From REITs to Bonds: Non-Traditional Investments You Should Know
When most people think of investing, they picture stocks, mutual funds, or retirement accounts. But did you know that there’s a whole world of non-traditional investments just waiting to be explored? If you’re ready to diversify your portfolio and step off the beaten path, then REITs, bonds, and other alternative assets might be the key to unlocking new financial opportunities. Here’s a quick guide to some of these exciting investment options for the modern investor.
1. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
If you’re interested in real estate but don’t have the capital to purchase property directly, REITs might be the perfect solution. These are companies that own, operate, or finance real estate and allow you to invest in them just like stocks. By investing in REITs, you get exposure to real estate without the need to manage property or deal with tenants. REITs offer an attractive way to earn dividends and capital appreciation, making them a great addition to any portfolio.
2. Corporate Bonds
While stocks tend to get all the attention, bonds can be a reliable investment with less risk. Corporate bonds, which are essentially loans you give to a company in exchange for interest, offer investors a steady income stream. In 2025, these bonds are expected to continue being an attractive option for conservative investors. Depending on the company’s credit rating, bonds can offer competitive returns while providing stability in times of market volatility.
3. Municipal Bonds
Municipal bonds, or "munis," are issued by local or state governments to fund public projects like schools, roads, and infrastructure. These bonds can offer tax-free interest for investors in certain tax brackets, making them an appealing choice for high-income individuals. Munis also come with a lower risk of default compared to corporate bonds, making them a safe bet for those looking to balance risk and reward in their portfolios.
4. Peer-to-Peer Lending
If you’re looking for a more hands-on investment, consider peer-to-peer (P2P) lending. P2P lending allows you to lend money directly to individuals or small businesses through online platforms, bypassing traditional financial institutions. This type of investment can offer high returns, but with higher risk as you’re lending directly to borrowers without a middleman. If you’re willing to take on some risk, P2P lending is an exciting opportunity to diversify your portfolio and earn interest.
5. Commodities
Investing in commodities like gold, silver, oil, and agricultural products can be an effective way to hedge against inflation and diversify your holdings. While the prices of commodities can be volatile, they often perform well during times of economic uncertainty. Adding commodities to your portfolio can provide an extra layer of protection when the stock market experiences turbulence.
6. Private Equity
Private equity refers to investments in companies that are not publicly traded. This can include startup companies or established businesses looking for funding. Private equity can provide substantial returns, but it requires a higher level of risk and often demands a long-term commitment. As an investor, you’ll typically need to meet certain financial qualifications to participate, making it more suitable for accredited investors.
How Life Planner Can Help You Manage Your Investments
Managing non-traditional investments like REITs, bonds, and peer-to-peer lending can be complex. That’s where Life Planner comes in. With features like expense tracking, budget tools, and financial reports, Life Planner helps you stay organized as you track your investments. Whether you’re earning dividends from REITs or receiving interest payments from bonds, Life Planner ensures you’re on top of your income, expenses, and overall financial goals.
Ready to Explore Non-Traditional Investments?
If you’re excited to diversify your portfolio and explore non-traditional investments, Life Planner is the perfect app to help you track and manage your financial goals. With tools for budgeting, savings goal tracking, loan amortization, and more, you can confidently navigate the world of alternative investments.
Download Life Planner today:
Once you download the app, you’ll be able to organize your investment portfolio, track your income from REITs, bonds, or P2P lending, and create financial reports that give you clarity and control. Start today and take charge of your financial future!