Real Estate is the best financial investment a person can make these days. If you don't want to be a landlord get commercial property the renters are responsible for maintenance and upkeep.

I would not suggest being a silent partner in a business unless you are prepared for the possibility of losing your money. If you are a silent partner you have no say even if the person is running the company into the ground.

If I had $250, 000 I would pay my house and car off, put some money into a Roth IRA, buy a few stocks and then do a lot of research to make monthly investment installments on some mutual funds, municipal bonds, etc with the money I used to pay my mortgage and car payment with. You will save tons of money in interest fees and if some horrendous things happens your home and vehicle are paid for. Peace of mind.

What it comes down to is what are looking for? Are you looking for security? A long term conservative investment? A get rich quick idea? Some day trading for a quick profit? Peace of mind? Something for your retirement? A vacation fund? College money for the kids?

First decide what you want to accomplish with this money and then you will be able to formulate a plan to get there.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.