1. One of the most consistent and popular stock market alternatives is GOLD. According to the Austin Report in September, this year gold coins and bullions have risen by 14.5 percent, which is equivalent to a rise in the price per-ounce from $268.40 to $311.80. Gold as an alternative investment option certainly has some advantages, because it is affordable, private, portable and in limited supply. Investing in gold also offers underlying value and immediate liquidity.
2. Another of the great stock alternatives is collectable wine. The term "liquid assets" can now be interpreted in yet another way, as collectable wine can provide a tasty alternative investment if you don’t mind doing the research. Professional wine collectors know what the good stuff really is, and that good stuff can be worth $80 - $1,000 a bottle upon release. Moreover, there are certain wines, like Bordeaux for example, which are actually sold years before they are bottled – like futures. Some collectable wines can take almost 20 years to mature.
3. Use your retirement fund to the maximum. If you're like the majority of people who invested in tech stocks or speculated on the stock market instead of investing to receive the maximum tax advantage in retirement accounts such as IRA, 401(k), SIMPLE or SEP, you may be deeply regretting it now. However, you still have a chance to redeem yourself by "maxing out" your yearly contribution, particularly with the constant volatility in the market. This year, IRA has increased its contribution limits from $2,000 to $3,000, and it is possible to invest $500 more if you are over 50.
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