Assets should be a crucial part of any financial plan. There are many types of assets that you, as an individual, could buy or invest in. There are assets that will generate their own income and assets that simply hold value and don’t earn money unless you sell them. It is vital to have a good mix of investments to make the most of your venture. The goal is to have investments and assets that improve your financial health and guard against future financial crises.
This article will explore some of the best assets to help you grow your wealth and keep you safe for the future.
Office Buildings
Office buildings can be a valuable investment. If you are considering buying a property to rent to businesses, it is crucial to choose wisely. Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, more and more people are working from home, so it may be beneficial to select a property that appeals to businesses that cannot easily work from home—for instance, buying combined office and warehouse space. This means there will be demand for your property regardless of how long the remote working trend continues.
You should also ensure that you choose office space in a desirable location. It should have links to major roads and public transport to make it an attractive spot for a business to set up a base. Often, it can be beneficial to choose office space in a city-centre location, where rents will be at a premium, and significant footfall makes the spaces desirable to business renters.
Vacation Homes
Buying a vacation property or two can be an excellent money-maker – as well as saving you money on your own vacation! You could buy one vacation property, to begin with, and start offering it as a short-term vacation let to holidaymakers. This can be a great way to combine business with pleasure, as you can make money on the property when you’re not using it and enjoy vacations there yourself when you want to.
You should think carefully about where you will buy your vacation home. Some of the most popular tourist destinations will come with hefty property price tags. This can be worth the investment, as tourists will be willing to pay more for vacation rentals in the best areas. It may help to look for properties within easy walking distance of national, natural or historical landmarks, beauty spots or major cities.
Business Investment
Investing in businesses can be one of the best ways to capitalise on the success of the brightest and best business minds. If you are considering investing in companies, there are many ways to do so. One of the easiest ways to invest in small businesses is to become a silent partner.
In this case, you would provide capital to finance the business and receive a portion of the profits in return. This type of investment is not without its risks – while the gains can be significant if the company succeeds, you may lose your investment if the business fails.
Crypto
Investing in cryptocurrency can be a great way to diversify your investment portfolio and take advantage of innovation in the market. Crypto is highly volatile, so it is essential to invest with care and do your research beforehand. It is also beneficial to create a budget for crypto investment and stick to it strictly. This can ensure that if the market fluctuates significantly, you will not lose more than you can afford.
Gold
Gold is often seen as one of the most reliable assets to invest in. While gold won’t make you money while you own it, it is known for holding its value, meaning that having gold will be a sound investment to ensure your future financial health. Many people invest in gold to protect against inflation and the shifting value of major currencies.
Stocks
Investing in stocks can feel like a complex venture, but it can be well worth the effort. It is crucial that you understand how to invest properly before you begin. You should seek advice from financial professionals and conduct your own research into the types of stocks that will generate you the most dividends.
Always choose a reputable broker for your stock investments. You will need to be sure the broker is reliable and a safe place to put your money. You can find out more about brokers and buying stocks in Canada from Wealthsimple. Wealthsimple are industry leaders in providing stocks and investment advice and tools to help you make the most out of your venture.
Art
Investing in art can be an excellent way to boost your portfolio. Like gold, artwork will not make you any money while you own it, but you can often sell on it at opportune times to make much more than your investment. You could consider starting your art collection by visiting local galleries and buying a few pieces here and there. If you are more serious about your intentions, it may help to get in touch with an art dealer who can help you find the right pieces and work for you to build up a valuable collection.
Fixer-Upper Properties
Buying properties to fix up and flip can be highly lucrative. It will require significant initial funding, as you will need to have the money to purchase and renovate a property. You will also need the time and skill to renovate or have the money to pay contractors to do so for you.
Many property investors have had significant success buying properties to flip in cities. It is crucial to consider location and choose properties that will hold appeal to buyers or renters. Doing the work yourself will save you money, but you should be sure you have the skill and expertise to do so safely and to a high standard if you want to see a good return on your investment.
Your Own Business
Starting your own business can be a major asset. It can also be a significant liability if not done well. Before you decide to start a business, you will need to have a solid business plan and conduct market research to ensure that your business will be popular with consumers. You will also require significant funding to get the company off the ground. Expenses like premises, staff, inventory and equipment can all rapidly build up.
When starting a business, you may find that it won’t become profitable for some months. You should ensure that you have enough saved to keep you and your business afloat in the first challenging months. You can also seek funding in the form of angel investing, a silent partner, a bank loan or a government grant.
Residential Properties
Investing in residential real estate can be an excellent way to gain passive income. Buying a rental property can ensure that you receive a regular monthly income. You should buy a rental property in a desirable market and consider what kind of renters you want to attract. For instance, if you’re going to rent to a young family, then a property near the best schools will be crucial. If you plan to invest in a student property, then somewhere near transport links or the campus of a local university will be beneficial.
Managing rental properties can become time-consuming, particularly if you plan to buy and let more than one property. It can be helpful to find a reliable local property management company to take over the daily running of your property. This type of company will usually charge a fee for their services but can be a real time-saver for busy individuals.
Farmland
Farmland has long been a source of wealth and resources. Buying farmland is no easy feat, so you will need to be sure you are ready for the commitment and risk that may come with it. You may be surprised to learn that farmland assets have proven the most valuable, outperforming even real estate.
You could consider buying farmland yourself, though you will need to ensure you have the means and ability to the run land yourself or hire those who can. Otherwise, there are plenty of crowdfunding and investment opportunities to be had for anyone looking into farmland investment.
High-Interest Savings Account
Taking out a high-interest savings account can be a great way to maximise the income from your money. The more you save, the more you will receive in interest. You should look for savings accounts with an interest rate of 1% or more. It may help to look at smaller and online banks as they will often have better interest rates. Always thoroughly vet a bank before using it to be sure it is trustworthy and reputable.
Conclusion
There are countless assets available to anyone with funding looking to invest in their future. You should carefully consider your options and the amount of money you have to spend and invest. Some investments will require more cash than others. It can be helpful to talk to a professional financial adviser to give you an idea of where you should be investing and how much you can expect to make. This can be particularly beneficial for first-time investors who are new to the various assets and opportunities.