Collectables can be a nice private way to go. Just don't get into any collectable that you don't love. If your only in it for the money, you won't do the kind of research you need to do to make good purchases. Also, if you love whatever it is you won't really be burned if you end up with something you are 'stuck with' for a decade or two. If you dig baseball cards or china dolls or anything, there are people who collect it. They have books, web sites and meets/shows. Find something you have a passion for, and dig in. Then as years go by you can sell stuff off as you need to.