Happy returns: got stock shock? Consider alternative investments

Men's Fitness, August, 2004 by Don Lipper

REAL ESTATE

Be a landlord. Mike Summey, author of The Weekend Millionaire's Secrets to Investing in Real Estate, says buying the right property "will probably get you more retirement money than Social Security."

Cost: Desperate sellers ask for no money down.

Potential Return: Rent income pays the mortgage. Want to "flip"? Average U.S. housing prices have risen 37% since 1997.

FINE WINE

"Buy varietals in good vintages from well-known producers," says Ron van Vlaardingen, buyer for vinfolio.com.

Cost: $180 to $6,000 a case.

Potential Return: Rare wines can triple in value.

COMIC BOOKS

Comics have clear pricing standards, says Robert Overstreet, publisher of Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide.

Cost: As cheap as a trip to the 'rents' attic.

Potential Return: Mint copies can appreciate 14 times or more. Action No. 1--Superman's debut--can fetch $1 million. Original price: 10 cents.