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Daily Options Expiry: The Future of Crypto Trading | Delta Exchange | Pankaj Balani x Abhishek Kar
Don’t Blame Indexing for Your Problems
Has the rise of passive investing broken the stock market? Is the level of passive ownership too high? No. There is no strong reason to believe that higher indexing degrades market efficiency. What matters are the non-passive investors: Are there enough of them, do they have the right incentives, are they able to express their views via trading? What does not matter are the passive investors: They are like the audience in a play; they just watch the activity on stage. There is no level of passive ownership, other than 100%, that obviously causes the market to be dysfunctional.
1 Number MercadoLibre Investors Need to See
MercadoLibre (MELI +3.59%) has slumped over the last year, and it’s clear why.
The company’s profits have fallen as it’s made investments to fend off competition and build the business for the long term.
While investors should generally want to see businesses investing for the future, the profit decline is a reasonable concern. Several Wall Street analysts have downgraded the stock on the trend. UBS lowered its rating from buy to neutral at the end of April, opining that margins will remain under pressure and only start to recover in 2027.
The biggest challenge facing MercadoLibre seems to be competition in Brazil, its biggest market and where it gets half of its revenue from. In recent years, e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Sea Limited‘s Shopee, and PDD Holdings‘ Temu have made a push into Brazil, leading MercadoLibre to respond by lowering its threshold for free shipping, offering seller incentives to retain marketplace merchants, and investing in its logistics network.
That led to currency-neutral revenue growth of 49% in the first quarter, but investors instead focused on the decline in operating income from $763 million to $611 million.
Image source: MercadoLibre.
1 reason not to fear competition
MercadoLibre has delivered strong growth for years, even in the aftermath of the pandemic, when virtually every e-commerce business was struggling.
But management shared one data point in the recent earnings report that shows that the fears about competition may be overblown. It said the average American makes 41 online purchases a year, while the average Latin American makes just seven. MercadoLibre’s customers shop online slightly more at 11 times a year.
Management sees this as a huge growth opportunity, one that should have a secular tailwind as online shopping penetration grows. In that sense, competition isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as encouraging more consumers to shop online could grow the pie for all e-commerce platforms.
The company also sees a similar opportunity in fintech, noting that in Mexico, more than half of the population relies on informal credit sources.
There’s no guarantee that Latin America will reach U.S. levels of online shopping and credit card usage, but it’s moving in that direction. As it gets easier to shop online and get credit, adoption in Latin America will grow.
That may be the best reason to invest in MercadoLibre. The company has built a large, interconnected empire in Latin America, a sprawling growth market, and will benefit from continued growth regardless of what happens with the competition.
Profits should eventually stabilize, and when they do, the stock should return to growth.
Hyatt Opening First Park Hyatt & Grand Hyatt All-Inclusive Resorts
Hyatt Opening First Park Hyatt & Grand Hyatt All-Inclusive Resorts
Hyatt has announced plans to bring its Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt brands into the all-inclusive segment for the first time. The two new luxury resorts, Park Hyatt Riviera Maya and Grand Hyatt Los Cabos Resort, Golf & Spa, are expected to open in the second half of 2026 and will offer all-inclusive experiences tailored to each brand’s identity.
The biggest headline is the debut of the first-ever Park Hyatt all-inclusive resort. Located between Cancún and Puerto Morelos on a secluded stretch of the Riviera Maya coastline, the resort will feature 148 rooms and suites, seven à la carte dining venues, a beachfront pool, an open-air spa garden, and personalized “Resort Ambassador” service for every guest. Some accommodations will also include private plunge pools.
Hyatt also shared new details about the Grand Hyatt Los Cabos Resort, Golf & Spa, which will become the first Grand Hyatt all-inclusive resort. The property will offer 301 guest rooms, including 57 suites and 42 swim-up rooms. The property also has five restaurants, five bars, multiple pools, a full-service spa, an 18-hole golf course, and more than 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
These openings continue Hyatt’s push into the luxury all-inclusive market following its acquisition of Apple Leisure Group. Rather than creating new all-inclusive brands, Hyatt is now extending the concept to some of its most recognizable luxury flags while aiming to preserve the distinct feel of each brand.
