Alternative investments like private equity, crypto, and gold are capturing attention again — especially as access widens and prices rise. But broader availability doesn’t automatically translate into better opportunities for the everyday investor. Private equity access sounds exciting, yet institutional money will almost certainly get premium deals while Main Street investors are left picking through what’s left. Crypto has surged, but its value depends solely on continued adoption — a textbook example of the greater fool theory — unlike equities, which grow as earnings grow. And gold, despite its reputation, historically delivered returns barely above inflation and remains a non-productive asset. Drawing on Warren Buffett’s famous comparison between productive and non-productive assets, the conclusion is straightforward: over time, assets that produce cash flow and compound earnings will outpace those that rely on sentiment and speculation. In a world full of flashy investment headlines and new access points, the long-term play remains unchanged — stay focused on productive, compounding assets and avoid distractions that look exciting now but may disappoint later.