11 Best Income Generating Assets to Grow Your Wealth

It’s essential to save for retirement and ensure our resources increase over time. Savings accounts hold a safe guarantee but offer nearly no interest return lately. So now we have an important question: what are the best income-generating assets that can contribute to your wealth? Let’s discuss some of the most relevant investments you can make below.

How Investing Works

Investing in assets aims to access beneficial investments that will either increase in value or generate an income you can add to your savings and potentially reinvest. However, not all assets are equal; their liquidity varies significantly. An asset’s liquidity indicates how quickly it may be converted into cash – the simpler this process, the more liquid it is.

Some assets, such as cash, stocks, and bonds, are highly liquid. These investments can be quickly sold on the market for their current value.

Other assets are highly illiquid, such as real estate and private equity. Illiquid assets may take time to sell, so you may be unable to access your funds immediately.

When considering what good assets to buy, it’s essential to understand your financial status, investment goals, and objectives.

For example, investing in highly liquid assets like stocks or bonds might be a better option if you have a short-term investment horizon or need quick access to cash in an emergency.

On the other hand, if you have a long-term investment horizon and aren’t concerned about immediate access to funds, investing in illiquid assets like real estate or private equity might make sense for you. These investments tend to appreciate over time and can provide significant returns.

Ultimately, deciding what good assets to buy depends on your circumstances. Therefore, it’s essential to do your research before making any investment decisions so that you can make informed choices that align with your financial goals and objectives.

By carefully considering factors such as liquidity and investment horizon, you can choose the right mix of assets that will help you achieve your financial goals over time.

Income Generating Assets

Income-generating assets are investments that create a regular flow of income, usually through dividends or interest. Income-generating assets include stocks that pay dividends, bonds that pay interest, and rental properties that generate rental income.

The advantage of income-generating assets is that they provide a steady stream of cash flow, which can be used to cover living expenses or reinvested to grow your portfolio. In addition, these investments are typically more liquid than others because they can be sold relatively quickly on the open market.

However, not all investments generate regular income. Other income-generating assets are less liquid and generally make appreciation rather than income.

For example, investing in real estate properties for capital gains involves buying a property with the expectation that its value will increase over time. This type of investment may not provide immediate cash flow but can potentially deliver significant returns over the long term.

Other examples of appreciating assets include art, collectibles, and certain types of alternative investments like private equity or venture capital funds. However, these investments are less liquid than income-generating assets because they require a more extended holding period before being sold for a profit.

It’s important to note that income-generating and appreciating assets have advantages and disadvantages. For example, income-generating investments provide regular cash flow but may have lower potential returns than valuing assets.

Conversely, appreciating assets may offer higher potential returns but come with greater risk due to their illiquid nature.

Ultimately, deciding what type of asset to invest in depends on your circumstances and goals as an investor. By understanding the differences between these two categories of investments, you can make informed decisions about how best to allocate your resources for optimal results.

Preferred or Dividend Stocks

Preferred stock is an investment asset that pays a periodic dividend to its owners. This dividend is already built into the shares and precedes payments to common stock shareholders.

The effect of this provision is that the corporation may not issue dividends to any common shareholders unless it has already paid the total prescribed dividend to the preferred shareholders.

One advantage of owning preferred stock is that it provides a steady income stream through regular dividends. In addition, unlike common stock, which may or may not issue dividends depending on the company’s financial performance, preferred stockholders receive a fixed dividend payment regardless of how well the company is doing.

However, there are some drawbacks to investing in preferred stock. For example, preferred shareholders may have limited voting rights and may not be able to participate in corporate decisions as much as common shareholders can.

Additionally, suppose the company runs into financial trouble and cannot pay dividends. In that case, preferred shareholders must accept those missed payments before any dividend payments can be made to common shareholders.

Generally, preferred dividends are somewhat lower than ordinary dividends because they compensate for the risk that the shareholder may not receive them. Dividend stocks are usually issued by “blue chip” companies – well-established, profitable companies that are unlikely to miss a quarterly payment.

Investors should look for a dividend yield of around 2% to 6% to decide which preferred stock to buy. The dividend yield is calculated by dividing the annual dividend by the stock price and multiplying it by 100.