The company says the resorts will combine the convenience of all-inclusive vacations with the elevated service, design, and dining experiences guests expect from Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt.
Reservations are already available for Park Hyatt Riviera Maya, with stays beginning in February 2027. Booking details for Grand Hyatt Los Cabos are expected to follow closer to its opening. Both properties will participate in the World of Hyatt program.
AI roundup: 16 mortgage tech updates lenders should know
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, companies are constantly rolling our new products.
This month, multiple companies in the mortgage industry leveraged AI to increase efficiency, integrated with other companies and consolidated processes to improve borrower experience.
The following is a roundup of some other recent news from those looking to help lenders and consumers in different ways.
Australia toughens kids’ social media ban, doubles potential penalties for tech firms
Australia toughens kids’ social media ban, doubles potential penalties for tech firms
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT QUIZ: Test Your Knowledge! 🤩 📖📚
25 BUSINESS MANAGEMENT QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO KNOW THE ANSWERS TO! 👌 #quiz #businessmanagement #management #business #entrepreneur #business #quizzes #learning #education
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[Expired] Amazon Prime Day 2026 (June 23 – 26)
Amazon Prime Day 2026 (June 23-26)
Link to the main Prime Day page (links in this post contain our affiliate, we appreciate those who support the site)
Amazon announced Prime Day 2026 will run from 12:01 a.m. PDT on June 23rd through June 26th. We’ll fill out this page as more deals become available and we’ll likely sticky the post at some point during Prime Day.
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- $8.65 Dove Beauty Bar Soap Original 8 Count or Sensitive bars
- $10.74 Amazon Essentials 4-Piece Packing Cubes
- $18 Samsonite Classic 2.0 RFID Crossbody bag
- $12 KIND Bar Variety Pack – 26 bars
- $120 INSIGNIA 43″ Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
- $250 EGO POWER+ Leaf Blower, Cordless Electric 765 CFM, Includes 5.0Ah Battery+Charger
- $17 Hydro Flask 40 Oz Travel Tumbler – Insulated Stainless Steel
- $32 Pickleball Paddles, Set of 2
- $6.39 Amazon Basics Outdoor Pickleball Balls, 3-pack
- $15.39 Pantene 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner, Classic Clean – 2-Pack
- (Direct Link) Get Automatic 50% Back On All Amazon Haul Purchases – Amazon Giftcard Rebate (Today Only, 6/26)
- $9.53 Dove Advanced Care Hand Wash Deep Moisture 4 Count, 12 oz
- $18.33 DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set, 40 Pcs. Impact Driver Bit Set
- $11 (w/code GGQV3FH7) OXILAM C2 Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor – Fast Air Pump for Car Tires
- $600 Jackery Solar Generator with Solar Panel, Portable Power Station for Off-Grid ,Emergency
- $4.79 (w/code 6H995CU7) 37-in-1 Small Precision Screwdriver Set, Mini Repair Tool Kit for Phone,eyeglasses
- Woot: sale on DeWalt tools
- $110 eufy Security 3K Dual Camera, Solar Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor, No Monthly Fee
- $40 Samsung P9 Express microSD Express Card, 256GB microSDXC Memory Card
- $2 (w/code: A4EEGNMV) AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
- $76 Logitech MX Master 3S Bluetooth Wireless Mouse, Mac/Windows
- $23 Intex Kids Travel Air Mattress, Inflatable Bed with Raised Sides
- $38 O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop & Bucket System + 2 Extra Refills
- $130 iRobot Roomba 105X Robot Vacuum
- $400 iRobot Roomba 415X Robot Vacuum & Mop Combo
- $400 roborock Qrevo S Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop
- $24 Orbit Programmable Digital Hose Watering Timer (another option for $25)
- $28.49 Soundcore P31i by Anker, Real-Time Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Wireless Earbuds
