Investing Investing Basics

15 Things To Invest in Besides Stocks (#8 Could Have a 147% Return)

Unlock the secrets to building wealth while indulging in your favorite passions.

By Jenni Sisson

Edited by Eric McWhinnie

Updated Dec. 27, 2024

Whether it’s tin toys from the 1800s, Rolex watches, whiskey, or Air Jordans, investing in your passions can be an exciting way to merge personal enjoyment and financial gains.

You may already have niche knowledge that can help you monetize these items, but you may not even recognize them as investments.

If you’re interested in any of these alternative assets, keep reading to see how you can start investing and move them beyond your garage or hobby room and into your portfolio.

Steal this billionaire wealth-building technique

The ultra-rich have also been investing in art from big names like Picasso and Bansky for centuries. And it's for a good reason: Contemporary art prices have outpaced the S&P 500 by 136% over the last 27 years.

A new company called Masterworks is now allowing everyday investors to get in on this type of previously-exclusive investment. You can buy a small slice of $1-$30 million paintings from iconic artists, all without needing any art expertise.

If you have at least $10k to invest and are ready to explore diversifying beyond stocks and bonds,see what Masterworks has on offer. (Hurry, they often sell out!)

Whiskey

You might not think of libations as an investment, but whiskey is an asset that may grow in value as it ages. Investors buy casks upfront for a discount (as their capital funds the production) and see a return when the whiskey is sold.

Whiskey is the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index 10-year leader, appreciating 373% over the last decade. Just keep in mind that past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.

Casks can be held by an investment firm that takes care of storing and insuring them.

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Wine

If you choose to purchase a particular vintage and store it in your cellar, research the wine's age, longevity, scarcity, and maker, as these factors (and more) determine its long-term value.

You may also purchase shares of a winemaker as another way to invest in wine without having to insure or store a physical product.

While wine investments experienced price corrections across most critical categories in 2023, leading to a decrease of 7.33%, they still outperformed the general fine wine market.

Beer

Booze tends to be resistant to economic downturns, making a compelling argument for investing in beer. You can do this by investing in brewery stocks like Anheuser-Busch (NYSE:BUD) and ETFs that hold beer-related stocks.

If you’re passionate about microbreweries, you could use a crowdsourcing platform such as Mainvest or Honeycomb Credit to invest upstart capital for local boozy businesses.

Get a free stock valued between $5 to $200

Secret: You don't need thousands of dollars to buy thousand-dollar stocks or create a diverse portfolio.

Robinhood offers a method of investing called “fractional shares.” On its own, one share of a single stock could cost a lot of money, making it difficult to diversify. Robinhood allows you to buy pieces of stock instead, so you have the option to build a diverse portfolio quickly.

Let’s say you want to invest $250, as an example.

With that amount, you could build a relatively diverse portfolio with an investment of $50 in a big tech stock, $50 in a retail stock, $50 in an energy stock, $50 in a manufacturing stock, and $50 in a bank.¹ This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. To get stock reward, new customers need to sign up, get approved, and link their bank account. Stock rewards shares cannot be sold until 3 trading days after the reward is granted and the cash value of the stock rewards may not be withdrawn for 30 days after the reward is claimed. Stock rewards not claimed within 60 days may expire. See full terms and conditions at <a href="https://robinhood.com/us/en/support/articles/open-account-pick-your-stock/">rbnhd.co/freestock</a>. Fractional shares are illiquid outside of Robinhood and are not transferable. Not all securities available through Robinhood are eligible for fractional share orders. For a complete explanation of conditions, restrictions and limitations associated with fractional shares, see the Fractional Shares section of our Customer Agreement. Robinhood Gold is offered through Robinhood Financial LLC and is a membership offering premium services available for a fee.

Even better news? Add a Robinhood Gold membership, and you’ll get access to 4.25% (as of 11/15/24) APY² Annual Percentage Yield. Rate valid as of April 12, 2024. To earn interest, a cash balance is needed. If you have a margin balance, there is no cash balance to earn interest. Interest rates for cash sweep and margin investing can change at any time. Fees may reduce interest earnings. on your uninvested cash³ Interest is earned on uninvested cash swept from your brokerage account to partner banks. Partner banks pay interest on your swept cash, minus any fees paid to Robinhood. As of Nov 15, 2023, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) that you will receive is 1.5%, or 5% for Gold customers. The APY might change at any time at the partner banks' or Robinhood's discretion. Additionally, any fees Robinhood receives may vary and are subject to change. Neither Robinhood Financial LLC nor any of its affiliates are banks. All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible. Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC), is a registered broker dealer. and the ability to buy and sell stocks 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.

Open and fund a Robinhood account and earn up to $200 in stock

Classic cars

While the returns will depend on the model and condition of a given auto, classic cars might be a solid investment. The Knight Frank 2023 Wealth Report noted that classic autos returned 185% over the last decade and 25% over the previous 12 months.

Even the most enthusiastic car buffs should plan on doing extensive research before investing in classic cars. Check the scarcity, demand, and historical significance of various models.

If you’re restoring the car yourself, get a good estimate on repair costs, as vintage parts may be hard to find. You should also have a plan to insure and store your investment.