By looking at these factors and researching individual companies’ financial health and stability, investors can make informed decisions about which preferred stocks will best meet their needs.

Bonds

Bonds are essentially loans made by investors to the bond issuer. Several types of bonds are available in the market, including federal bonds like Treasury Bonds and Bills, municipal bonds issued by states, municipalities, and governmental entities, and corporate bonds issued by corporations.

The income generated from investing in bonds comes from the interest you receive on a loan. This interest can be received periodically or when the bond matures. The rates on the bonds are determined based on various factors, such as the profitability and security of the issuer and the time until maturity.

Federal government bonds are generally considered very secure investments but usually have lower rates than other bonds. Municipal bonds issued by local governments have an added advantage because they are exempt from federal taxes and may be free of state tax.

Corporate bonds offer higher rates than government-issued bonds but vary significantly depending on the company issuing them.

Some companies with excellent credit ratings issue high-quality corporate bonds that provide a steady income stream with low risk. However, other companies may issue riskier high-yield or “junk” bonds with a high likelihood of default.

One crucial factor to consider when investing in any bond is its credit rating. A credit rating is an assessment given by independent rating agencies determining how likely an issuer will default on its debt obligations.

Another characteristic of bonds is their tendency to move counter to the stock market; bond values tend to go up when stock prices go down and vice versa. This makes them attractive investments for those looking for diversification in their portfolio or a hedge against market volatility.

Investing in different types of bonds can provide investors with a steady income stream while diversifying their portfolios.

In addition, investors can decide which bonds will best meet their financial goals and needs by understanding factors such as credit ratings, interest rates, and tax implications associated with each bond investment.

Money Market Funds

Money market funds (MM funds) are mutual funds that function like a bank checking account in many ways. The primary objective of these funds is to provide investors with a low-risk investment option that offers steady income and liquidity.

These funds invest in short-term, high-quality debt securities such as government bonds, commercial paper, and certificates of deposit.

The share value of money market funds is intended to remain stable at $1.00 per share, which makes them ideal for investors who want to minimize the risk of losing their principal investment. In addition, this stability means that the managers of these funds generally pay relatively regular dividends to shareholders.

Depending on the fund’s policies, these dividends can be distributed in cash or kind. However, it is essential to note that because money market funds are designed to be low-risk investments, their dividend rates tend to be lower than those other mutual funds offer.

One advantage of investing in MM funds is their flexibility and accessibility. In addition, these funds have relatively low minimum investment requirements compared to fixed-income assets such as bonds or CDs. This means they are an excellent choice for income-producing assets under $10k that you can easily purchase.

Another benefit of investing in MM funds is their liquidity. Unlike other investments like stocks or real estate, these funds can be easily converted into cash without significant penalties or fees.

In summary, MM funds offer investors a low-risk investment option with stable share values and regular dividend payments. They are an accessible way for income-producing assets under $10k and can provide liquidity when needed.

However, it’s essential to remember that while they offer stability and security, they may not give the same returns as higher-risk investments like stocks or corporate bonds.

Money Market Accounts

A money market account is a savings vehicle similar to a checking account but offers higher interest rates. Unlike MM funds, mutual funds that invest in short-term debt securities, money market accounts are FDIC-insured deposit accounts offered by banks and credit unions.

One of the primary advantages of a money market is that it offers higher interest rates than regular savings accounts. This makes them an attractive option for investors looking to earn more on their savings while maintaining liquidity.

However, there are some restrictions associated with these accounts. For example, most MM accounts limit your monthly withdrawals to six or fewer. This restriction helps ensure the bank has enough funds to meet its obligations to all its customers.

Another potential drawback of MM accounts is that they often require a higher minimum investment than regular savings accounts.

This means that they may not be accessible to everyone, particularly those who are just starting with their savings.

Despite these restrictions, many people find that MM accounts offer an attractive combination of safety and return. In addition to being FDIC-insured (up to $250,000 per depositor), they provide a steady income stream and easy access to your funds when needed.

According to recent statistics from Bankrate.com, the highest interest rate on a MM account in the United States is around 4.25%. While this may seem low compared to other investments like stocks or corporate bonds, it can still provide a meaningful return for those looking for low-risk options for their savings.

In summary, MM accounts offer investors a safe and reliable way to earn higher interest rates on their savings compared to traditional savings accounts.