- $17.41 Kleenex Lotion Tissues, 8 Flat Boxes, 180 Tissues Per Box
- $127 Amazon Basics Ergonomic Executive Office Desk Chair
- $6 Steve Madden Men’s Slim Leather Wallet
- $49 Google Pixel Buds A-Series
- $35.74 Charbroil Portable Convective 1-Burner Propane Gas Grill
- $5.12 Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Tip, Black, 12 Count
- $17.02 Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo for Windows
- $25 off $75 in select Huggies baby purchases
- $27.83 Huggies Size 1 Diapers, Little Snugglers Diapers, Size 1, 198 Count – buy 3 and save $25
- $573 Xbox Series X – Gaming Console – 1TB SSD – 4K Gaming – 120FPS (same on Target)
- $599 Meta Quest 3 512GB – clip coupon for $75 Amazon credit
- $38 70mai M310 Plus 4K Dash Cam Front, Easy Install
- $160 VIOFO A229 Dash Cam Front and Rear, Dual STARVIS 2 Sensors
- $100 ROVE R2-4K DUAL Dash Cam Front and Rear, STARVIS 2 Sensor
- $108 REDTIGER F4 Pro 4K Dash Cam Front/Rear, STARVIS 2 Sensor
- $75 ROVE R2-4K Dash Cam Built-in WiFi 6 GPS
- $.78 Whole Foods Market – Organic Unsalted Garbanzo Beans, 13.4 Ounce
- $37.48 (w/code: 4OOZ87V7) Workout Bench for Home Gym, Compact Foldable Bench
- $23 CMF By Nothing – Wireless Earbuds, Noise Cancelling
- Best Buy: $10 Targus Backpack– 15.6″ – various colors
- $179 for Bose QuietComfort Headphones – Wireless, Over Ear, Noise Cancelling
- $198 Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
- $399 Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones (same on Walmart)
- $59.49 (w/code: SKJUGOZD) SABRENT Charging Station, 252W 8-Port USB C/A Desktop Charger
- $7 (w/code: RFA2OR8D) Polo Shirts for Men, Black (Runs Small)
- $160 GTPLAYER Big/Tall Gaming Chair, Heavy Duty Office Chair ($250+$10; code: M7AORLB7 $100 savings)
- $40 Samsung P9 Express microSD Express Card, 256GB microSDXC Memory Card
- $11.39 Champion Men’s T-shirt, Sport Tee
- Best Buy: $10 Anker – Power Bank (5,000mAh), Built-in Foldable USB-C
- $19 (w/code: W3KX5CW6) AstroAI Car Battery Jump Starter – Flashlight, Power Bank & Smart Jumper
- $10.44 KITCHENAID Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt 2-Pack Set, Lavender
- $39.99 (w/code: D7NFPHB5) ThermoMaven Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer, 2 Probes + Base
- $5.64 Meat Thermometer Digital, Instant-Read Meat Thermometer for Grill
- $80 Samsung 24″ (S30GD) Essential Monitor
- $140 Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner
- $310 Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
- $196 (10% back w/card) Frigidaire 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
- $139 CRAFTSMAN Mechanic Tool Set 189 Pcs
- $200 TheraGun Prime (6th Generation) Massage Gun by Therabody
- $19 Razor Jr. Lil’ Kick – 3-Wheel Kick Scooter for Younger Children (Ages 3+)
- $69 23andMe Health + Ancestry: DNA Test Kit, Genetic Test, Family Tree (See Important Test Info)
- $59.30 VTech 4-Handset Cordless Phone
- $.39 Clasp Envelopes, 10 Large 9 x 12 Envelopes for Mailing Photos and Documents
- $23.99 LEGO City 4×4 Fire Truck with Rescue Boat – Building Toy, Ages 5+ (all lego deals)
- $12.72 6-pack Hanes Men’s Undershirts T-Shirt, V-Neck Cotton Tees, White and round neck here
- $13.65 Hanes mens Underwear Boxer Briefs Pack
- $35 Owala Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, Built-In Straw, 40oz, BPA Free, Leak Proof
- $9 Terro, Ant Killer Bait Stations, 12 Count (stack with $15/$50 deal)
- $2.99 Digital Tire Pressure Gauge – use code 6KKAVB5A at checkout
- $139.99 Lenovo Idea Tab – College Tablet – 11″
- $28.15 WORX Screwdriver – 30-Piece Accessory Kit – Cordless Electric Driver – Rechargeable
- $49.99 SodaStream TERRA Sparkling Water Maker, Starter Kit
- $45.12 Digital Picture Frame, 10.1 Inch Picture Frame
- $49 (10% back w/card) Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
- $19 Tide PODS Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent, 112 Count – stack with $15 coupon offer on $50 order (and possible $15 with P&G rebate?)
