Is anyone (who is paid/lives in the US) concerned about the future value of USD? A lot of my friends are saying I should be investing in cryptocurrencies for future safety, but I don't see those as very stable, so I'm hesitant to put my savings into it.
Cryptocurrency is certainly not a good place to put savings, as its price is way too unstable to be a store of value. If you're unsure about the value of the USD, then traditional investments like gold would probably be a better choice. Like other comments mention, even though lots of money was created for economic stimulus, it's used in such a way that makes it deflationary long-term (as seen by the projected 0.62% inflation rate for this year and only 2.24% next year[1]).
Investing in crypto is always nuts, but especially if you are trying to reduce risk. Don't listen to your friends. Buy index funds, with more into bonds if you really want less risk. You won't ever beat the market on average as a retail trader.
What if you don't need a home, but could realistically finance one? Is there incentivisation in real estate over stable(-ish) equities if you're not looking for a long term home for yourself/family
The only advantage I see is that huge amount of capital you can borrow at a low rate, probably lower than the rate of a weakening dollar, and could potentially turn it into a rental to pull in inflation adjusting income, in addition to your fixed work income. That said, pulling your down payment out of rising stocks to do so may not be the most profitable, but it does serve as a good diversification of asset.
Im not a financial advisor, just a software engineer, but my father is and I've convinced him into buying a second home with me when the right one becomes available (waiting for the supply to open up a bit, we lost our first offer to a cash offer). Key points for purchasing were diversification of assets, pulling out some money from the high riding market before a blue sweep and subsequent taxes, and rates so low that combined with inflation(including assets) the gov is paying you to take out a loan.
They could go also back where they were a year ago and lose half your money. Then enjoy a lost decade of no recovery as the US piles up Japan-style debt. Not making a prediction, just saying what goes up fast can also come down just as fast. For less narrow stock choices, there's whole index funds, both domestic and international. Also bond funds.
There are all sorts of inflation-protected assets you can buy. At a basic level, any durable asset will provide inflation protection. But you could also buy things like Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities.
1-10% into crypto is fine as long as you invest in the bluechips (Bitcoin and Ethereum) depending on your risk tolerance. Don't go all in, and dollar cost average.