While they come with some restrictions, such as limited withdrawals and higher minimum investment requirements, they are still an excellent choice for those seeking stability and liquidity in their investments.

Certificates of Deposit

Certificates of Deposit, or CDs, are a type of fixed-income investment that banks issue to customers. They typically offer higher interest rates than regular savings accounts but have certain restrictions.

CDs’ primary advantages are safety, like MM accounts and other bank deposits. They are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor. This means that if your bank were to fail, you would be protected up to that amount.

However, CDs also come with some drawbacks. One of the most significant is that they tie up your funds for a specified period.

Typically, this period ranges from six months to five years or more. In addition, you may face early withdrawal penalties if you need access to your money before the CD matures.

Another potential downside of CDs is that they produce relatively little income compared to other investments like stocks or bonds. In addition, the interest rate on a CD is essentially tied to bank interest rates and may not keep pace with inflation over time.

Despite these limitations, many people find CDs attractive because they offer a predictable income stream and are incredibly safe. According to recent statistics from Bankrate.com, the average interest rate on a one-year CD in the United States is around 0.15%.

Interestingly, some banks offer “bump-up” CDs that allow you to take advantage of rising interest rates during the term of the CD. These CDs typically have lower initial rates than traditional CDs but will enable you to “bump up” your rate once during the period if rates rise.

In summary, while CDs may not provide high returns compared to other investments like stocks or bonds, they offer safety and predictability for investors looking for low-risk options.

Moreover, FDIC protection and guaranteed interest rates over a specified period can be an excellent addition to any diversified portfolio.

Real Estate for Appreciation and Possible Income

Real estate is a finite resource, which means that as the population grows and more people need places to live and work, real estate value generally increases. This makes it an attractive investment for many people looking to build wealth over the long term.

However, not all real estate investments are created equal. For example, while properties with production values like rental or farm income can provide a steady stream of revenue, they are generally not considered revenue-generating assets in the same way that stocks or bonds are.

One of the primary challenges of investing in real estate is its lack of liquidity; unlike stocks or bonds, which can be bought and sold quickly on exchanges, real estate transactions often take months to complete and require significant amounts of time and money to manage.

Despite these challenges, there are still ways to invest in real estate without directly owning property. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) is one such option.

These companies buy and manage properties using investor assets and pay dividends based on their success and revenue from those investments.

According to recent statistics from Nareit, a REIT trade association, the total return for U.S. equity REITs in 2020 was -8.5%. While this may seem like a negative return, it’s important to remember that REITs provide both dividend income and capital appreciation potential over the long term.

Interestingly, some investors also use crowdfunding platforms to invest in real estate projects alongside other investors.

This allows them to diversify their holdings across multiple properties while enjoying the potential benefits of owning real estate and achieving consistent cash flow.

Real estate can be a valuable investment due to its finite nature and potential for growth over time; it also comes with unique challenges like illiquidity and risk associated with direct ownership.

However, by exploring options like REITs or crowdfunding platforms, investors can gain exposure to this asset class without taking on too much risk or sacrificing liquidity.

Annuities

An annuity is a financial contract where the purchaser buys income payments based on the assets used to purchase the annuity. While it may seem simple initially, many grants have varying features and benefits.

One of the primary advantages of an annuity is that it can provide a steady income stream during retirement. Immediate assistance, for example, starts making payments within 12 months of purchase, while a deferred annuity allows you to accumulate assets over time before beginning payments. Grants can also be structured to offer guaranteed income for life or a set period.

Another benefit of annuities is their flexibility. With various riders and options, purchasers can customize their assistance to fit their needs and goals.

For instance, some riders may offer protection against inflation or long-term care expenses.

However, there are also potential downsides when investing in an annuity. One significant drawback is that they are generally not very liquid investments.

While some allow penalty-free withdrawals annually, others may come with steep fees if you need access to your money before the contract term ends.

Additionally, investment risks may be involved depending on the type of annuity you choose. Variable annuities, for example, are tied to market investments and are at stake in the market. On the other hand, fixed-indexed annuities connect interest rates to market indexes but do not invest assets in the market directly.

