A Master List Of Assets That Appreciate
The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive list of appreciating assets examples.
Because I thought this would be a good follow-up to my article: The 4 Pillars Of Wealth Creation. In that article, one of the 4 pillars for creating wealth was accumulating productive assets.
When I say productive assets, I really mean assets that appreciate in value. And, I touched on a few of the best appreciating assets in that article.
However, I wanted to come back with a more comprehensive list. By covering some of the most mundane appreciating assets to the highly exotic. And everything in between!
So, here’s today’s list for your consideration…
50 Best Appreciating Assets Examples
- Growth Stocks
- Value Stocks
- Dividend Growth Stocks
- Penny Stocks
- Private Equity
- Equity Crowdfunding
- Owning Your Own Business
- Websites And Blogs
- Primary Residence
- Single-Family Homes
- Vacation Homes
- Rental Properties
- Apartment Buildings
- Raw Land
- Farmland
- Commercial Real Estate
- Industrial Real Estate
- Crowdfunded Real estate
- Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS)
- Corporate Bonds
- Government Bonds
- Private Loans
- Peer To Peer Lending
- US Savings Bonds
- Savings Accounts
- Traditional Certificates Of Deposit
- Brokered Certificates Of Deposit
- Stock Markets
- Exchange-Traded Funds
- Mutual Funds
- Options
- Hard Currencies
- Cryptocurrencies
- Oil
- Copper
- Livestock
- Gold
- Silver
- Gemstones
- Automobiles
- Works of Art
- Coins
- Stamps
- Wine
- College Savings Accounts
- Retirement Accounts
- Social Security
- Intellectual Property
- Skills and Expertise
- Education
Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
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But for the rest of us. Back to today’s list of the best appreciating assets examples…
Appreciating Assets By Major Category
As I developed this list of appreciating assets, I came up with a lot. So, I found it helpful to break them down into major asset categories.
As an overview, here are the major categories of assets that appreciate in value that today’s 50 examples fall into:
- Ownership in businesses
- Ownership in real estate
- Lending products
- Savings products
- Financial products
- Currencies
- Commodities
- Precious metals
- Gemstones
- Modes of transportation
- Collectibles
- Government-sponsored accounts
- Personal assets
Related: How to increase your income from assets that appreciate
Okay, I think that is enough of an introduction.
Next, let’s review in detail this comprehensive list of appreciating assets.
Starting with the first category, business ownership assets that appreciate…
Growth Stocks
By definition, growth stocks are some of the best appreciating assets. That is the main reason investors want to own them.
Growth stocks are characterized by companies that achieve rapid earnings growth. As earnings grow, investors place a higher value on the company’s stock.
As a result, the stock appreciates in value.
Value Stocks
On the other hand, value stocks are those companies whose share prices appear to be unfairly discounted.
For many reasons, the collective minds of traders in the stock market have mispriced and undervalued the company’s shares. But eventually, the share price will rise to reflect its true fair value.
As an investor, if you can identify these companies, it is a great way to make money in stocks.
But sometimes it takes an accomplished investor. To differentiate a value stock from what is called a value trap.
A value trap is a company whose share price is depressed because it is correctly valued. And no reason will emerge to drive the share price higher.
Dividend Growth Stocks
Growth stocks and value stocks may or may not pay dividends. But, by definition, a solid dividend stock always pays a recurring dividend to its owners.
And some of the best dividend-paying companies increase their dividend payments on an annual basis. These stocks are often referred to as dividend growth stocks.
Dividend growth stocks are my favorite form of appreciable assets.
Why?
Because as the company increases its dividend the share price will increase with it over time.
So, dividends are my favorite form of passive income. And, dividend growth stocks are my favorite appreciating asset!
Related: Supplementing retirement income with dividends
Penny Stocks
A penny stock is a publicly-traded company that sells for a very low price. The price is typically less than $1 or $2. Sometimes just pennies as the name suggests.
Penny stocks trade on a small exchange or on an over-the-counter (OTC) market. They normally do not trade on major marketplaces like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or the NASDAQ.
Penny stocks are usually very small, early-stage businesses that hope to grow rapidly in the future. They are viewed as a way to invest at the early stages in companies that have the potential to expand quickly.
