Safe-Haven Assets to Protect Your Money During Iran Tensions

Find safe investments to keep your income safe during U.S.-Iran conflict. Learn simple strategies for tough markets.

Why This Matters Now

The world got shakier on June 21, 2025. The U.S. hit Iran’s nuclear sites. Oil prices jumped to $81.40 a barrel by June 23. Stocks tanked—the S&P 500 fell 3% since June 13. Gold shot up to $3,365 an ounce. People are nervous. They’re grabbing safe investments to protect their cash.

At SteadyIncomeInvestments.com, we help you find ways to keep your money steady. Below, we’ll cover three safe picks—gold funds, U.S. government bonds, and utility stocks. These can pay you regularly, even if oil hits $100 a barrel. We’ll share easy tips to get started. Want to know if your money can handle this mess? Let’s dig in.

What’s Happening with Iran

The Conflict and Your Wallet

The U.S. attacked Iran’s nuclear plants, saying they were a threat. Iran pumps 3.8 million barrels of oil daily. If they fight back, oil could get pricier. The Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the world’s oil flows, might get blocked. Oil’s already up 18% since June 10. Some say $100 oil is next. That could make gas and groceries cost more.

Stocks are wobbly. The S&P 500 dropped 3% in 10 days. But safe stuff like gold and U.S. bonds is hot. Gold hit $3,365 an ounce on June 19. The 10-year U.S. bond pays 4.38% and stays steady. These protect your money when things get crazy.

Why Safe Investments Help

Safe investments hold their value when markets flip out. They’re not flashy like tech stocks. They focus on keeping your money safe and paying you regularly. For our readers, these are perfect for steady cash flow, no matter what’s on the news.

The Iran mess brings three big worries:

1. Higher Prices: Expensive oil could make everything cost more, hurting your budget.

2. Stock Drops: Scary news makes stocks fall, shrinking your savings.

3. Money Value Changes: A stronger U.S. dollar could mess with foreign investments.

Gold, bonds, and utility stocks fight these problems. They stay calm, protect against price spikes, and pay you cash.

Safe Pick 1: Gold Funds

Why Gold’s a Winner

Gold’s been valuable forever. When wars or crises hit, its price climbs. It’s at $3,365 an ounce now because of Iran fears. Gold doesn’t pay you like stocks, but it holds its value when markets crash. It’s like a safety net.

For regular folks, gold funds, called ETFs, are the way to go. They’re like stocks but follow gold’s price. You don’t need to store gold bars. Funds like SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) are easy to buy and sell.

How to Use Gold

Put 10–15% of your money in gold funds. For $100,000, that’s $10,000–$15,000. GLD costs $310.50 a share and has a tiny 0.40% fee. If oil keeps rising, gold could go higher. It doesn’t move with stocks, so it balances your money. In 2008, gold rose 5% while stocks fell 37%. In 2020, it jumped 25% during COVID.

Tips to Start

• Pick a Good Fund: Buy GLD or iShares Gold Trust (IAU, 0.25% fee) for low costs.

• Don’t Overdo It: Keep gold at 10–15% so you’re not stuck if prices drop.

• Watch News: Iran’s moves or oil supply cuts could push gold up.

• Check Yearly: If gold’s worth too much, sell some and buy other safe stuff.

Safe Pick 2: U.S. Government Bonds

The Safest Bet

U.S. government bonds, or Treasuries, are super safe. The government promises to pay you back. The 10-year bond pays 4.38% now. If you put in $10,000, you get $438 a year, paid twice. Iran tensions made these bonds popular, keeping their value steady.

Bonds are great for regular payments. They’re also free from state taxes, so you keep more. They’re a calm spot in a wild market.

How to Use Bonds

Spread your bond money across different years—like 2, 5, and 10 years. This gives you cash often and lets you grab higher rates later. For $50,000, put $10,000 in five different bonds. You get steady payments and can sell if needed. The iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEF) pays 4.2% and mixes bonds for you.

Bonds also help if the economy slows. If oil causes trouble, bond prices might rise, balancing stock losses.

Tips to Start

• Buy Smart: Get bonds at TreasuryDirect.gov for free or use IEF for variety.

• Focus on 10-Year Bonds: They pay 4.38% and don’t swing much.

• Spread Out: Buy bonds with different end dates to stay flexible.

• Watch the Fed: Rates might stay high in 2025, keeping bonds attractive.

Safe Pick 3: Utility Stocks

Cash from Power and Water

Utility stocks run electric and water companies. People always need these, so utilities keep paying dividends—3–4% a year. When Iran news hit, utilities held strong. The Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) fell just 1%, while stocks dropped 3%.

Stocks like NextEra Energy (3.2% dividend) and Duke Energy (3.8% dividend) are solid. They pay you regularly and grow a bit. Higher oil prices might even help them earn more.

How to Use Utilities

Put 20–25% of your money in utilities. For $20,000, you could earn $600–$800 a year in dividends. XLU, with a 0.09% fee, covers the whole sector and pays 3.1%. Utilities don’t jump around like tech stocks. In 2022, they fell 5% while stocks dropped 18%. Their dividends also fight higher prices.

Tips to Start

• Find Strong Stocks: Look for 3–4% dividends and years of steady payments.

• Use ETFs: Buy XLU or Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU, 3% dividend) for safety.

• Track Oil: Higher oil might boost utility profits.

• Reinvest Cash: Let dividends buy more shares to grow your money.

Putting It Together

A Safe Money Plan

Mix gold funds, bonds, and utilities for a strong setup. For $100,000, try this:

• Gold Funds (12%): $12,000 in GLD to guard against price spikes.

• Bonds (30%): $30,000 in bonds for 4.38% payments.

• Utilities (25%): $25,000 in XLU for 3–4% dividends.

• Cash or Other (33%): $33,000 for flexibility or growth.

This could pay $2,500–$3,000 a year and stay calm during market chaos.

Watch Out

• Gold: It might not grow in quiet times. Check its price.

• Bonds: Higher rates could lower bond value. Spread out dates.

• Utilities: New rules or rates might hurt dividends. Pick strong companies.

Check your mix every year to keep it balanced.

Can Your Money Handle $100 Oil?

Picture oil at $100 a barrel. Prices soar, stocks crash 10%. Will your cash flow survive? Gold funds protect your savings. Bonds pay 4.38% no matter what. Utility dividends keep coming. Start this plan now to stay safe.

The Numbers

• Gold: $3,365 an ounce on June 19, up 5% in a week.

• Oil: $81.40 a barrel on June 23, up 18% since June 10.

• Stocks: S&P 500 down 3% since June 13.

• Bonds: 10-year bond at 4.38%, steady demand.

• Utilities: XLU down 1% vs. stocks’ 3% drop.

These show why safe picks matter now.

Wrap-Up: Keep Your Money Safe

The Iran conflict makes markets scary. But gold funds, U.S. bonds, and utility stocks can protect your cash. Gold fights price spikes. Bonds pay 4.38% reliably. Utilities give 3–4% dividends and stay steady. Try 12% gold, 30% bonds, and 25% utilities. Buy GLD, set up bonds, and grab XLU. Watch the news and adjust yearly.

At SteadyIncomeInvestments.com, we want you to feel secure. Start these steps today. Your money can handle this storm.