A Few Alternative Investments

 

Investment in the stock market is always my favorite. Since got drown in the 2000 tech bubble, I expanded to a couple of alternatives in recent years:

 

1. Invest in restaurants. I happen to know a couple of smart and ambitious restaurateurs. One of them accepted my funds as a passive investor. I started with a 10% stake in his first restaurant in 2005. It has a return of 30% annual return so far. I added to 20% of stake in his second restaurant, which will cost 3 million to complete this fall. Part of the restaurant opened to business at the end of last year. It appears that will be able to get 15% to 20% of annual return. These income streams should be able to support our mean and lean lifestyle in USA for near future.
   
2. Invest in commercial rentals in China. The rental cash flow is very low in second and third tier cities. Commercial rentals are slightly more favorable. By my calculation, four such units should be able to generate enough cash flow to sustain our daily expenses in China should we decide to retire there.
   
3. Invest in a business venture. One of my friends wants to get into the cosmetics business in China. We put another bundle there. If the venture successes, we will be able to forget the other two investments.

 

Sometimes, it has to be creative to find ways for your capital. Even though my principal commitment is still in the stock market and I have a strong feeling that I should be able to make a few bucks there. After giving up ambitious dreams, I started to spread over a few directions, which killed the chances to make a fortune, but helped me survive much better in this round of bubbles. Hopefully, I will eventually learn to swim in the bubbles.