In 2022, sales of fixed-rate deferred annuities totaled a record-breaking $112.1 billion – an unbelievable 111% more than in 2021! This number is 38% larger than the previous annual high of $80.8 billion set back in 2002 and proves just how consequential these types of investments are for people’s portfolios.

Similarly, FIA sales had their record quarter and year – further proof that this form of investing has become increasingly popular amongst investors over recent years.

While pros and cons are associated with investing in an annuity contract, they remain popular among retirees looking for steady income streams during their golden years.

By understanding the different types of annuities available and carefully considering one’s individual needs and goals before purchasing, one can decide whether this type of investment makes sense for them.

Franchise ownership

Franchise ownership is an excellent income-generating asset because it offers numerous benefits, including a proven business model, established brand recognition, and ongoing support from the franchisor.

One of the most significant advantages of owning a franchise is that the business model has already been tested and proven successful. This means the franchisee can avoid common pitfalls that new businesses face, such as marketing struggles and operational inefficiencies.

According to research by the International Franchise Association (IFA), franchises have a success rate of over 90%, compared to only about 15% for independent startups.

Another benefit of franchise ownership is access to an established brand name and customer base.

Customers are more likely to trust a well-known brand than an unknown startup, which can lead to increased sales and revenue. In fact, according to the IFA, U.S. franchises generate over $800 billion in annual economic output.

Additionally, franchisors typically provide ongoing support to their franchisees through training programs, marketing assistance, and other resources. This can be especially valuable for first-time business owners who may not have experience in certain aspects of running a business.

Interesting facts about franchise ownership include:

• The top five industries for franchising are food service, retail products/services, lodging/hospitality, business services, and personal services (according to Statista).
• The average initial investment for a franchise ranges from around $70k, depending on the industry.
• Boasting more than 780,000 businesses, the U.S. franchise sector has contributed to our national GDP – roughly 3%. This year’s most popular franchises are in fast-serve restaurants, home services, and real estate industries, and those related to travel.

Peer-to-peer lending platforms

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms are a tremendous income-generating asset that allows individuals to lend money directly to other individuals or small businesses.

In addition, these platforms offer numerous benefits, including higher returns than traditional savings accounts or CDs, diversification of investment portfolios, and the ability to invest in specific loans based on personal preferences.

One example of a P2P lending platform is LendingClub, which has facilitated over $50 billion in loans since its inception in 2007.

Another platform is Prosper, which has reduced over $17 billion in loans since 2006. Both platforms allow investors to browse loan listings and choose which loans to fund.

Funding Circle is another peer-to-peer lending platform that connects small businesses with investors who provide loans in exchange for interest payments. The platform was founded in the UK in 2010 and has since expanded to several other countries, including the US.

One of Funding Circle’s main goals is to make it easier for small businesses to obtain financing. Traditional lenders often have strict requirements that can be difficult for small businesses. Still, Funding Circle aims to provide an alternative source of funding that is more accessible and flexible.

One of the main benefits of P2P lending is the potential for higher returns than traditional investments. According to LendingClub’s website, investors can earn average returns between 4% and 7% per year on their investments. This is significantly higher than the current interest rates on savings accounts and CDs, typically around 1%.

Another benefit of P2P lending is the ability to diversify investment portfolios across multiple loans with varying levels of risk. This can help mitigate risk and minimize losses if one loan defaults.

Additionally, P2P lending platforms often have lower fees than traditional investment options such as mutual funds or financial advisors. This means investors keep more of their earnings.

Interesting facts about P2P lending include:

• The booming global P2P lending market size was estimated at USD 82,300 million in 2021 and is expected to reach an impressive USD 804,200 million by 2030. On top of that, consumer lending accounts for a remarkable 80% of the total p2p lending market size with its staggering CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 29.1%.
• The average loan size for a LendingClub borrower is around $16k (according to LendingClub).
• In 2019, Prosper reported that over 80% of its borrowers used their loans for debt consolidation or paying off credit card balances.

P2P lending platforms are a tremendous income-generating asset due to their potential for high returns, diversification opportunities, and low fees compared to traditional investments. In addition, with established platforms like LendingClub and Prosper available for investors, it’s easier to start with P2P lending.

Digital assets and Cryptocurrencies

Digital assets and cryptocurrencies have gained significant attention in recent years as an alternative asset class for investment.