Because of the nature of these companies, penny stocks can be risky.
But get it right and they can provide tremendous asset appreciation. When the company behind the penny stock has success.
Private Equity
Unlike the companies and their stocks, I have discussed so far. Private equity is not available to the average investor like me.
Because private equity is the ownership of shares in one or more companies whose stock does not trade on public exchanges.
A private equity firm collects and creates a pool of money from wealthy investors. That pool of money, also known as a fund, is used to invest in companies that are not traded publicly on the stock exchanges.
A private equity fund typically has a limited life.
The money in the fund is invested in private companies for 3-7 years with the goal of rapidly increasing the value of each company owned by the fund.
At the end of the fund’s life, each company-owned is either sold to another investor or taken public. This creates a larger pool of cash that is then distributed back to the original investors.
By investing money in start-up companies, distressed companies, and other unique situations, private equity can produce large capital appreciation.
Equity Crowdfunding
As the name suggests, equity crowdfunding is raising capital from “the crowd”.
This is done by selling securities in a private company that is not listed on stock exchanges. The crowd investors are often sourced using the internet and social media.
With equity crowdfunding, the securities can be in the form of stock, debt or loans, revenue sharing, convertible securities, and more.
Investors in equity crowdfunding expect their investment to appreciate in value. This requires the company they invested in to be successful.
Source: What is equity crowdfunding?
Owning Your Own Business
So far we have talked about a variety of ways to have an ownership interest in a business. Those ownership interests can appreciate in value as I have discussed.
But you do not have to invest in other people’s businesses. You can start your own business. Doing so by yourself or with one or more partners.
Make your business more successful. And then, its value will appreciate. When well run, businesses are an excellent example of an appreciating asset.
A business’s value can come from different sources. Increasing sustainable profits may be the most obvious source of value.
But there are other sources. A few sources that come to mind are:
- Propriety products
- Skilled management
- Patents
- Copyrights
- Trademarks
- Customer relationships
- Specialized computer and software applications
These sources of value are sometimes referred to as a company’s intellectual property.
Websites And Blogs
Informational websites. Also, helpful blogs have become popular niche assets Why?
Because of advances in technology. In addition to people’s desire to consume content and entertainment online.
So, online options are no longer considered unconventional investment ideas.
On the contrary, they have become very popular appreciating assets.
Next, let’s move on now from ownership interests in businesses to real estate. Land and buildings are physical assets that appreciate.
Most people are familiar with real estate and know that real estate consists of many different types of appreciating assets examples.
So, review the next category, real estate assets that appreciate…
Primary Residence
Your primary residence is usually an asset that appreciates.
A primary residence may be a single-family home, condominium, or townhome. If you are like me, you may not make a killing on property appreciation.
But we all have to live somewhere. And to many people, their primary residence is one of the first and biggest appreciating assets that they own.
Your property’s price appreciation will typically keep up with inflation at a minimum. And in some areas, much greater property price appreciation can be realized by the owner.
Single-Family Homes
Single-family homes are appreciating assets.
Some people own more than one home over and above their primary residence for any number of reasons. Rent it out and an additional single-family home can produce measurable investment income for your asset portfolio.
During the financial and real estate crisis, investors swooped in and bought foreclosed homes at depressed prices. They expected the market to recover over time.
And to realize the gains from the higher market prices the recovery would bring. In the meantime, the homes could be rented out for profit.
Vacation Homes
Many people own a vacation home in a popular vacation spot or resort town.
By the ocean, near the lake, next to a golf course, or in the foothills of the mountains. A vacation home can be a relaxing place to go for a family gathering.
Just like vacant single-family homes. Vacation homes can also be rented out as an addition to an income-generating portfolio.
The more popular the vacation spot becomes. Then the more likely a vacation home will be an asset that appreciates.
Rental Properties
Rental properties are assets that appreciate in value. They are purchased by their owners for the sole purpose of renting their use to one or more tenants.
Rental properties are also part of an income generation strategy from rents. Plus, asset appreciation over the long term.
Apartment Buildings
Apartment buildings are a good investment in several different situations. Because they too can be appreciating assets.
One such situation is a location with a transient population. College towns come to mind immediately.