- $17.99 Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 68 fl oz – Value Size
- $9.95 (after coupon) Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, twin pack, 6oz each
- $12.40 Dawn Platinum Powerwash Spray, Dish Soap Liquid, 1 (16oz) + 3 Refills (Pack of 4)
- $6.64 Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen SFP50
- $189 Jackery Portable Power Station, Backup Battery, Solar Generator for Outdoors
- $749 Jackery Portable Power Station, Home Backup, for Power Outages, Camping
- $10.95 LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking and Emergency Preparedness
- $18.92 Onlyone Rechargeable Cordless Water Flosser
- $47.49 Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser
- $3.98 for 4 Airtag keychain holders
- $29.84 Amazon Brand – Coffee Pods, Colombian, Compatible with Keurig, 100 Count
- $70 (10% w/card) Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1, also $65 Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1
- $8.49 Kasa Smart Plug Mini
- $99 Google Pixel Buds 2a
- $179 for Bose QuietComfort Headphones – Wireless, Over Ear, Noise Cancelling
- $90 simplehuman Rectangular Kitchen Trash Can, 45L/12Gal
- $5 off $20 Kleenex, Cottonelle, Scott
- $90 Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville
- $16.49 (10% back w/card) Play-Doh Party Pack, Bulk 24 Pack
- $149 Beats Studio Pro
- Walmart: $.97 Crayola Colored Pencil Set, 12 Ct
- Walmart: $189 for big inflatable water slide
- $7.50 (price in cart) for 2 pairs of swim goggles
- $80 Ninja Professional Blender 2.0
- $199 + 10% back with card: Ninja SLUSHi Frozen Drink & Slushie Machine | 88 oz.
- $34.99 MAGNA-TILES Classic 32-Piece Magnetic Construction Set, ORIGINAL
- $10 off $30 select Grocery – crackers, cookies, pretzels, etc.
- $69.96 Dreo Tower fan
- $79.99 BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner, Car/Auto Detail + 10% back w/card
- $94.99 BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Vacuum + 10% back with Prime card
- $19.99 Made for Amazon, Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones
Americanflat Set of 10 Picture Frames for $13.99 (also in Gold color)- Sun Bum sunscreen, Buy 2, save 50% on 1
General Deals
- (Direct Link) Get Automatic 50% Back On All Amazon Haul Purchases – Amazon Giftcard Rebate (Today Only, 6/26)
- $25 off $75 in select Huggies baby purchases
- (Direct Link) Amazon: Spend $100 On Diapers & Wipes, Get $30 Amazon Promo Credit
- Amazon Basics deals
- (Direct Link) Amazon, Target: Buy $50 in Household Items & Get $15 Credit (Bounty, Glad, Tide & More); Stack With P&G Rebate
- Target.com: Spend $100 on Diapers & Wipes, Get $30 Target Gift Card (6/21-6/27)
- List of household items with Prime Day deals
- (Direct Link) Amazon Sweepstakes: Get $10,000 Amazon Gift Card (200 Winners)
- Between June 15 and 26, Amazon Prime members can get a $5 classic large pepperoni or cheese pizza.
