First of all, for most of the US population having a $100,000 is just an absurd impossibility, particularly in 1998 when considering inflation.   That said there is still a sizable number of people where such an opportunity is completely feasible...and I really hate those people.  Just kidding!  I hope to join your ranks...someday. Anyway, thanks to Gawker (man, that website is all over the place now...it's like Digg with spell check) I checked out this interesting New York Magazine article breaking down what the return today would have been if in 1998 you invested $100,000 in the following:

  1. Harlem townhouse shell
  2. One-bedroom co-op in the Le Havre Complex in Whitestone, Queens
  3. 3,298 shares of Apple stock
  4. 1,500 shares of TheGlobe.com stock (initial IPO high of $97 a share)
  5. 323 ounces of gold
  6. Consumers.com (yes, you bought a domain name)
  7. 20 Hermes Kelly bags
  8. BMW 750IL
  9. Two Steinway Model B grand pianos
  10. 64 cases of 1998 Dom Perignon
  11. Keith Haring's painting Untitled (1983)

Before clicking to find out which item would have given you the biggest return, which do YOU think is the most valuable today.   Hint: If you say TheGlobe.com shares then I will say you are an IDIOT and banned from reading my blog.  Or ever giving an opinion again.

Answer and rest of article here.

Either way, am I the only one that got super depressed after reading this?

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