Do NOT do gold or silver. Max out a Roth IRA which is just a type of mutual fund (you get taxed when you withdraw so you will probably be in a lower tax bracket in retirement). Real estate/ rentals are not a bad way to go but will require a lot of work. Talk to a financial advisor just don't let him sell you anything. Look up Dave Ramsey for down thing to read. He will teach you all the basics about what you need to know to really get started the right way.
I would suggest diversifying your investment types. First off, everyone needs the 3 buckets- short, medium and long term savings.
Start by having 3-6 months worth of expenses in a savings account. 100% liquid, and expect to not get any interest on it.
I'd get a cash value life insurance policy that you can overfund. I can't speak for Canadian laws, but those are the most tax friend in the US. Mutual funds have risk, and you pay taxes on the growth of your money when you cash them out. With a life insurance policy, it's technically a loan against the cash value and is tax free money to use in retirement.
You're not going to be able to do it on your own. First of all, you just can't buy a policy without going through a licensed agent/certified planner. I understand your hesitation, and you should be hesitant. Many investors will push you to the mutual fund their company is currently pushing them to sell at the moment. Many won't even talk to you until you have $100,000 cash to invest. I say find a broker who can access multiple companies and build a relationship with them. You want an advisor you can trust, personally and professionally.
As for question 4- not many. In the US, only 5% of workers make over $100,000/yr. Doctors and lawyers are among the top, but also require the most education, training and often incur debt along the way. Many sales fields, especially larger commercial salespeople can make that type of income. Business owners, financial planners and highly specialized engineering management can get to that salary level as well.
You don't need to compare yourself to anyone, no idea why you say you must.
As for not trusting financial advisors - you're trusting people here? I'd rather go to an advisor, or read up on investments yourself. God knows what free advice you'll get from faceless neophytes here, but if it's worth what you pay for it, you're lucky.
Go mutual funds and stocks, semi-aggressive portfolio if you have a long-term vision in mind.
Rental Properties
Here are my questions:
1. I make 250k after taxes(Minus 44k which I have the power to lower that amount that goes for something else so lets jus say 210k/year)
2. In terms of investing if my goal is to protect from inflation/ and I'm in it for the long term prospects are mutual funds the way to go( I plan on investing a small amount in various other things)
3. I don't trust any finical advisor I would pre-fer to do this on my own but lack the knowledge what books can you guys recommend I read to learn the basics? ( just bought the intelligent investor)
4.Saying that I make 210k-250k after taxes in today's world is this a good outlook or medium class or high class or what) what are jobs that pay out this type of salary 250k tax free or after taxes( I need to compare myself to someone if your wondering why) like doctors (Don't say lawyers) ?
ITS ALL IN CANADIAN FUNDS BTW
