Investing Crash Course
The world of investing may appear unknown or even scary to people. The power and potential of investing has been demonstrated time after time. Are you a new investor or looking for advice on how to get the most out of your investments? Here are several tips you can implement in your financial plan and lifestyle.
Have a consistent long-term plan
This may appear as a no-brainer, but many Americans do not have a long-term financial plan. It can be easy to get caught up in the day to day activities of life, so working with a financial advisor can assist in keeping your actions aligned with your long-term goals. Another issue many people create is not sticking with their plan. A Fidelity article stated, “Roughly 40% of the people who took the time to look at their plan decided to make changes to their saving or investing strategy.” Consulting with your advisor can help avoid any of these potentially costly mistakes.
Stick with your plan through market volatility
It is natural to want to withdraw money or slow down contributions once you see volatility in the market. This can be a terrible mistake you do not want to make! We have seen time and time again that the investors that are persistent through market volatility are generously rewarded for it. If you’re concerned with market volatility, consult with your advisor about your asset allocation. When the market appears volatile, it is important to consider your personal timeline as well as asset allocation to weather the good with the bad.
Diversification
Having a portfolio composed of different investment vehicles, such as stocks, bonds, and cash, can help investors be protected from turns in the market. The concept behind diversification isn’t intended to get as much money out of the market as you can; it is to get a large portion over a long-term period with less volatility.
Focus on after-tax returns
Not only is it important to consider returns, it is important to consider how the returns are taxed. Taxes are taken out at different points depending on the specific investment vehicles. There are taxable investment accounts and tax-deferred investment accounts. You can consult with your financial advisor, as well as a tax advisor, about the tax implications of your specific investments.
While there is a lot of complexity that can arise when dealing with finances, there are some basic principles you can use to guide you. If you have any questions, consult with your financial advisor or give us a call at (229) 245-6022.
https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/investing-ideas/six-habits-successful-investors
Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advice offered through GWM Advisors, a registered investment advisor. GWM Advisors and Southern Point Investment Partners are separate entities from LPL Financial.
There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.
Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.