Redeemable up to five times on different days for savings of up to $30 depending on location. - (Direct Link) [Ends June 8th] Amazon Prime: $5 Off $5+ Grocery Items (Free 6-Pack of Coke, Cereal, Cookies, Muffins, Etc)
- (Direct Link) Amazon Autos: Buy/Lease A New Car & Get $1,500 Amazon Giftcard
- Target Circle Deal Days (June 23-26)
- Walmart Deals runs on June 22 – 28
- Walmart+ membership for $49 or 30-day trial for $1.
- Amazon Business: Get 40% Off First Order, Up To $150 Discount
Apple Products
Gift Card Deals
- Google Play, get $10 Amazon promo credit with $100 purchase
- Chipotle, buy $50 gift card and get $10 Amazon promo credit
$50 Hotels.com physical gift card for $40; $50 Walgreens e-gift card for $40$100 Instacart e-gift for $85; $50 Starbucks e-gift for $42.50; $50 Starbucks physical gift card for $42.50; $100 Lowe’s physical gift card for $85; $100 Uber e-gift for $85; $50 DoorDash e-gift for $40; $50 Ulta physical gift card for $42.50$50 Zift Zillions of Gifts For the Home multi-brand gift card for $42.50;$50 Zift A Treat for You multi-brand gift card for $42.50;$50 Zift Game Time multi-brand gaming gift card for $42.50;$50 Zift Food & Drink multi-brand dining gift card for $42.50;$50 Zift It’s a Date dining gift card for $42.50;$50 Zift Food & Fun dining gift card for $42.50;$50 Zift Happy & Healthy Family multi-brand gift card for $42.50- $50 One4all Retail Therapy physical gift card for $42.50 (15% off)
- $50 One4all Fun & Fabulous physical gift card for $42.50 (15% off)
- $50 One4all Happy Moments physical gift card for $42.50 (15% off)
- $50 Walgreens e-gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $100 Amtrak e-gift card for $85 (15% off)
- $50 Amtrak physical gift card for $42.50 (15% off)
- $50 Petco physical gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 PetSmart physical gift card for $42.50 (15% off)
- $50 Nordstrom eGift Card for $42.50
- $50 Nordstrom Physical Gift Card for $42.50
- $50 Kohl’s physical gift card for $42.50 (15% off)
- $50 Adidas gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $100 inKind restaurant e-gift card for $69.99 (30% off)
Other gift card deals:
- $50 Applebee’s physical gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Buffalo Wild Wings physical gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Bath & Body Works e-gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Bath & Body Works Physical Gift Card for $40
- $50 Panera Bread physical gift card for $42.50 (15% off)
- $50 Red Robin physical gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Red Robin eGift Card for $40
- $50 American Eagle physical gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Boscov’s physical gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Dairy Queen physical gift card for $42.50 (15% off)
- $50 IHOP physical gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Regal Entertainment physical gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Regal Entertainment e-gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Subway physical gift card for $42.50 (15% off)
- $50 Domino’s Pizza physical gift card for $42.50 (15% off)
- $50 Domino’s Pizza eGift Card for $42.50
- $50 Firehouse Subs physical gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Dave & Buster’s physical gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Dave & Buster’s e-gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 H&M physical gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 H&M e-gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Red Lobster physical gift card for $42.50 (15% off)
- $50 Red Lobster eGift Card for $42.50
- $50 Chuck E. Cheese physical gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Fandango physical gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Fandango e-gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $100 Academy Sports + Outdoors e-gift card for $85.00 (15% off)
- $100 Fanatics e-gift card for $85.00 (15% off)
- $50 Cinemark Theatres physical gift card for $42.50 (15% off)
- $50 Cinemark eGift Card for $42.50
- $50 Lane Bryant physical gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Lane Bryant eGift Card for $40
- $50 Aeropostale physical gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Steak ’n Shake physical gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Crumbl e-gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Aerie e-gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Landry’s multi-brand physical gift card for $42.50 (15% off)
- $100 Landry’s eGift Card for $85
- $25 Krispy Kreme physical gift card for $20.00 (20% off)
- $50 Nautica physical gift card for $37.50 (25% off)
- $50 Nautica eGift Card for $37.50
- $50 Pappas Restaurants e-gift card for $40.00 (20% off)
- $50 Meta Physical Gift Card for $42.50
- $25 Meta eGift Card for $21.25
- $50 Ray-Ban eGift Card for $40
- $50 Candlelight eGift Card for $40
- $50 Rubio’s eGift Card for $40
- $50 Taco Bell eGift Card for $40
- $50 Tim Hortons eGift Card for $40
- $50 Roblox Physical Gift Card for $42.50
- $25 Carter’s Family of Brands Physical Gift Card for $20
- $50 Main Event Entertainment eGift Card for $40
- $50 Candy Crush eGift Card for $42.50
Amazon Subscriptions
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Amazon Prime Membership
3 million Americans have dropped Obamacare health coverage over past year as subsidies expire
About 3 million fewer people in the United States had Affordable Care Act health insurance plans in February compared with the same time last year, according to new federal data.
