Investment categories

Ownership shares in public companies — the core growth engine of most portfolios.

Exchange-traded baskets that give instant diversification at low cost.

Rules-based funds that track a market rather than trying to beat it.

Companies that return cash to shareholders on a regular schedule.

Loans made outside the banking system, usually at floating rates.

Listed property companies required to distribute most taxable income.

FDIC-insured cash accounts for emergency funds and short horizons.

Short-term US government debt sold at a discount to face value.

Fixed-income securities that pay interest and return principal at maturity.

Building portfolio cash flow from dividends, interest and rents.

Direct property, syndications and private funds backed by physical assets.

Ownership in companies that are not listed on a public exchange.

Pooled investments in startups, property and projects at low minimums.

Digital assets with high volatility and evolving regulation.

Art, collectibles, farmland, litigation finance and other non-traditional assets.

401(k)s, IRAs and Roth accounts — the tax wrapper around your investments.

Asset location, tax-loss harvesting and account sequencing.