Jeff Bezos warned Americans not to buy a 'new automobile, refrigerator, or whatever.’ Billionaire fearmongering or good advice for 2026?

“Things are slowing down. You're seeing layoffs in many, many sectors of the economy.”

He doubled down, even recommending, “If you're an individual considering purchasing a big-screen TV, you might want to wait, hold onto your money, and see what transpires.”

He added, “The same is true with a new automobile, refrigerator, or whatever else. Just remove some risk from the equation.”

But that was back in 2022. Are things improving now? With tariff uncertainty and broader geopolitical shifts, it’s hard to say. And besides, what are the best ways to protect yourself from an economic slowdown, regardless of Bezos’ predictions?

Was Bezos right?

Despite Bezos’s warnings, the S&P 500 has surged about 83% since November 2022, when he initially made his claims (2). This would certainly suggest the stock market sped up, not slowed down.

However, Bezos was specifically remarking on the economy, which is not necessarily the same as the stock market.

For instance, the “Warren Buffett Indicator” is a ratio that the famed investor invented, which compares the U.S. stock market to the U.S. economy. Buffett once warned that if the ratio approaches 200%, investors were “playing with fire” — given that it indicates stock valuations are rising significantly faster than GDP (3). Currently, the Buffett Indicator is sitting around 230% (4).

So while the stock market is tearing up the charts, the economy is lagging by comparison.

How to diversify

Not all stock markets have an exploding Warren Buffett Indicator, though. And diversifying by investing in international stock markets can be a good way to protect your investments from local market conditions.

But if you want to invest worldwide, you’ll need the tools to do so.

Invest globally

With Robinhood — a commission-free investing app — you have access to over 650 global stocks through American Depository Receipts (ADRs). This can be a simple and convenient way to invest in a wide variety of stocks, ETFs and options.

Robinhood offers a range of account types with no account minimums, making it easy for anyone to start investing in the global stock market, regardless of how much (or how little) they have to spend. If you’re more interested in local markets, Robinhood also offers access to American stocks.

New Robinhood customers can even get a free stock once they sign up and link their bank account to the app.

Your stock reward can range from $5 to $200, and you can pick from a selection of top American companies.

Don’t try to time the market

While Bezos might try to convince you it’s a bad time to buy big-ticket items, the fact is, it’s almost never a bad time to invest. Trying to time the market — waiting for its next big drop — is a very challenging game to play. Especially because you then need to time it again, choosing when to reinvest your money. Being right twice is no small feat.

Here’s why it’s often best to invest steadily instead: The S&P 500 generated an annualized return of 10.7% between 1990 and 2024 for investors who remained invested during the entire period, according to Morgan Stanley (5). Investors who missed just the 15 best days during that period only saw returns of 7.6% — a sizable difference when you account for compounding interest.

If you want to start self-directed investing, but would appreciate a little bit of help, you could work with SoFi.

The platform is designed to help you learn investing as you go, with real-time investing news, curated content and the data you need to make smart decisions about the stocks that matter most to you. You can even create a personal watch list based on your interests.

This DIY approach allows you to invest with no commission fees in the stocks you believe in, or ETFs and index funds. Plus, for a limited time, you can get up to $3,000 in stock when you fund a new account.

Invest in real estate

If you’re concerned about overvaluations in the stock market, it’s worth looking at alternative assets.

While it’s true that mortgage rates have been on the rise, real estate has actually demonstrated its resilience in times of rising interest rates, according to a report by investment management company Invesco.

“Between 1978 and 2021, there have been 10 distinct years where the Federal Funds rate increased,” the report said (6). During this interval, U.S. private real estate outperformed equities and bonds seven times, while U.S. public real estate outperformed six times.

Tap into private real estate — without becoming a landlord

Well-chosen properties can provide more than just price appreciation. Investors can also earn a steady stream of rental income. But you don’t need to be a landlord to start investing in real estate.

First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties, without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to triple net leases, you can invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into potential returns. This means the tenants take care of property taxes, building insurance and common area maintenance — plus base rent.

Even better, FNRP has closed over $2 billion in acquisitions with more than $145 million distributed to investors.

Invest in fractional real estate opportunities

But commercial real estate isn’t the only option available. If you’re just getting started, it might make more sense to start with investing in residential instead — and no, that doesn’t necessarily mean a mortgage.

That’s where mogul, a real estate investment platform offering fractional ownership in blue-chip rental properties, comes in. They can offer investors monthly rental income, real-time appreciation and tax benefits without the need for a hefty down payment or managing 3 a.m. tenant calls.

Founded by former Goldman Sachs real estate investors, the team hand-picks the top 1% of single-family rental homes nationwide for you. Simply put, you can invest in institutional quality offerings for a fraction of the usual cost.

Each property undergoes a vetting process, requiring a minimum 12% return even in downside scenarios. Across the board, the platform features an average annual IRR of 18.8%. Their cash-on-cash yields, meanwhile, average between 10 to 12% annually. Offerings often sell out in under three hours, with investments typically ranging between $15,000 and $40,000 per property.

Add gold to your portfolio

Gold is considered a natural hedge against inflation because, unlike paper currency, it can’t be printed at will by central banks. That scarcity is part of what gives the metal its enduring appeal.

It’s also widely viewed as the ultimate safe-haven asset. Gold isn’t tied to any single country, currency or economy, and when financial markets turn volatile or geopolitical tensions flare, investors often flock to it — driving prices higher. The precious yellow metal also had a banner year in 2025, with growth of about 60% year-over-year, while hitting highs of over $4,300 per ounce in December (6).

Consider a gold IRA for retirement

A gold IRA is one way to build up your retirement fund with inflation-resistant assets.

Opening a gold IRA with the help of Goldco allows you to invest in gold and other precious metals in physical forms while also providing the significant tax advantages of an IRA.

With a minimum purchase of $10,000, Goldco offers free shipping and access to a library of retirement resources. Plus, the company will match up to 10% of qualified purchases in free silver.

If you’re curious whether this is the right investment to diversify your portfolio, you can download your free gold and silver information guide today. Just keep in mind that gold is typically just one part of a well-diversified portfolio.

Look at fine art investing

You might think of art as a nice way to spruce up some plain, white walls. But fine art has quietly outperformed other asset classes as an alternative investment for years.

Billionaires have long carved out a slice of their portfolios in an asset class with low correlation to the market and strong rebound potential: post-war and contemporary art.

Until now, accessing this vertical has relied on knowing the right people — from brokers and dealers to curators and appraisers. However, now there are ways to get into art as an investment without needing a robust, personal network connected to the art world.

Own fractional shares in iconic art

This is where Masterworks, which helps investors connect with pieces of blue-chip art, comes in. Since 2019 over 70,000 members have joined the platform, and can now own fractional shares of works by iconic artists like Banksy, Basquiat, Picasso and more.