The growth of the cryptocurrency market has been fueled by several factors, including high potential returns, ease of access, and the ability to diversify investment portfolios.

NFT

When talking about Digital assets, one cannot ignore the popularity of NFTs. NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, have recently gained popularity as a new digital asset that can be bought and sold on blockchain platforms. While some NFTs are digital collectibles or art pieces, others can be income-generating assets.

One way to generate income from NFTs is through royalties. When an artist creates an NFT and sells it, they can set a royalty percentage that they will receive each time the NFT is resold in the future. This means that even if the artist only sells the NFT once, they could earn ongoing income from future sales.

Another way to generate income from NFTs is through staking. Some blockchain platforms allow users to “stake” their NFTs in exchange for rewards such as tokens or other cryptocurrencies. These rewards can then be sold for profit or held as investments.

Additionally, some companies are exploring ways to use NFTs as loan collateral. Using an NFT as collateral, borrowers could access financing without selling their digital assets outright.

Cryptocurrency

One of the main reasons digital assets and cryptocurrencies are attractive to investors is their potential for high returns.

For example, Bitcoin has experienced significant growth over the past decade, with its value increasing from less than $1 in 2010 to over $60,000 in 2021. In addition, other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Litecoin have grown substantially in recent years.

The ease of access contributes to the popularity of digital assets and cryptocurrencies as income-generating assets. All needed is an internet connection and a digital wallet or exchange account.

This makes investing in digital assets and cryptocurrencies easy for anyone with an internet connection.

Additionally, digital assets and cryptocurrencies allow investors to diversify their portfolios beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Diversification can help spread risk across different asset classes, leading to more stable returns.

However, like any investment, risks associated with owning digital assets and cryptocurrencies should be considered before investing. One significant risk is volatility.

The value of digital assets and cryptocurrencies can fluctuate rapidly due to market conditions or changes in investor sentiment, which can lead to substantial losses if not managed properly.

Another risk is the lack of regulation in some areas of the cryptocurrency market. Many digital assets and cryptocurrencies are not regulated by governments or financial institutions, which can make them more susceptible to fraud or market manipulation.

Security risks are also a concern when owning digital assets and cryptocurrencies. For example, digital wallets that store cryptocurrency can be vulnerable to hacking or theft if not appropriately secured.

Finally, while some businesses accept cryptocurrency as payment, it is still not widely accepted as a form of income compared to traditional currencies.

This lack of acceptance could limit the utility of owning certain digital assets or cryptocurrencies.

According to a report by Statista, the global market capitalization for all cryptocurrencies was valued at around $2 trillion as of July 2021. Additionally, a survey conducted by Bankrate found that 31% of Americans under age 40 have invested in cryptocurrency.

In conclusion, while digital assets and cryptocurrencies offer many benefits, such as high potential returns, ease of access, and diversification opportunities, they also come with risks, such as volatility and lack of regulation security risks, which should be considered before investing.

Pros of owning digital assets and cryptocurrencies:

High potential for returns:

Digital assets and cryptocurrencies have historically shown a high potential for returns. For example, Bitcoin has experienced significant growth over the past decade, with its value increasing from less than $1 in 2010 to over $60,000 in 2021.

Diversification opportunities:

Digital assets and cryptocurrencies allow investors to diversify their portfolios beyond traditional stocks and bonds. This can help spread out risk across different asset classes.

Ease of access:

Owning digital assets and cryptocurrencies is relatively easy compared to other investments. All needed is an internet connection and a digital wallet or exchange account.

Decentralization:

Digital assets are decentralized, meaning any central authority, like banks or governments, does not control them. This makes them attractive to those who value privacy and autonomy.

Cons of owning digital assets and cryptocurrencies:

Volatility:

The value of digital assets and cryptocurrencies can fluctuate rapidly, leading to significant losses if not managed properly.

Lack of regulation:

Many digital assets and cryptocurrencies are not regulated by governments or financial institutions, which can make them more susceptible to fraud or market manipulation.

Security risks:

Digital wallets storing cryptocurrency can be vulnerable to hacking or theft if not appropriately secured.

Limited acceptance as payment:

While some businesses accept cryptocurrency as payment, it is still not widely accepted as a form of income compared to traditional currencies.

