Ideas for Investing Outside of the Stock Market

Due to the problems on Wall Street many people are looking for ways to invest their money outside of the stock market. Here are a few ideas of places to invest your money without using the stock market. Of course, before investing your money you should thoroughly check out the investment and learn all that you can about it.
　
Real Estate - Buildings

No matter what businesses end up thriving going forward they are going to need a place to do business. While most folks can't afford corner properties in Manhattan but maybe you can find a corner property in your own town. Look for areas of obvious growth near you that the big city investors might overlook. Also there are plenty of investment ideas in residential rental units, self-storage units, and related areas.

Real Estate - Timber and Minerals

Buying and selling mineral rights is another common private investment. Look for deals when your regional economy tanks. Landowners in many states can part with their mineral rights while keeping surface rights, meaning a buyer gets the oil, gas, coal, etc. and the original owner keeps the use of the land. Timber is another area of possible investment. A recently timbered parcel of land might be quite inexpensive and can return a large profit in timber in the future.

Precious Metals

Buying and taking physical possession of gold, silver, platinum and other precious metals is a timeless investment strategy.

Base Metals

While buying large amounts of physical copper, aluminum, and related metals is not a common investment there is no reason that it cannot be done. If you have the room to securely store the metals you might consider this.

Collectibles

Another commonly overlooked, yet interesting possibility for investing is collectibles. If you have a passion or interest in art, glassware, pottery, firearms, sporting memorabilia, or just about anything people collect and desire this may be an area of consideration.

Business Ownership

While starting or buying and running a business is a well known way to make money, the most common way to have a passive role (meaning someone else runs it) in a business is the stock market. But there are many companies that are privately held and could possibly be an investment outside of the stock market. Look for small companies with established management and aging owners or small companies that are looking to expand. Your social connections might be a good source of prospects for this.