Beyond Stocks: 13 Alternative Ways to Make Your Money Work

Tired of the stock market roller coaster? You’re not alone. While equities get all the attention, there’s a whole world of investment options that can diversify your portfolio and reduce your correlation to market swings.

Here’s the reality: from REITs that let you own real estate with minimal capital, to peer-to-peer lending platforms where you can start with just $25, to government-backed savings bonds offering stable returns — the options span from ultra-safe to extremely volatile.

The key players include real estate investment trusts (REITs), peer-to-peer lending services, federal savings bonds, physical gold or gold funds, CDs with FDIC protection, corporate and municipal bonds, commodity futures, vacation rental properties, cryptocurrencies, private equity funds, venture capital opportunities, and annuities.

Each has its trade-offs. Municipal bonds offer tax advantages. Vacation rentals provide both lifestyle and portfolio benefits but lack liquidity. Crypto offers explosive upside — and downside. Private equity typically locks in your capital for years but can generate solid returns if you qualify as an accredited investor.

The sweet spot depends on your risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and time horizon. Do your homework before deploying capital — especially on higher-risk plays like commodities futures or direct private equity exposure. Diversification isn’t just about spreading money across assets; it’s about ensuring your portfolio doesn’t all move in the same direction when markets get bumpy.