Investing is something anyone can do, including you! All you need is some funding and an intelligent approach to secure a better future for yourself financially. Plus, you can get started right away with this basic guide below.
Think About Investing In The Long-Term
In order for you to make the most of your investments, you need to think of the money as purely untouchable for at least five years or perhaps, even longer. Investing for longer periods of time will enable your funds to compound while also cushioning any market volatility.
Cashing in your investments at an inopportune time can completely destroy your hard work and your portfolio. It is important to keep the money you invest completely separate from an emergency fund that you may need to tap into in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Have A Diverse Portfolio
Never invest all of your money into one thing. Make sure you spread out your investment funding into stocks, bonds or rental properties. It also makes sense to branch out to different geographic locations.
Having different types of investments will allow you to fail at one and cushion the blow with another. Investing in funds is probably the easiest way to get started and to see the highest return for your efforts.
Know The Associated Fees
Regardless of where and how you choose to invest your money, you will have to pay certain fees. Even a seemingly small charge can eat into your profits quite prominently, which is why you need to do everything in your power to keep charges minimal.
You can figure out your fees by running the numbers on each of your accounts. Plus, try to shy away from any investment that has a high yearly percentage rate as it can cost you a lot of money.
Ignore Get Rich Quick Schemes
It seems that nowadays everyone has an idea on how to get rich quick, and though the idea may tempt you, ignore these people. There’s no way to make a lot of money in a short amount of time, and if there is, it comes with great risk and a potential to lose everything. Popular investments are especially at risk for causing the most portfolio damage.
Understand Your Investments
Never invest in a business or industry that you have no knowledge of. Whenever you decide to invest your money, know the background of the company such as what they do, how they operate, and how they make their incomes. For example, before investing in Asia, you need to understand what is going on in China, Japan etc.
Take the time to really read about a company’s background including the financial reports and any publicly released information. Know what you’re researching, and don’t get caught up in the headlines of what most marketers want you to see. Complex jargon is a red flag to remain aware of and always do your own research to gather a better understanding.
Take Your Time
Spend your efforts on research and exercise patience before committing to any investments. Remain rational and don’t abandon ship at the first sign of trouble! Remind yourself why you chose to invest in the first place, and pick the opportune time to sell.
Perhaps the best approach is to buy and hold onto your investment as long as possible. Ride out the bad waves and wait for opportunity to come along. Ultimately, by doing this, you will earn gains on gains.
Reinvest Dividends Whenever Possible
If you’re ever given the option to reinvest your dividends, take that opportunity! You can increase your dividends even more by purchasing more with the holdings you’re given. Doing this in a repetitive cycle will ensure that you get the most out of your investments and you will turn the highest profit rate.
Tap Into Your Annual ISA Allowance
Of course, when you make investments, you make money and in turn, the government also desires a cut of your profits. Fortunately, there is a way to protect yourself against this and save some money.
For example, in the UK, if you’re over 18 years of age, you can take up to £20,000 and place it in a tax-free individual savings account. Choose a stocks and shares ISA, and it will shield you from having to pay the tax on dividend payments and profits that you make when you decide to sell.
Please bear in mind that investing always carries some form of a risk and no one can tell you how to invest your money. At the end of the day, it all comes down to making a smart informed decision.
Disclaimer: This content does not necessarily represent the views of IWB.