Is real estate really the the best investment? For a $100,000 investment money and 8 to10 year time horizon, is it better to buy 2 houses in Houston (each at 20% down) or a S&P index fund is a better alternative? The gain from the investmnet will be needed for children's college education after 10 years. After what happened in the stock market, it makes most people wonder if they can count on the money to grow even in a 8 to10 year period. I know that managing rental investment is no fun but one would make money (at least won't lose principal) over 8-10 year time horizon. I know there are tons of books that say real estate is the best investment. But is it really? specially for the middle class. Are there any other investments (passive) ideas to get 8-10 % annual return over a 10 year period?

passive income question easy 10? Most of my money is from earned income and some of it is capital gains. However, I would like to start making money from passive income. What would be some investment ideas from passive income, I know starting your own business is one, but what kind of business? What will bring a stream of income and long term profits? Any ideas...

how to use $5000 to make passive income? a business or investment, that can generate 200-500 dollars a month without me working over 5 hours a month on it? any ideas?

Where can I find entrepreneurs ready to take action? I have just got involved with a company from Europe who offers a global e-commerce business with unlimited passive income potential and no products to sell, they launch here in the US this weekend, but need others to assist me. The capital investment to start is very low and there is no website to manage or maintain and no products to sell, consume or ship. Any ideas?

Real estate investment plan question? I'm only 19 and I don't know too much about investing...but I am trying to develop a 5 year to lifetime plan dealing with real estate investments. Originally I already had a plan going with my fiance, and the house he owns currently is mostly paid off and is currently being rented and making some "passive income" (Rich Dad, Poor Dad), but I have to change my plans in more ways than one. Anyway, with the current housing market, and the numerous amount of foreclosures, I was wondering if it would be a good idea to save up money to put money down on a foreclosure (namely in California since the value of houses appreciates so quickly there) and then live in it for a year or so and then rent it out, and repeat the process. Also how exactly does it work when you go to buy a foreclosure? I've heard many different things. And can you suggest cities/states where it would be better for me to do this sort of thing? And is this even a good idea, or do you have better ideas? Thank you!!

I want To Earn Profit of INR 30000 per month in Passive income.? Condition-dont want to gamble, no share market or 8-7 job, Maximum investment- INR 5,00,000 Suggest ideas or business & Pro or cons +Time frame required to start making profit.

If I have $1000 to begin investing in stock? would Costco or Walmart be a good investment? Would it be a good idea to invest all in one or the other or both or neither? I am afraid, but want to start creating a passive stream of income.

$ advice for young couple? I'm a young married couple (33yrs) with 70k in saving and need to invest. Right now, we are able to save about 30k/yr. Our goal is to one day return to live in mexico by the time we're 50 years old(17 years from now) but we must have $ to do that. We were thinking of buying a duplex, as an investment and renting out one unit and living in the other for a few years. It would seem to make sence because once the rentals are payed off, they will serve as a passive income. Does this seem like a good idea? Are what other investment stratagys would you suggest?

Why won't my daughter answer or return my phone calls? Have you done this to your mom or experienced this? I have a daughter (age 24) who is an only child, raised by myself and my mother until I married (now seperated) when she was 14. She and I, as well as her grandmother have spent an unbelieveable amount of time and resouces in helping her to develop into a wonderful young women and citizen. I always thought that the three of us had a very good relationship, pretty normal. We don't always agree, but we are very close. She graduated from one of the top Ivy Leauge colleges at the age of 20. So, it's safe to say that she has some smarts. I should note that she is extremly indepentant and dances to the beat of her own drum. I promoted her independence by incouraging her to fear nothing but God. Though We all come from very modest, humble backgrounds the money I invested, I feel was an investment in her future. She was spoiled a bit as many only children are. However, there was not a lot of money spent on "foolishness". I happen to be an only child myself, but I call my mother at least 2 or 3 times a day (maybe for just 5 minutes). She has participated in and facilitated many community and social service projects. I've tried to teach her the value and importance of being caring and giving to others. Many people have told me that they are trying to model me and my daughter. But, there is a problem with this "model". My daughter will go for 10 days, sometimes more without responding to phone calls, voice mail or email. She lives out of town 800 miles away, so it's not like I can (or should have to) go knock on her door. I have talked and talked to her about this and she just says ok. As smart as she is, I think that she is very imature when it comes to this issue. It's kind of passive aggressive behaior, don't you think? Otherwise, she is always very responsible. I do not understand this behavior at all. it started when she went away to college at 16. I tried to give her some space during these years, because her work load was heavy. so I talked to her on average about once a week. Now that she is out of school. I talk to her even less. I know that she talks to her boyfriend everyday. Can someone tell what is the big deal with calling your mother and grand mother? I am, at lease I think, a reasonable person without a lot of drama. If she says she's busy or can't talk it's ok and I really don't get afended. I am SO MAD now that I am very tempted to not take her calls for a month or 2 to see how she likes it. But I am afraid to do this for fear that something bad will happen. For example, earlier this year 6 of our family members were in a very tragic car accident. I tried to call her then and it took like 4 days for me to get a hold of her. I have also warned her that someone could be literally dead and burried by the time it takes her to return a phone call. By the way, she calls she acts like nothings wrong and we have nice, fun chats. I don't think that a five mintue call once a day or every other day is unreasonable. Do you have any ideas how to impove this? I always take and return her calls, that's when she dose call. Should I stop taking her calls for a while? Maybe I should email your answers to her. What do you think? Thanks for thinking this over and sharing your thoughts.