Another situation is where the price of homeownership is very high. So, people will have more incentive to rent an apartment, rather than buy their primary residence.
Apartment buildings are another combo asset. They can appreciate in value and be part of an income investing strategy.
Renting has become much more popular in recent years. I think the bursting of the real estate market bubble back in 2007 has had something to do with that trend.
Raw Land
The unique aspect of the land is that there is only so much of it. And last I checked no one is able to create more of it.
So as the world’s population grows, the land becomes a finite and more valuable asset that can appreciate.
Farmland
We all have to eat. That may consist of direct consumption of products off the farm.
Or, indirectly through grains fed to livestock. That we consume in the form of beef, pork, poultry, or seafood.
Thus, farmland is an asset that can appreciate. And, if you are a farmer, a farm is also an income-producing asset.
Commercial Real Estate
Commercial real estate is an asset that appreciates.
One of my neighbors owns several commercial real estate buildings around the area in which I live. He likes to brag about it a little bit.
Normally that would bother me. But for some reason, he’s kind of funny and humble about it.
Finally, commercial real estate can be occupied by many different kinds of tenants. Retail shops, restaurants, doctors, lawyers, and accountants.
Industrial Real Estate
Industrial real estate is occupied by:
- Factories
- Warehouses
- Distribution Centers
- Mining operations
- Power generation facilities
Just to name a few examples.
My Dad spent his working years as the owner of a grain elevator. He bought grain from local farmers, stored it, and sold it to larger grain companies.
He owned the business and the industrial real estate it was operated on. These assets appreciated in value over time. And he made an active income from this combination of assets.
So far, we have been discussing physical assets that appreciate when it comes to real estate. In other words, owning the land and the buildings upon it.
But, owning physical real estate is a big responsibility. So, you might be interested in other ways to participate in real estate. Without owning physical assets.
So, let’s discuss other real estate assets that appreciate…
Crowdfunded Real Estate
Real estate crowdfunding is similar to equity crowdfunding that we have previously discussed.
Many investors are brought together to create a large source of funds. Those funds are used to finance property investments.
In exchange, the participants receive a return on their investment through cash dividends during the life of the project.
Also, property appreciation when the parcel(s) are sold.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS)
REITs are companies that own or finance income-producing real estate. Doing so in a range of property sectors.
Most REITs operate a straightforward business model.
They own property, lease out space and collect rent. These companies generate income which is then paid out to shareholders in the form of dividends.
Furthermore, REITs allow anyone to invest in portfolios of real estate assets without the responsibilities of being a landlord.
Investors buy shares of REIT stock on the major stock exchanges. And the stock price in a well-managed REIT will appreciate over time. In addition to being an income-generating asset.
That covers real estate assets. Now we are going to move on to the lending and savings assets that appreciate.
Corporate Bonds
Corporate bonds are assets that can appreciate.
Companies issue bonds to the public to raise cash to fund their operations. Once issued, corporate bonds can be sold to other investors. This causes their value to fluctuate.
Corporate bonds can appreciate in value when interest rates fall. In addition, a company’s bonds will rise in value when its credit rating improves.
Corporate bonds are an income-producing asset. Most bonds pay interest to the owner of the bond on a regular basis.
Government Bonds
Government bonds have similar characteristics to corporate bonds. They are considered defensive assets. But, they also can be appreciating assets.
The main difference is the lender is loaning their money to a governmental entity rather than a for-profit corporation.
Private Loans
You and I can make a loan to anyone. Just be careful with who you loan money. Because the ultimate goal is to get your money back plus interest.
Thus, set the loan up in such a way that the borrower will pay back more to you than the original sum. Doing so at a specified date in the future.
This formal lending arrangement creates an asset that appreciates in value.
Peer-To-Peer Lending
Peer-to-peer lending is a system of lending and borrowing without a big bank or other institutional lender involved.
Individual investors fund loans for borrowers and get a return on their investment. But, they also shoulder the risk of the loan.
Source: What is peer-to-peer lending?
Peer-to-peer lending is just another means to source a private loan. The loan asset appreciates in value as the lender gets paid back more than the original sum loaned.
In addition, falling interest rates and improved creditworthiness of the borrower will cause the value of the loan to appreciate. This assumes the investor can find someone to buy the loan at that higher value.
