Investing is an important skill that everyone should learn. Unfortunately, because the world of investments seems so difficult and scary, many people don’t get started until much later in life, if they even get started at all.

Investments work best the earlier you get in on the action. It’s even better if you can align your investments with your interests!

Here are five ways you can invest your money that is perfect for everyone, no matter how much money you have or what your interests are.

1. Stocks:

When most people think of investing, they think of the stock market and invest in large companies like the largest defense contractors. There’s a reason why it is so popular—it works.

Unfortunately, traditional stock markets can be a scary place for new investors. Not to mention, they are an impossible place to invest if you don’t have a lot of money.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get started investing, try penny stocks.

What are penny stocks? They are stocks that haven’t yet made it to the major exchanges. The benefit of investing in penny stocks is that they are very affordable. Most cost just a few dollars or even pennies per share, providing you with plenty of opportunities to make a profit, even if you have very little startup cash.

2. Become a Partner in a New Business Venture:

Investing in stocks, no matter what kind you choose can be kind of dull for some investors. Although you are investing in a company and helping it succeed, you don’t really get to be involved and see how those companies are using your funds.

If you want to get in on the action, consider becoming a partner in a new business venture. It’s a bit like what the Shark Tank investors do on the show.

This enables you to help a new company get off the ground and it enables you to become an active member of their team, which is more appealing to some investors.

3. Real Estate:

Real estate continues to be a popular way to invest. When done right, you can provide quality housing for families and make a profit at the same time. It’s sometimes recommended as a good investment strategy for retired seniors because it can provide you with passive income.

You do have a few different options when it comes to investing in real estate. If you don’t want to have a lot of control or input over day-to-day operations, you may simply want to buy a few shares of a property management company. If you’re more of the hands-on type, you may opt for direct ownership of a home, a duplex, or an apartment complex.

4. Peer-to-Peer Lending:

A lot of investment opportunities are big ones, or they’re a bit abstract. Not to mention, they can take a lot of startup cash. If you’re looking for a more personal way to invest, or you only have $1,000 or so, consider peer-to-peer lending.

There are some really great ways to lend your money to real people that include:

• Lending Club offers consumer, small-, and medium-sized enterprise loan opportunities
• Prosper offers unsecured consumer loans in amounts that range from $2,000 to $35,000
• Upstart boasts a low default rate of less than 6 percent

By investing your money in this way, you can feel good knowing you helped a real person while earning a little interest in the process. Not to mention, you don’t have to deal with banks or other third parties that can make lending and investing a hassle.

5. Become a Collector:

The riskiest way to invest your money is to become a collector, but it’s also one of the most fun.

The trick is to invest your money in something that is worth money now but will likely end up being worth even more in the future. A few popular ideas include artwork, coins, and gemstones, but the sky is the limit. You can collect nearly anything that captures your imagination.

Look for up-and-coming artists or things that will have a nostalgic appeal to people as they age. Avoid items that are already expensive and highly collectible as they aren’t likely to provide you with much of a return on your investment in the future.

Stocks are a great way to invest, but they aren’t your only option! If you’re looking for a fun way to invest the money that matters to you, try one of the other items on this list and you’ll hopefully make some money while enjoying yourself at the same time.

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