When Austin Dean started taking classes to earn his various financial advisor certifications, he didn't fully buy into the curriculum. It revolved around more traditi ...

Inflation may have cooled slightly, but concerns about rising prices and a potential recession are heating up. When it comes to beating inflation, few investors have a better track record than Warren Buffett, the legendary “Oracle of Omaha” and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. For You: 3 Safest Investments To Hold In The Current Trump Economy Find Out: 6 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 Buffett has an estimated net worth of about $152 billion, so it’s clear that he knows more than a thing or t ...

Core Viewpoint - The devaluation of the dollar is causing savings accounts to lose value, prompting a need for investors to reconsider their asset allocations [1][3][4]. Group 1: Reasons for Dollar Devaluation - Expectations for inflation have risen, leading to a decreased demand for dollars as foreign investors anticipate lower future purchasing power [3]. - Factors such as tariffs and the growing national debt contribute to the negative perception of the dollar, with inflation potentially being the only way to manage the debt without spending cuts or tax increases [4]. Group 2: Impact on Savers - Ordinary Americans, who typically hold more wealth in savings accounts, are disproportionately affected by dollar devaluation and inflation [4][5]. - Traditional savings instruments and bonds offer fixed returns, which do not keep pace with rising prices, resulting in a loss of purchasing power for savers [5]. Group 3: Alternative Asset Recommendations - It is advised that while maintaining an emergency fund in a liquid savings account is important, additional funds should be allocated to assets that are less impacted by dollar value fluctuations [5]. - Assets such as stocks, real estate, precious metals, and durable commodities are recommended as they tend to maintain their value during inflationary periods [6].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of retirement planning and the various options available for individuals to save for retirement, including IRAs, 401(k) plans, and pension plans [1][2][4][5]. Group 1: Retirement Accounts - Individuals without access to a 401(k) or pension should consider investing in an IRA, which offers tax benefits and allows for a maximum contribution of $7,000 per year in 2025 [1]. - Employees can contribute up to $23,500 to their 401(k) plans in 2025, and employer-sponsored plans provide tax advantages and potential matching contributions [2]. - Business owners with no employees can open one-participant 401(k)s, and high-yield savings accounts can also be dedicated to retirement savings [3]. Group 2: Retirement Planning Steps - Retirement planning should begin early, with individuals encouraged to create a vision for their retirement lifestyle and savings plan [4][5]. - Setting retirement goals, including a target retirement age and estimating necessary income, is crucial for effective planning [9]. - The U.S. Department of Labor recommends having 70% to 90% of pre-retirement income to maintain living standards, translating to $42,000 to $54,000 annually for someone earning $60,000 [9]. Group 3: Social Security and Professional Guidance - The average Social Security benefit in 2025 is projected to be about $2,008 per month, which may not cover average living costs [10]. - Individuals can start claiming Social Security benefits at age 62, but delaying can increase monthly payments [11][12]. - Hiring a financial advisor can help individuals develop a tailored investment strategy and retirement plan [15]. Group 4: Financial Management Before Retirement - The last five years before retirement are critical for ensuring a smooth transition, with actions taken during this period having lasting impacts [16]. - Maximizing retirement accounts, managing debt, and establishing an emergency fund are essential steps to prepare for retirement [20].