The Best Long-Term Investment

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For the past 12 years, real estate has claimed the top spot, well ahead of gold, stocks, CDs, and cryptocurrency. On the surface, it makes sense. Homes often appreciate over time and their value isn’t posted like a stock ticker. But when you dig deeper, the math and maintenance can tell a different story.

Key Takeaways:

📌 Real estate feels safe, but it comes with hidden and ongoing expenses that can erode returns (think taxes, interest, insurance, repairs)

📌 Long-term stock market performance has consistently delivered higher results, despite its ups and downs (a simple $1 invested in the S&P 500 in 1950 would be worth over $300 today—no tinkering, just time)

Bottom Line: Your best investment reflects your values, risk tolerance, and lifestyle. There is no one-size-fits-all answer—it's about what matters most to you.