Tim Tebow says Belichick nixed his $1M one-day payday, then cut him ‘days’ later. Here are the top financial takeaways

Often, the smartest play is to put yourself in a position where a sudden setback doesn’t derail your whole life. And even if you do nothing else, only two simple steps can help you stay financially steady.

Build a buffer before you need it

When income disappears without warning, the fallout can be immediate — bills still arrive, expenses keep piling up and credit cards start looking like the only option. That’s why having cash set aside isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifeline.

An emergency fund gives you the breathing room to handle life’s surprises without derailing your finances. Whether it’s a medical bill, a sudden car repair or an unexpected job loss, that cushion helps you stay afloat while you figure out the next step.

So how big should that safety net be?

Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey suggests having an emergency fund that can cover three to six months worth of living expenses. What matters most, though, is consistency — adding a little at a time until your safety net starts to take shape.

To get started, a high-yield account, such as a Wealthfront Cash Account, can be a great place to grow your emergency fund, offering both competitive interest rates and easy access to your cash when you need it.

A Wealthfront Cash Account can provide a base variable APY of 3.50%, but Moneywise readers can get an exclusive 0.65% boost over their first three months for a total APY of 4.15% provided by program banks on your uninvested cash. That’s over nine times the national deposit savings rate, according to the FDIC’s November report.

With no minimum balances or account fees, as well as 24/7 withdrawals and free domestic wire transfers, you can ensure your funds remain accessible at all times. Plus, Wealthfront Cash Account balances of up to $8 million are insured by the FDIC through program banks.

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Create income that doesn’t depend on a paycheck

Tebow’s experience is a reminder that even the most promising opportunities can disappear in an instant. For everyday workers, that uncertainty often shows up in the form of layoffs, reduced hours or shifting company priorities. You can protect yourself by building income streams that don’t rely on your employer at all.

One of the most time-tested strategies to generate passive income is through real estate investing. Owning a rental property can generate monthly cash flow from tenants while also serving as a hedge against inflation — since property values and rental prices tend to rise over time alongside the cost of living.

However, being a landlord comes with its challenges. You’ll need to find and screen tenants, ensure rent is collected on time and deal with maintenance and repairs — out of pocket. And that’s assuming you can afford a down payment and qualify for a mortgage in the first place.

The good news? You don’t have to buy a property outright to invest in real estate anymore.

Mogul is a real estate investment platform offering fractional ownership in blue-chip rental properties, which gives investors monthly rental income, real-time appreciation and tax benefits — without the need for a hefty down payment or 3 A.M. tenant calls.

Founded by former Goldman Sachs real estate investors, the team hand-picks the top 1% of single-family rental homes nationwide for you. Simply put, you can invest in institutional quality offerings for a fraction of the usual cost.

Each property undergoes a vetting process, requiring a minimum 12% return even in downside scenarios. Across the board, the platform features an average annual IRR of 18.8%. Their cash-on-cash yields, meanwhile, average between 10 to 12% annually. Offerings often sell out in under three hours, with investments typically ranging between $15,000 and $40,000 per property.

Every investment is secured by real assets, not dependent on the platform’s viability. Each property is held in a standalone Propco LLC, so investors own the property — not the platform. Blockchain-based fractionalization adds a layer of safety, ensuring a permanent, verifiable record of each stake.

Getting started is a quick and easy process. You can sign up for an account and then browse available properties. Once you verify your information with their team, you can invest like a mogul in just a few clicks.

Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to triple net leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.