Wall Street isn’t the only place to grow your money. While the stock market dominates financial discussions, there are plenty of lesser-known strategies to build wealth that don’t depend on insider knowledge.
By exploring these seven secrets, you can outsmart Wall Street and take control of your financial future.
1. Maximize High-Interest Savings Accounts
Traditional savings accounts offer low returns, but high-interest accounts can significantly boost your savings. Online banks and credit unions often provide competitive rates, with some accounts offering over 4% annual returns.
Shop for an account with no monthly fees and the highest possible rate. Automate your deposits to grow your savings without effort.
Pro Tip: Earn as much as possible on your emergency savings. For example, SoFi Checking is offering 4% interest, plus a potential $300 signup bonus. (May change without notice.)
2. Leverage Tax-Advantaged Accounts
Take full advantage of accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and HSAs. These tax-advantaged options allow your money to grow faster by reducing your tax burden.
For example, employer-matched contributions in a 401(k) are essentially free money. Similarly, an HSA paired with a high-deductible health plan offers triple tax benefits: tax-free contributions, growth, and withdrawals for medical expenses.
Pro Tip: If you have a high-deductible health plan, you should have a Health Savings Account. Check out Lively HSAs.
3. Invest in Real Estate Crowdfunding
Real estate is a reliable way to build wealth, but buying property outright can be costly. Crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise allow you to invest in real estate for as little as $10, making it accessible to almost anyone.
These platforms pool funds from multiple investors to buy properties, offering steady returns through rental income or property appreciation. Diversifying your portfolio’s a simple way without tying up significant capital.
Pro Tip: One modern way to diversify is with real estate and venture capital. Companies like Fundrise, offer investments as small as $10.
4. Utilize Cash-Back Apps and Rewards
Maximize every dollar you spend using cash-back apps and credit cards with rewards programs. Apps like Rakuten and Ibotta provide rebates on everyday purchases, while top-rated cash-back credit cards offer percentage-based rewards on spending.
Combine these tools to earn cash back on everything from groceries to travel, and reinvest the rewards into your savings or investments.
Pro Tip: When you spend on anything, always pay with a top-ranked cash-back card.
5. Reduce Unnecessary Fees
Fees can quietly erode your savings over time. From bank account charges to investment management fees, these small costs add up.
Switch to fee-free banking and explore low-cost index funds or robo-advisors for your investments. Lower fees allow more of your money to grow.
Pro Tip: If you have over $150,000 in savings, consider talking to a professional financial advisor. Zoe Financial is a free service that will match you with a pro in your area.
6. Create Multiple Income Streams
Relying on a single source of income limits your financial growth. Side hustles like freelancing, renting out property, or starting an online store can supplement your primary income.
Multiple income streams provide stability and accelerate savings, giving you a financial edge. Choose a hustle that aligns with your skills or interests for the best results.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for part-time or work-from-home jobs, FlexJobs let’s you browse and apply to verified jobs around the corner and around the world.
7. Focus on Compound Growth
Time is one of your greatest allies when it comes to building wealth. Start investing as early as possible to maximize compound growth, where your earnings generate additional returns over time.
Even modest monthly contributions to an index fund or savings account can grow substantially with enough time. Be consistent and watch your money multiply.
Take Control of Your Savings
Growing your savings doesn’t require insider knowledge or Wall Street tricks. By leveraging these practical strategies, you can take control of your finances and watch your wealth grow steadily over time.
Start small, make wise choices, and stay consistent. Outsmart Wall Street by focusing on tools and strategies that work for you, and enjoy the financial freedom that comes with it.