In the report released Friday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggested the 13% drop in enrollment from 22.1 million people in 2025 to 19.2 million this year could be attributed to a federal crackdown on fraudulent or “phantom” enrollment. But health analysts said it was more likely related to the Jan. 1 expiration of federal subsidies, which caused a surge in plan costs that resulted in many people being unable to pay their premiums.
“We know that real people lost their health insurance coverage,” said Cynthia Cox, a vice president and director of the ACA program at the healthcare research nonprofit KFF, citing survey findings on people who had left their plans. “This coverage loss happened at the same time millions of people faced double or even triple digit increases in their premium payments.”
The new data, compiled in April but showing coverage in February, represents the government’s first official look at how people’s inability to pay their first bills this year affected total enrollment. That is because the figures capture the marketplace after a nonpayment grace period expired.
A federal estimate in January showed that about 800,000 fewer people had signed up for ACA plans compared with the same time last year, marking the first time in the past four years that enrollment had been down from the previous year at that point in the shopping window.
Cox said KFF expects the total number of people in the government healthcare program to continue to decline throughout the year, potentially to a low of about 17.5 million. That would be a significant drop for the government’s flagship subsidized health insurance program for working-age people who do not qualify for Medicaid. In recent years, ACA plans have become a popular choice for gig workers, farmers, ranchers, hairstylists and others without health coverage through an employer.
The ACA subsidies that expired this year were at the center of a bitter fight in Congress last fall, with Democrats and some Republicans calling for their renewal. Sharp increases in health costs across ACA and other health insurance programs come as voters in the approaching November elections say affordability is among their top concerns.
The Fortune 500 Innovation Forum will convene Fortune 500 executives, U.S. policy officials, top founders, and thought leaders to help define what’s next for the American economy, Nov. 16-17 in Detroit. Apply here.
I Manage Everything in My Portfolio Myself. Here’s Why I Still Keep a Passive Sleeve.
Presented in partnership with Connect Invest.
I run a glamping and short-term rental portfolio in Texas, and I self-manage basically all of it. I take the direct bookings and answer the guest messages. I’m the one who hears about the hot tub at 11 p.m. on a Saturday.
I have a rule for where I even buy a property (60 minutes from a city of 500,000 people, 30 minutes from an attraction, and 10 minutes from anything resembling civilization), and I obsess over it because every detail is mine to get right.
The vast majority of my bookings come direct, not through a platform, because I built the systems to make that happen, and I refuse to hand a third of my revenue to anybody. That is the kind of operator I am: hands-on everything and allergic to giving up control.
So I am the last person you would expect to write a blog telling you to put money into something completely passive. But this is exactly why I am the right person to do it.
The Instinct Every Operator Has, and Why It Is Wrong
If someone mentions a passive real estate product to you, a real estate investor who actually does the work, a little voice in your head goes, “That is not really investing.”