Note that private loans and peer-to-peer lending do not trade on public exchanges. Unlike corporate and government bonds.
This can make it difficult to sell to another investor even if their value appreciates. Also known as asset liquidity. Something we will touch on a little later.
US Savings Bonds
US savings bonds are loans to the United States Government. They appreciate in value as interest is credited to the bond during its life.
When you go to cash in the savings bond, it is worth more than the amount of the purchase value. Thus, US savings bonds are assets that appreciate in value.
Savings Accounts
Savings accounts are essentially guaranteed loans. Done through banks or other financial institutions.
They are very liquid. This means you can get your money back whenever you desire.
While your money sits in the account. The financial institution will credit the account with interest, creating an appreciating asset.
Traditional Certificates Of Deposit
A certificate of deposit (CD) is a savings certificate. It is just another type of loan to a bank or financial institution.
Certificates of deposit have a fixed maturity date and specified fixed or variable interest rate. They can be issued in any denomination. But, they usually have minimum investment requirements.
When buying directly from the financial institution, the saver typically cannot get their money back whenever they want it without paying a penalty.
Let the interest payments accumulate in the CD account. And, at the end of the term, collect more cash than you put in.
So, in my mind, CDs are another type of asset that appreciates.
Brokered Certificates Of Deposit
Another form of a certificate of deposit is known as brokered CDs. They are issued by banks. Then sold through brokerage firms such as Vanguard and can be an appreciating asset.
You can buy brokered CDs when newly issued. A new issue is typically sold at par value. That is the stated value of the CD.
Or, buy a brokered CD in the secondary market. Here they may trade at a premium or discount to par.
Holding a high-yield brokered CD? When interest rates fall, your CD will trade at a premium to par in the secondary market. It is another way for a CD asset to appreciate in value.
Source: Boost your returns with brokered CDs
Next, let’s talk about some other types of financial products assets that appreciate.
Stock Markets
Large stock markets like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the NASDAQ are assets that appreciate. They reflect the collective value of the individual stocks traded on the exchange.
In this case, the investor chooses not to buy a single stock. In contrast, he or she chooses to own the entire market.
Index mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are the primary ways to invest in total stock markets. They are funds that are designed to track the performance of indexes like the S&P 500 or the total US stock market.
Over the long run, world economies grow and individual companies become more profitable. As this occurs stock markets increase in value.
However, stock market asset values do not go up in a straight line.
This is in contrast to some of the more conservative appreciating assets examples we have talked about, like savings accounts.
Stock markets can be subject to volatile price changes in the short term. But over the long term, liquid stock markets in developed countries have an excellent track record of asset growth.
Exchange-Traded Funds
Now we know we can invest in total stock markets through ETFs. Many people like the passive nature of these assets.
So, let’s talk a little more about ETFs. They have become a popular investment of choice in recent years as an asset that appreciates.
An exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a collection of securities, such as stocks. The ETF tracks an underlying stock market index.
An ETF is called an exchange-traded fund since it is traded on an exchange just like an individual stock. The price of an ETF’s shares will change throughout the trading day as the shares are bought and sold on the market.
Source: Investopedia – Exchange-traded fund
Mutual Funds
Open-end and closed-end mutual funds are also assets that appreciate. And, mutual funds are similar to ETFs.
They are also a collection of securities. However, open-end mutual funds trade only once per day after the markets close.
Options
An option contract is an agreement that gives the owner the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a specific asset at a specific price for a specific period of time.
A put option gives the owner the right, but not the obligation to sell an asset. On the other hand, a call option gives the owner the right, but not the obligation, to buy an asset.
The most familiar options are stock options. They have the potential for large gains and therefore are assets that can appreciate in value.
So, we have covered various types of financial products that have the potential to increase in value.
So, I want to move on to currency assets that appreciate…
Hard Currencies
Hard currencies like the US dollar, Canadian loonie or the euro are assets that can appreciate. This is also known as foreign exchange, or forex for short.
Hard currencies are subject to the laws of supply and demand. Factors that affect the supply and demand for a currency include a nation’s:
- Interest rates
- Inflation rate
- Income levels
- Ease of capital flows
- Government intervention
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies are relatively new and also one of the more interesting things that appreciate in value. Furthermore, these assets have been attracting broad popularity.
