Get involved in a booming real estate market. : The stock market has been thriving recently, which is good news for your 401(k). But, the stock market is notoriously fickle, so it's always a good idea to diversify your investment portfolio to protect and increase your wealth. One of the best investments you can make? Real estate. Sure, buying property sounds obviously smart. Going about it is a lot more difficult than you may think, however, especially if you're buying purely as an investment opportunity not just to live somewhere.