Episode 54: Why I Still Prefer Real Estate After a 30% SpaceX IPO Gain

In this episode of the Student of Money podcast, I share why I decided to record my first new episode in over a year after participating in the SpaceX IPO through E*TRADE. Back in 1999, I was actively investing in IPOs during the dot-com era, when online brokerage accounts were still new and retail access to IPOs was rare. After seeing a 30% gain in less than two days on the SpaceX IPO, it reminded me of those early internet investing days. But this episode is not just about a stock trade. It is about the difference between fast gains and long-term wealth creation. With stocks, you typically have to sell to realize your gain. With real estate, the wealth-building model is different. You can benefit from appreciation, cash flow, leverage, depreciation, and the ability to refinance without selling the asset. I break down why quick stock market wins can be exciting, but why I still believe real estate remains one of the best vehicles for building durable, long-term wealth.