A cryptocurrency is a digital asset. The asset is designed to work as a medium of value like hard currency.
Cryptocurrencies use strong cryptography to secure financial transactions, control the creation of additional units, and verify the transfer of assets. In addition, they use decentralized control. Versus centralized digital currency and central banking systems.
Source: Wikipedia – cryptocurrency
The first known cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was developed in 2009. It is a digital currency that is produced when computers solve complex algorithms, known as mining, and are rewarded with Bitcoins.
Similar to hard currencies, the law of supply and demand determines the price. High demand with limited supply will create a digital asset that appreciates in value.
Okay. That covers our discussion of currencies as assets that can appreciate in value. And we already covered real estate.
But now, let’s move back into other areas of physical assets that appreciate. Specifically, commodity assets that appreciate…
Oil
Oil, also known as black gold, is an asset that can appreciate.
Like it or not the global economy still runs on oil. It is a volatile commodity, but over the long run, oil has been an asset that appreciates.
Oil is similar to other assets. Supply and demand determine the price.
Over the past decade, the US has turned into a large producer of oil from the process known as fracking. The increase in supply has kept the price of oil constrained as compared to 5-10 years ago.
Other factors than supply and demand also come into play when determining the price of oil. War, peace, geopolitical tensions, and global economic performance come to mind.
You can invest in oil indirectly by purchasing shares in oil-based energy companies. Exxon Mobile is one example. Or, funds that invest in the energy sector.
Other means to invest and gain more direct exposure to oil include oil futures, oil options, and exchange-traded funds. These are all assets that appreciate in value in conjunction with the price of oil.
Copper
Copper is an asset that appreciates in value mainly during periods of economic growth. That is because copper has many productive economic uses. It is used in heating and cooling systems and buildings.
In the downtown area that I live near, there have been a number of old buildings torn down this year. The land is being cleared for new luxury apartment buildings. In total, I have seen 6 buildings demolished in our village.
Before the demolition, I observed the work crews going through the buildings removing items of value. One of the things I noticed being removed was copper. It was being salvaged for resale.
You can invest in copper indirectly through stocks of mining companies. Or, funds that invest in those stocks.
More direct ways to invest in copper include:
- Copper bullion bars
- Coins
- Futures contracts
- Options.
Source: How to invest in copper
Livestock
Maybe you have some farmland or live in a rural area? If so, you may have the option to raise livestock.
It may sound crazy, but it’s not. I was on vacation recently and met a man and woman that raise honey bees. Yes. Honey bees are a form of livestock.
Raising chickens has also become very popular in recent years. My sister-in-law has a chicken coup. She buys the baby chicks from a third party and raises them for their egg production.
Productive livestock like these examples are assets that appreciate in value.
Furthermore, you may be able to earn income by selling their eggs, honey, milk, etc. And finally, an investor can also get exposure to livestock through futures contracts.
Let’s move on now to another category of appreciating assets: precious metals, gemstones, and other luxury items…
Gold
Gold is also known as the “yellow metal”. Investors who are gold enthusiasts are sometimes called “gold bugs”.
Gold typically appreciates in value during inflationary times. And, during times of severe economic and financial stress. But, outside of jewelry and dentistry, gold does not have many practical applications.
Gold can be purchased directly in various forms like bars and coins. For investors who do not want to hold the metal, exchange-traded funds are good options. The SPDR gold trust, ticker symbol GLD, is a popular choice.
Investing in companies that mine the yellow metal is also an option for indirect exposure to the price of gold. A gold mining company’s share price will normally appreciate in value as the price of gold rises.
Silver
Silver is another popular precious metal.
It has a few more practical applications than gold. This leaves the price of silver to be more heavily influenced by economic conditions.
But as an investment, silver has many similar characteristics to gold.
Gemstones
Gemstone investing is not something I have ever done. But for those who have an interest in such things, rare gems have a history of appreciating in value.
When the financial world seems to be collapsing around us, gem prices can hold up. Unlike an asset like oil, for example, small quantities of gems are easy to store and transport.