In short, owning digital assets and cryptocurrencies can be good income-generating assets due to their high potential for returns, ease of access, diversification opportunities, and decentralization benefits.

However, it’s essential to consider the risks involved, such as volatility, lack of regulation, security risks, and limited acceptance of payment before investing in these assets.

Oil and gas royalties

Investing in oil and gas wells can be a lucrative way to generate passive income through royalty payments based on production levels.

Investing in oil and gas wells can be a lucrative way to generate passive income through royalty payments based on production levels.

This investment involves purchasing mineral rights or leasing land to oil and gas companies for exploration, drilling, and production.

Investing in oil and gas wells typically involves finding a reputable company with a solid track record of success. Once you’ve identified a company, you can invest in one or more wells they are exploring or producing.

Royalty payments are typically calculated as a percentage of the gross revenue generated by the well. Depending on the agreement between the investor and the oil and gas company, royalty rates can range from 12.5% to 25% or more.

One of the benefits of investing in oil and gas royalties is that it can provide regular income streams over time. As long as the well continues to produce oil or gas, investors can receive royalty payments based on their ownership stake.

According to MineralWeb, an online resource for mineral owners, a single producing well can generate anywhere from $10,000 to $1 million annually in royalty income.

The income generated depends on production levels, commodity prices, operating costs, taxes, and fees.

Investing in oil and gas royalties also offers potential tax advantages for investors. Since royalty income is considered passive income for tax purposes, it may qualify for special tax treatment under certain circumstances.

However, risks associated with investing in oil and gas royalties should be carefully considered before making an investment decision.

These risks include fluctuations in commodity prices which could impact revenue generation from the well, along with changes in regulations that could impact production levels or royalty rates.

Interesting Facts:

1. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the United States is the world’s leading oil and natural gas producer, with Texas being the largest oil-producing state.
2. The royalty income generated from an oil or gas well depends on several factors, including production levels, commodity prices, and operating costs.
3. Investing in oil and gas royalties can also provide tax advantages for investors. According to Investopedia, royalty income is considered passive income for tax purposes, which means it may qualify for special tax treatment under certain circumstances.
4. However, investing in oil and gas royalties also carries risks, such as fluctuations in commodity prices and regulation changes that could impact production levels or royalty rates.
5. One way to mitigate these risks is by diversifying your portfolio across multiple wells or investing in a diversified fund in various oil and gas projects.

Investing in oil and gas royalties can provide regular income streams based on production levels while offering investors potential tax advantages. However, it’s important to carefully consider the risks associated with this asset class before investing your money.

Key Takeaway

FAQ

What are income-generating assets?

Income-generating assets are investments that produce regular income for the investor. Some examples include rental properties, dividend-paying stocks, bonds, and annuities.

Why should I invest in income-generating assets?

Investing in income-generating assets can provide a steady stream of passive income, which can help supplement your salary or retirement funds. Additionally, these types of investments can hedge against inflation and market volatility.

How do I choose the right income-generating asset for me?

Selecting the right income-generating help depends on investment goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation. Therefore, before investing, researching and considering potential returns, fees, taxes, and liquidity is essential.

Are there any risks associated with investing in income-generating assets?

Like any investment, there are risks associated with investing in income-generating assets. For example, changes in the housing market and economic conditions can affect real estate investments. In addition, stocks and bonds can also be volatile depending on market conditions.

Can I generate passive income without investing a lot of money upfront?

Yes! There are several ways to create passive income without investing much money upfront. One example is affiliate marketing, where you promote other people’s products or services online and earn a commission on sales through your referral link. Another example is creating digital products like e-books or courses that you can sell online repeatedly without additional investment once made.

“Never depend on a single income. Make investment to create a second source.”

Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett is an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist widely regarded as one of the most successful investors in history. He is the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational conglomerate holding company. Buffett’s quote emphasizes the importance of having multiple sources of income, which can provide financial security and stability in uncertain times. He has made his fortune by investing in income-generating assets such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. As an advocate for long-term investing and value-based strategies, Buffett has inspired countless individuals to invest more strategically and focus on building wealth over time rather than seeking quick gains. His quote serves as a reminder that creating passive income streams through income-generating assets can be a powerful way to achieve financial independence and freedom.