With an uncertain economy, high unemployment, and volatility in the stock market, more and more people are seeking alternative investments. Baby boomers are getting closer to retirement, and many have become fearful of their future because they were relying on their 401Ks and IRAs. But, we all know what happened when the economic crisis occurred and many lost an incredible amount of the value of their investments. Plus, we’ve heard of several accounting scandals that have made headline news which have contributed to some of the financial disasters and uncertainties. Let’s face it… if you don’t start searching for alternative ways to invest your hard-earned money, you could be heading down a slippery slope that will make it increasingly difficult to recover[/spin[ from.
What options should you consider for investing? I’m sure you are aware of the [spin]value of diversifying your investments, since it is never a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket. I’m not a financial expert by any means, but I’ve learned some valuable lessons along the way and would like to share with you what I know to be a credible, alternative investment you may want to seriously consider. As with any good investment, you want something that will perform over a long period of time. Investments that yield quick, high returns are more volatile and, thus, much more risky.
What I am suggesting is an alternative investment that allows you to increase your value over a certain period of time, giving you increased stability and a lesser chance of a diminishing return. You may or may not have already thought of this strategy, but it’s a strategy that has worked well for many and can be both personally and financially rewarding. This alternative investment happens to be in the livestock industry. Now, some people have previously invested in cattle, pigs, horses, and exotics such as emus and ostriches. However, there is another livestock that has become, not only revered by those who raise and breed them, but they have become known as the world’s finest livestock investment. Can you guess what livestock this might be?
They are native to South America and were only imported into the U.S. in the mid-1980s. They have a wonderful fiber that can be as fine as cashmere with attributes that make it more pleasing than any other fiber in the world. In fact, their ultra-soft fiber is considered to be the Fiber of the Gods, and was once reserved for Incan royalty. Today, textiles made from this fiber are known throughout the fashion capitals of the world.
Have you guessed what animal this could be? It is the ALPACA, which are members of the camelid family, along with llamas, vicunas, guanacos and camels. Aside from the fact that alpacas are gentle, charming and produce a world-sought-after fiber product, they also get along well with children, have an inquisitive, almost cat-like nature, are one of the cleaner, virtually odorless livestock and make a calm humming sound that can almost lull you to sleep.
Alpacas offer you the prospect at having a unique, more relaxing lifestyle that, with the proper mentoring and guidance, can be both successful and financially satisfying. Owning alpacas provides many tax benefits, including capital gains, whether you raise them on your own ranch or agist (board) them with an experienced breeder. Since alpacas reproduce at a slow rate (only one cria per year – rarely do they have twins) and are no longer imported from South America, the alpaca market has remained strong and stable for over 25 years.
Investing in alpacas can be done slowly or aggressively, depending on your finances. As an example, if you get started with 2 bred females of reasonable quality, you can expect to spend anywhere from $6,000 – $15,000 on average for each in year one at the current market rate. At the end of one year you have 2 new cria. The females are re-bred and at the end of the second year, they have 2 more cria and so on. The first cria should be ready to mate at around 18 to 24 mos., producing its first cria by the end of the fourth year. What other investment gives you the likelihood to increase your capital four-fold in just five years and the high possibility of a return in one year? Besides that, I don’t think your stocks, bonds or CD’s can be depreciated over time like you can with alpacas. You can even insure them at 100% of their value, which you can’t do with your other investments.
There are many realize that there are many variations to this particular scenario with opportunities to do better as well as possible drawbacks that may happen. However, this example I’ve demonstrated is fair and reasonable.
With the growing worldwide demand for alpaca fiber and North America’s excellent breeding practices and knowledge in producing supreme quality-fleeced stock, investing in alpacas just might be a very rewarding opportunity for you. There is much room for development in the industry and the U.S. is poised to be a world leader.
There is a long-term potential for those interested in diversifying their investment portfolio by investing in alpacas, whether to diversify a present family farming operation, start a new one, or simply have a ‘hands-off’ approach by investing without the day-to-day responsibilities of an alpaca ranch. This type of investment allows you to benefit from a more relaxing, pleasing lifestyle while you watch your investment continue to increase every year. Currently, alpacas are more profitable for breeding and the sale of offspring. However, in the future, as the textile industry demands more alpaca fiber, their fleece will begin to be what positions the alpaca owner directly in the fiber industry, which holds incredible potential.
Another desirable aspect of purchasing alpacas is that most alpaca breeders offer flexible financing arrangements with interest-free options for up to one or two years, allowing you to finance your investment. The tax advantages are many, even if you choose the ‘hands-off’ approach rather than have your own farm. Your investment will expand each year without paying any capital gains tax until you make a sale.
So, let me ask you… does the idea of investing in alpacas fascinate you at all? With the proper guidance and advice, you can emerge as a successful alpaca breeder/investor and find yourself in a routine you truly love. As professional alpaca owners and breeders since 2003, we offer free information, expert advice and mentoring with full 100% customer support to assist others in deciding if this is an opportunity they’d like to take advantage of. For more information, please contact Anne Marie & Rich Perry of Spirit of the Rose Alpacas. We can be reached via email at alpaca_annie@yahoo.com or call us at 317-663-3227.
This article has been brought to you by a proud member of Wealth Creations Network, offering a zero-out-of-pocket way to increase your wealth. With Wealth Creations Network, you find out how to make money online and not only that, this is your opportunity to make money online fast. What are you waiting for? Register today for FREE and get started on the road to a better financial future tomorrow. And, who knows, maybe you’ll decide you’d like to invest in alpacas!
Find out important things to know about Compare credit cards – please make sure to read this web page. The times have come when concise info is truly only one click of your mouse, use this possibility.