Here are the top 10 gemstone assets that appreciate:
- Ruby
- Blue Sapphire
- Emerald
- Spinel
- Tsavorite Garnet
- Spessartite Garnet
- Alexandrite
- Jadeite Jade
- Imperial Topaz
- Paraiba Tourmaline
I don’t know about you, but I don’t have very many of those little jewels lying around my house!
Next category up, modes of transportation.
If you want an appreciating asset, don’t bother with a boat or a private jet. Go for a classic car, here’s why…
Automobiles
The average automobile is a depreciating asset. I’m pretty sure my 2009 Toyota Camry is worth less every year I own it.
I don’t even bother to value it and add it to my personal net worth calculation. The same goes for my wife’s 2007 Toyota Corolla.
On the other hand, classic cars and vintage automobiles may be different. They can be appreciating assets.
But, only a select few classic cars will have the potential to appreciate.
Factors such as the supply, demand, brand, age, image, condition, and desirability of a car will impact value.
Some brands tend to appreciate and are reliable investments. And, other brands that were ignored in the past can see surprising value increases.
Here are a few classic cars with the best investment potential:
- Lamborghini Diablo
- 1957 Ferrari 410 Superamerica SIII
- 1967 Volkswagen Beetle
- Mercedes-Benz 190
- 1984 Pininfarina Azzurra
- 1998 Porsche 911 Turbo S
- 1994 Mazda RX-7
- 1972 BMW 2002
- 1998 Porsche Boxster
- 1973 Datsun 510
- 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera
Source: Classic cars with the best investment potential
Let’s move on now to some other types of collectible assets that appreciate.
Works of Art
As with most investments, increased demand equals increased asset appreciation. And, art is no different.
However, there are certain factors that can make for the best purchases and increase the value of artwork over the long term:
- Buy something you love so you desire to keep it as a long-term investment holding
- Buy an original that is signed by the artist
- Iconic figures or images generally retain value
- Controversial or political pieces with historical significance also fare well in resale
- High notoriety of the artist is a safer investment choice
- But art from emerging talent can have more upside potential
- Obtain certificates of authenticity and retain the proof of purchase
- Quality framing will make your art look better and protect your investment
Source: How to buy art that will increase in value
Coins
Coin collecting can be a very profitable venture when done the right way. So, coins are also good appreciating assets.
Coins derive their value from two principal sources. The first is the physical metal contained in the coin, which is also known as its bullion value.
Gold and silver are popular metals used in coins. We have already discussed their value as assets that appreciate.
But coins have a second source of value called their numismatic value. This factor applies mostly to antique and rare coins.
Numismatic value is more difficult to determine than bullion value. It is very subjective. Why? Numismatic value is not determined by a formal financial exchange.
Ultimately, a coin’s collector value depends on buyer perception. As the saying goes, it is worth what someone will pay for it. But there are some general guidelines.
For example, the fewer units of a coin that were minted, the higher its collector value is likely to be. This is due to a shortage of supply.
So we are back to one of the original concepts I mentioned at the beginning of the article. The concept was supply and demand.
Source: Is coin collecting profitable, or just a fun hobby?
Stamps
There are two kinds of stamps. The first is collectible stamps. And the second is investment-grade stamps.
Collectible stamps are for people into stamp collecting just for the joy of it. Collectible stamps are not usually for investment purposes.
On the other hand, investment-grade stamps are identified as having the potential to grow in value.
Only a very small fraction of stamps are likely to increase in value. They are very rare. And they have to be in a pristine condition.
So, investment-grade stamps are appreciating assets. But they should only be for the investor who has all their financial bases well covered.
An Interesting Story About Stamps As An Appreciating Asset
For example, Bill Gross, founder of the asset management company PIMCO, has reportedly spent between $50 and $100 million of his $2 billion fortune buying stamps.
Stamps have proved to be among his most profitable investments. Mr. Gross sold a small portion of his collection for four times the initial investment at a charity auction.
And, this is what he said at the time. Mr. Gross called the gains “better than the stock market.”
Source: Investopedia – Where does Bill Gross keep his money
Okay. One last physical asset that appreciates…
Wine
Most wine isn’t suitable for long-term investing, and it’s unlikely that you’ll find a vintage that produces significant returns.
However, investment-grade wine has a reasonable chance of appreciating in value over the long term, typically at least five years.
