13 Good Things To Invest In When You're Ready To Move Beyond Stocks

Looking for good things to invest in outside the traditional stock market? You’re not alone. While stocks remain the go-to investment for many, diversifying across uncorrelated or negatively correlated assets is often the smarter play. The beauty of stepping beyond equities lies in finding investments that march to their own beat — some moving independently of market swings, others thriving when stocks stumble. Whether Wall Street makes you nervous or you simply want to build a more balanced portfolio, exploring alternative investment options can help you put your money to work in fresh ways. Just remember: these alternatives range from rock-solid safety to heart-stopping volatility, so do your homework first.

Real Estate Without the Landlord Hustle: REITs

Want real estate exposure but lack the cash, time, or appetite for property research? That’s where Real Estate Investment Trusts come in. Instead of buying commercial buildings or apartment complexes yourself, REITs let you own slices of real estate portfolios that span everything from hotels to warehouses. The properties generate rental income, and you pocket your share of those dividends. It’s the perfect gateway for investors who dream of real estate returns but can’t drop a few million on property down payments.

Lending Your Money Out: Peer-to-Peer Platforms

Forget traditional banks — you can become a lender yourself through peer-to-peer platforms like Prosper and Lending Club. Start small, with some platforms accepting investments as low as $25 per loan. As borrowers repay their loans with interest, you earn returns. The catch? If a borrower defaults, that slice of capital vanishes. Smart move: spread your money across dozens or hundreds of small loans rather than betting everything on one borrower. Diversification within peer lending dramatically reduces your all-or-nothing risk.

Government-Guaranteed Income: Savings Bonds and CDs

Looking for peace-of-mind investments? U.S. savings bonds are backed by the federal government itself — you’d have to see the U.S. default on its debt for you to lose money, which is essentially unthinkable. Choose between Series EE bonds with fixed rates or Series I bonds that track inflation. Similarly, Certificates of Deposit (CDs) offer fixed interest rates protected by FDIC insurance. The interest rates won’t blow your mind or match long-term stock returns, but your principal stays bulletproof. Early withdrawal before the term ends? You’ll pay a penalty, but your money is always there.

The Precious Metal Bet: Gold as an Inflation Hedge

Gold has captivated investors for centuries, and for good reason — it often moves opposite to stocks. You can own it as physical bullion, coins, mining company shares, futures contracts, or gold-focused mutual funds. Going the physical route? Secure storage at a bank’s safe deposit box is essential. The Federal Trade Commission warns that gold prices swing wildly, so vet any company thoroughly before handing over cash. Gold works best as a portfolio stabilizer during uncertain times rather than a get-rich scheme.

Corporate and Municipal Bonds: Predictable Returns

When companies need cash, they issue bonds — essentially IOUs with interest attached. You can buy them directly or on secondary markets. The interest payment stays the same regardless of the company’s performance that year, making returns more predictable than stocks. However, unlike stock ownership, you don’t benefit if the company soars. Default risk exists too, so stick with highly-rated corporate bonds from stable companies. Municipal bonds issued by cities and states carry a tax advantage: the interest is typically exempt from federal taxes and sometimes state taxes too, making after-tax returns surprisingly competitive.

The Wild Card: Commodities, Futures, and Cryptocurrencies

Seeking higher thrills? Commodities futures let you bet on price movements in everything from corn to copper. Supply-demand shifts create profits — or losses. It’s complicated, competitive, and absolutely not for casual investors.

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin represent the ultimate volatility bet. As of early 2026, Bitcoin trades around $76K but has swung wildly by -3.8% in 24 hours alone. These digital currencies are unregulated, non-centralized, and not for the faint of heart. Stick here only if you truly understand the space or are comfortable gambling.

Vacation Rentals: Merging Pleasure with Portfolio Growth

Buying a vacation home as a rental property lets you enjoy personal trips while renters cover your costs. Real estate appreciation works in your favor over time. The downside? Homes aren’t liquid — if you suddenly need cash, selling takes time. Property management requires ongoing attention too, unlike passive investments.

Private Equity and Venture Capital: For Accredited Investors

Private equity funds pool investor money to buy and improve private companies, often generating impressive returns but also charging hefty management fees and locking up your capital for years. Venture capital focuses specifically on early-stage startups — riskier, but potentially more rewarding. Both typically require accredited investor status (higher net worth/income thresholds), though equity crowdfunding has created limited openings for regular investors.

Annuities: Insurance-Company Wealth Plans

Annuities flip the script: you pay upfront, and an insurance company pays you back in installments over time or for life. Fixed annuities offer predictable payments; variable and indexed versions tie returns to market performance. They delay taxes on earnings until distribution, but fees often cut deeply into your gains. Brokers earn hefty commissions pushing annuities, so their recommendations may not serve your best interests — research independently before committing.

The Bottom Line on Finding Good Things To Invest In

The real world of investing extends far beyond stocks and mutual funds. When you’re building a truly diversified portfolio, these alternative investment options deserve serious consideration. Each serves different goals: REITs for real estate access, bonds for stability, commodities for inflation protection, and alternatives like peer lending or annuities for niche needs. The key? Match your investment choice to your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals. Do your research, consult professionals where appropriate, and build a portfolio that actually works for your life.