Sneakers

Sneakerheads collect styles and brands of athletic shoes that are particularly significant or rare. Game-worn and autograph pairs can be quite valuable.

Many people see sneakers as a flipping prospect rather than a buy-and-hold investment. Brands release a limited number of shoes during production, and if the demand is higher than the supply, the value skyrockets.

Investors who snag a pair of high-demand sneakers and resell them on a secondary marketplace like GOAT can make a profit of $500 per pair or more.

Trading cards

Yes, sports cards are still a thing. Verified Market Research predicts that the current market valuation for sports trading cards (currently over $12 million) will grow to over $23 million by 2030.

And while you might regard them as children’s games, limited edition, and rare Pokemon, Yugioh, and "Magic: The Gathering" cards can command tens of thousands of dollars or more.

Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40

Collectibles

Comic books, movie props, vinyl records, rare stamps, and anything else that relies on the value of fame or nostalgia fall into this category.

An item’s value will depend on its rarity and condition, whether it was used or associated with someone famous, and how popular that category is now.

To ensure you're making the most valuable investments, be sure to carefully research how to invest in comic books and other collectibles.

Watches

Fine watches have given a decent return over the last decade — 147%, according to the Knight Frank Wealth Report. Prestigious names like Rolex, Patek Phillippe, Breitling, and Audemars Piguet are great at retaining value over time.

Coins

Rare coins don’t provide outsized returns (59% over the last 10 years and 8% last year), but they can be a stabilizing force in a diversified portfolio.

If you want to invest in coins, consider finding an expert to be a mentor or educating yourself by joining the American Numismatist Association. These resources can help you navigate the prevailing market trends in coin collecting.

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This powerful combination checking + savings account from SoFi® allows you to earn up to a $300 bonus with direct deposit and grow your money with up to 4.00% APY.⁴ New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Direct Deposit can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.00% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Direct Deposit will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of Dec. 3, 2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>

This is one of the top accounts we’ve seen, and offers like this can be rare. You work hard, and now it’s time to make your money work for you — with SoFi, you can grow your money with hardly any effort!

SoFi has no account or overdraft fees⁵ Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with direct deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A.  The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the "Start Date" and "End Date" set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the "30-Day Evaluation Period"). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY.  Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage. and additional FDIC insurance up to $2 million on deposits is available through a seamless network of participating banks.⁶ We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a> ⁷ SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $2M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/terms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/terms</a> See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks</a> Plus, you can receive your paycheck up to 2 days early.⁸ Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.

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SoFi is a Member, FDIC. ⁷ SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $2M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/terms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/terms</a> See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks</a>

Open your SoFi account and set up direct deposit

Real estate

Whether you’re passionate about land or vacation rentals, real estate can be very profitable. You can purchase properties, fix them for a flip, or hold them as rentals.

If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can become a hard-money lender, hire contractors and property managers, or purchase shares in a real estate investment trust (REIT) for passive investing.

Socially responsible investments

Socially responsible investing has become increasingly popular as investors want to know about the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects of the companies they fuel economically.

ESG ETFs and mutual funds focus on companies that rank highly in at least one of those categories and are one way to ensure your investments are going to a place that aligns with your values.

Rare books/manuscripts

Bibliophiles may enjoy adding rare or out-of-print books to their investments. Ironically, the digital age has increased the value of these manuscripts while simultaneously reducing the supply, as many people toss out old books they no longer read.

Becoming familiar with a specific genre can help you determine which books would be best in your collection.

Supercharge your investments: See what could happen if you add fine art to your investment portfolio

Vintage toys

Toys are another nostalgic collectible that can bring long-term gains if they’re the right item in the right condition. Condition matters a lot for these investments, and buyers will pay top dollar for toys in their original packages.

Tin toys, vintage video games, limited edition board games, and vintage action figures are favorites among collectors and can command high prices for the right buyer.

Art

Art investors gravitate to artists with a good reputation and a strong track record for high resale value and market demand.

Start familiarizing yourself with the fine art world by visiting auctions and galleries and networking with consultants, critics, artists, and curators to get a pulse on which pieces are worth your investment.

Your own business

If you’re passionate about something like training dogs or making candles, you can invest in yourself and run a business doing what you love.

One benefit of this type of investing is that you have more control over the value of your business than other market trends you can’t control, such as how popular a collectible or a particular vintage of wine is this year.

You may even want to start a side business to make extra money if you don’t want to start your own full-time business.

Bottom line

Almost all of these items have commonplace counterparts, so it’s important to remember that the combination of uniqueness, rarity, and market enthusiasm makes them valuable.

Just because something is old or rare doesn’t mean it’s worth a place in your portfolio.

With alternative investments, insider knowledge of the item and its demand is critical to choosing successful assets that will gain value over time and build wealth.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Invest in Paintings by Basquiat, Picasso, Banksy

Masterworks Benefits

Invest in art like a millionaire for a relatively low cost
Art investments have outperformed the S&P 500 by over 131% for 26 years
Purchase shares of artwork by top artists
Hedge against inflation and diversify your portfolio

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