Furthermore, investing in wine has a host of challenges from sourcing to storing to selling.
Get it right and make some money. Get it wrong and just enjoy your bottle of wine.
Source: Collecting & Investing in Wine – Costs, Risks, How to Buy
Wow! Cars, art, coins, stamps, and wine as investments? Who would have thought?
I do not personally invest in any of those asset classes. However, they all fall in the category of physical assets that appreciate in value.
When would it make sense for the average investor to invest in one of these areas? Perhaps if one is your hobby.
For example, maybe you love stamps and collect them as a hobby. Do your homework and consider investment-grade stamps for a small but fun investment alternative. It’s always a good idea to invest in things you know and understand.
But now, let’s move on to other types of assets that appreciate. I call this category government-sponsored accounts.
I’m going to focus on US-based accounts. If you live in another country, perhaps you have similar government-sponsored assets that appreciate.
So, several government-sponsored account assets that appreciate include…
College Savings Accounts
529 savings plans are flexible, tax-advantaged accounts designed specifically for education savings.
The whole point is to invest in appreciating assets within a 529 account. And then use the money years in the future to pay for education expenses.
Retirement Accounts
Of all the things that appreciate in value, tax-advantaged retirement accounts are my second favorite appreciating asset.
Your IRA, 401(k), or 403(b) account(s) are assets that appreciate.
Their whole purpose is to allow for tax-advantaged savings. Also, for investments to fund living expenses during retirement.
Get started funding a retirement account as a young adult and watch your assets grow over a lifetime. Some people even become 401(k) millionaires.
Social Security Accounts
I do not put my future social security benefit on my personal balance sheet or net worth statement. However, that account is an asset that appreciates in value over time.
As I work and continue to pay into the social security system, my future account benefit grows. And, as I get closer to retirement, the time value of money makes the present value of the future benefits greater.
So, don’t forget to consider your social security benefits as a type of retirement income asset that appreciates.
Our final category of appreciating assets is your very own personal assets that appreciate.
Intellectual Property
Another form of property is that of the intellectual variety. This has become more important as the world migrates to knowledge-based economies and away from bricks and mortar.
Perhaps your unique way to create and deliver value is through intangible works. This is also known as intellectual property.
Your intellectual property can be a tremendous asset that appreciates. They are creations of your mind. Some examples include:
- Music
- Books
- Paintings
- Articles
- Papers
- Ideas
- Inventions
All of these examples can develop commercial value if you know how to go about it.
Your intellectual property has the potential to continue to work for you and become more valuable as long as you live.
Skills And Expertise
Don’t forget about these things that appreciate in value: skills and expertise in marketable areas.
Gaining valuable experience and good judgment are your personal assets that appreciate. The more you can do, then the more you, as an asset, will be worth.
Education
Life-long learning and education are assets that appreciate.
I like to say the more you know, the more you can make your assets grow!
Okay. That completes our detailed review of appreciating assets.
At the beginning of this post, I mentioned that appreciating investments increase your net worth.
So, let’s do some questions and answers (Q&A) about this subject. Before we wrap up…
FAQs About Appreciating Assets And Your Net Worth
Because increasing your net worth is what investing in assets that appreciate is all about. At least, in my humble opinion.
How Do Assets That Appreciate Increase Your Net Worth?
First of all, by making more money than you spend. Then putting that excess money into assets that appreciate. Your net worth will grow over time.
Furthermore, net worth is one way to measure wealth. It is not the only measure, but it is an important one.
Net worth is defined as:
The monetary value of your assets minus your liabilities and debts equals your net worth. Put more simply, it is the value of what you own less the amount you owe to others.
Buy assets not liabilities is what I like to say.
So, put your excess cash in assets that grow over time. Not assets that deplete your net worth.
That’s one reason we went through this epic list of things that appreciate in value.
Bringing us to the next logical question you may be asking…
What Are Some Examples Of Depreciating Assets To Avoid?
It’s impossible to entirely avoid putting money into assets that go down in value. Some of these items are necessary for our lives.
On the other hand, be mindful about your spending. And avoid assets that depreciate.
For example…
- Consumer goods
- Most automobiles
- Technology hardware & software
- Furniture and household goods
- Sports equipment
…are examples of depreciating assets.