Real investing has calluses, meaning you found the deal, ran the numbers, fixed the thing, dealt with the tenant, and sweated the refi. Passive feels like cheating—like the move people make when they do not have the stomach or skills to do it for real.
I get the instinct. For years, I treated “passive” like a soft word.
Here is what I eventually figured out: That instinct is a story I tell myself so I can feel superior, and those stories usually cost you money.
What Hands-On Operators Are Actually Carrying
Look at what an active portfolio really is when you strip away the pride.
It is concentrated. My money, time, and attention all point to the same handful of assets in the same general region, exposed to the same weather, local economy, and booking trends. When my market has a soft season, it all softens at once.
It is operationally heavy. Every dollar I earn is tied to something getting done, and the “something” usually gets done by me.
The cleaner cancels. The well pump dies. A platform changes its algorithm, and my whole calendar feels it. The income is good, but it is never automatic. It is wages with extra steps.
And here is the uncomfortable one: The single biggest point of failure in my entire portfolio is me. If I burn out, get hurt, or just want to take two weeks off the grid without my phone buzzing, the machine slows down. I built a business that runs on my hands, and they get tired.
None of that means active investing is wrong. I love it, and I’m never going to stop doing it. But pretending it is diversified just because I own more than one property is a lie. Owning four glamping units in the same county is the same bet, four times.
A Passive Sleeve Is a Counterweight, Not a Contradiction
So I started keeping a sleeve of my capital somewhere that does the opposite of everything I just described, because I did the math on my own risk and did not like how concentrated it was.
A passive sleeve is a counterweight to passive investing, not a replacement for it. While my active money is busy being illiquid, regional, and dependent on my labor, my passive money is sitting in something liquid-ish, real estate-backed, and dependent on nobody. When my operations have a heavy month, the passive piece pays me anyway.
That is the whole point: The two halves are supposed to behave differently. If your “diversification” all moves together, you just bought more of the same risk and gave it new names.
Where Connect Invest Fits for Someone Like Me
The product I use as my passive sleeve is Connect Invest, and it fits my brain for one specific reason: It requires zero operations.
You put money into real estate-backed Short Notes, which are pools of private real estate loans. You are on the lending side, collecting a fixed monthly income for it. That means no tenants, turnover, cleaners, or 11 p.m. hot tub texts.
The structure is refreshingly boring:
- Terms of six, 12, or 24 months, each with a defined exit date.
- Fixed annualized returns of 7.5% on the six-month note, 8% on the 12-month note, and 9% on the 24-month note.
- Income paid monthly, straight into your account.
- A $500 minimum, with no account fees.
- Every note is backed by real property and secured by first-position liens, which puts you in a senior spot if a loan goes bad.
- No accreditation required to start.
It’s not risk-free. Short Notes are investments, which can lose money. But the risk profile is different from mine and the entire job I hired it for. It is real estate income that shows up every month, while I direct my actual energy toward the assets I run with my own hands.
For an operator, that is the cleanest version of diversification there is. I get to stay in real estate, the thing I understand, without adding one more property to manage or another reason to never take a day off.
Here’s Your Permission to Do This Without Feeling Like You Sold Out
So here is the permission slip, from one hands-on operator to another: Keeping a passive sleeve makes you less fragile. The strongest operators I know are not the ones with all their chips on the table that they personally run. They are the ones who run that table beautifully and also keep money working somewhere that does not need them at all.
Start with the slice of your cash that isn’t earmarked for a deal and is just sitting there, feeling productive while earning nothing. Put that to work passively. Keep grinding on the active side exactly like you do now.
I still self-manage everything, taking direct bookings, answering messages, and driving out to the property when something breaks. What changed is that some of my money no longer depends on me to do anything, and that turned out to be the best move I have made in years.
Control is great. I built my whole business on it. But the smartest thing I ever did with control was admit there were a few dollars I was better off not having to control at all.
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