It feels like nothing can stop Bitcoin at the moment. The leading cryptocurrency continues to set all-time highs and just surpassed $100,000 for the first time. We’ve seen crypto bull runs like this before. As a relatively young and unregulated asset, crypto is more prone to FOMO-fueled speculative rallies.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not part of the staunch anti-crypto brigade. I actually own cryptocurrencies and think blockchain technology could prove transformative. But that’s only a small part of my portfolio. Crypto is simply too uncertain and unstable to trust it as a basis for my future.

If you’re investing for the long term – especially your retirement – ​​there are better assets to focus on first. Here are four investments to put in your brokerage account in 2025.

1. S&P 500 ETF or index fund

The S&P 500 tracks the performance of the 500 largest companies in the United States. It may not be as exciting as crypto, but its historical returns are quite impressive. As with any investment, there will be good years and bad years, but it has averaged 8% per year since 1928 – more if you reinvest the dividend payments.

Today, 8% may not seem like much given that Bitcoin has gained over 130% year to date. But there have also been years when the value of Bitcoin fell dramatically. It lost almost 65% in 2022 for example. And this volatility, combined with uncertainty and lack of fundamentals, makes it difficult to rely on crypto as a long-term investment.

Plus, a slow and steady approach could still make you a millionaire. Let’s say you invest $500 per month in an ETF (exchange-traded fund) or index fund that tracks the S&P 500. If you earned 8% per year, you could turn a $240,000 investment into over 1.5 million dollars in 40 years. Consistently making low-risk investments is a proven way to build wealth.

ETFs are like baskets containing a mix of investments. Some will follow an index such as the S&P 500, while others may follow a sector or theme such as the healthcare sector. You can purchase them through your brokerage account, just as you would other securities. Click here to learn more about our top brokerages with low fees and a wide selection of investments.

2. REIT

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are similar to ETFs in that you can gain exposure to a combination of assets at once. In the case of REITs, this means you can add real estate to your portfolio without having to take out a mortgage or manage a property.

REITs own and manage income-producing properties, such as offices, warehouses, medical facilities, etc. They can be a good way to diversify your portfolio. Additionally, REITs must pay out at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders, which can generate a steady stream of dividend payments.

You can buy publicly traded REITs from all major brokerages and investing apps. REIT returns can differ significantly depending on which one you choose, so research a trust’s performance, management team and sector before buying.

3. Dividend Stocks

For some people, one of the attractions of cryptocurrency is the ability to earn interest on their coins and tokens. This can happen through staking, which means tying up your crypto to contribute to network security and earn staking rewards. Another solution is to use crypto lending, where the platform lends your assets and pays you a portion of the interest.

But many other investments also generate returns – and they do so without the risk of a semi-regulated platform lending your money. We discussed REITs above. Some companies also pay dividends, especially larger and more established ones.

Research individual dividend-paying stocks or ETFs to see how they might fit in with your other investments.

4. Pay off high-interest debt

When FTX and the Luna Network collapsed in 2022, I read hundreds of heartbreaking stories about people who had lost everything. The worst were those who borrowed to buy cryptocurrency. They had to pay interest, even though the assets they purchased were almost worthless. Cryptocurrencies can and have gone to zero, and it is dangerous to take out loans to buy a risky asset.

If you have a balance on your credit card, pay it off before investing in anything, especially crypto. You could pay an APR of around 20% or more. The money you lose in interest payments is more than you would earn with many investments.

Better yet: debt repayment returns are guaranteed. Once you pay off your balance, you’ll have more money to save and invest.

Build Your Foundation Before Buying Crypto

Rather than buying crypto in 2025, build a diversified portfolio with a mix of assets. Look for investments that have a strong track record and are likely to generate stable returns over time. If you invest part of your salary every month, you don’t need to bet on high-risk assets.

ETFs, REITs, and dividend-paying stocks can all play a role in your balanced portfolio. You can even add a small amount of crypto once you’ve built your investment foundation. Cryptocurrency is doing well right now, but there is too much uncertainty about what will happen next to bet your future on it.