Can You Lose Money Investing In Appreciating Assets?
Not every asset will appreciate in value all the time. Most of the appreciating assets in today’s list have periods of time where the value decreases.
Some will increase in value during good economic times. Some will increase in value during a recession.
A few will benefit from an inflationary environment. Others will appreciate in value during times of deflation. Only a few of the most conservative assets will always increase in value.
In the end, most asset values are influenced by the fundamentals of supply and demand. They are worth whatever someone is willing to pay for them.
Whatever the case, these assets can be good growth opportunities for savers and investors to consider.
Some that I have included are only for the advanced investor. Those individuals whose more basic investment needs are well-covered.
Most importantly, do your own research before putting your money into any asset. Always understand what you are investing in and how that asset relates to your overall investment objectives.
And finally, don’t forget to diversify.
It is rarely a good idea to become overweight in one particular appreciating asset.
Can Assets That Appreciate Produce Income Or Generate Income?
Some of the assets discussed here are also income-producing assets that provide passive income.
They are suitable for income and growth investing. And may also provide a means to earn an active income.
These types of assets are very powerful for building wealth. They provide capital appreciation and income.
What Is The Most Liquid Asset?
Liquidity refers to how quickly an asset can be converted to cash. Many assets that trade on public exchanges are highly liquid.
However, nothing beats readily accessible cash for liquidity purposes. Be it in the form of hard currency, a savings account, or a checking account.
Holding liquid assets of this nature won’t increase your net worth by much. If at all.
But having a reasonable amount of liquidity is never a bad idea. Especially in uncertain times.
Okay. That brings us to the end of this epic piece about the best appreciating assets.
So, allow me to wrap up…
Best Appreciating Assets Examples – Summary
Here’s a recap of the ultimate list of assets that appreciate.
For building wealth. Also, for increasing your net worth:
- Growth Stocks
- Value Stocks
- Dividend Growth Stocks
- Penny Stocks
- Private Equity
- Equity Crowdfunding
- Owning Your Own Business
- Websites And Blogs
- Primary Residence
- Single-Family Homes
- Vacation Homes
- Rental Properties
- Apartment Buildings
- Raw Land
- Farmland
- Commercial Real Estate
- Industrial Real Estate
- Crowdfunded Real estate
- Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS)
- Corporate Bonds
- Government Bonds
- Private Loans
- Peer To Peer Lending
- US Savings Bonds
- Savings Accounts
- Traditional Certificates Of Deposit
- Brokered Certificates Of Deposit
- Stock Markets
- Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
- Mutual Funds
- Options
- Hard Currencies
- Cryptocurrencies
- Oil
- Copper
- Livestock
- Gold
- Silver
- Gemstones
- Automobiles
- Works of Art
- Coins
- Stamps
- Wine
- College Savings Accounts
- Retirement Accounts
- Social Security
- Intellectual Property
- Skills and Expertise
- Education
Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.
Hi Tom,
Extremely interesting! I’m a fan of some cryptocurrencies (ETH, BTC), and am always a bit less hesitant to spend money on things that have appreciation potential. I’ve always liked the idea of owning exotic assets like art and rare wine, but am not there yet.
Cheers,
Miguel
Hi Miguel. Glad you found the article interesting. It was interesting to research and write especially in some of the areas I am less familiar with (eg. classic cars). I know you are a crypto fan. I was reviewing some of your past articles on the subject recently. Tom
Wow comprehensive list! You even included copper and farmland! 🙂 I’ve probably only tried 1/3 of this list or even less.
Thanks so much for the mention btw!
You are welcome GYM. Tom
Holy Moly Tom..that is an extensive list! Nice read.
I haven’t been as active online lately, and just wanted to pop by and say keep up the great work/say hi!
Cheers
Hi Jordan. Nice to hear from you. Totally understand how busy life can be. Glad you liked the article! Tom
Nice read! I hear a lot about peer to peer lending but I don’t actually know anyone who has made money doing it.
I would be interested in hearing from people who have done it!
Hi Kayla. Like many investments, I think P2P can be a productive part of an otherwise diversified portfolio. Tom
Awesome
Thanks. Good luck building up your asset base.