Investing is a great, and popular method of expanding one’s wealth. But with that being said, it’s not as easy as just dumping money into an account and watching it grow. To reach your long-term financial goals, you can’t just set it and forget it, you need investment management.
Common Myths about Investing
Before we dive into the investing process and methods, we should address some of the common myths that prevent people from investing.
1. You need a lot of money to make money
There’s a common misconception that investing firms or stockbrokers won’t even take your call. This isn’t the case. Regardless of the size of your initial investment, with effective investment management, and consistent, monthly contributions to your investment account.
2. It’s TOO Risky
While we can’t deny the existence of risk in investing, it’s typically nowhere near the perceived amount. When it comes to investing, YOU control the level of risk. This is what we refer to as Asset Allocation. Asset Allocation helps you control the level of risk you take. At Magellan Financial, we often will have a new investor invest more conservatively than their age/personality would typically indicate when they start investing.
Also, with investment management, you can limit this risk even more. For example, if your investments aren’t going as well, or if other opportunities emerge based upon market trends, an experienced investment manager can adjust your investments to maximize profitability.
3. $1 Million Is The Goal
While $1 Million is certainly nothing to sneeze at, it doesn’t carry the same value it once did due to inflation and longer life expectancies. When you work with an experienced investment manager, they’ll help map out your financial goals based upon your personal information. Then, with constant investment management, you will be able to reach these financial goals.
How To Achieve Your Financial Goals With Investment Management
1. Identify Your Goals
If you do not establish your goals and a plan, how will you know where you’re going? On top of that, how will you measure success? Create a clear sense of direction and define success with your investment planner. Success doesn’t come overnight. It starts with a plan. Lay out your goals, and plan from there.
- Examples Of Short-Term Goals Examples:
- Saving for a summer vacation
- Buying a car in the next couple of years
- Examples Of Long-Term Goals Examples:
- Paying off all of your debt
- Buying a house
- Starting a business
For more helpful tips about goal setting in regards to your financial future, please read our previous articles:
2. Prioritize Your Goals
Which of the goals are most important to you or have the greatest impact on you? If you have a lot of debt, you should consider tackling that first, then move on to your other goals.
With that being said, be prepared for change! Priorities are dynamic. Your life and current financial situation change all the time (for better or for worse). When your situation changes, both your short and long-term goals need to shift. This might be a temporary shift or a long-term adjustment. Either way, it will ultimately help you achieve your larger vision.
3. Work With An Experienced Investment Manager
Once you’ve established your goals list, share it with your investment manager. By understanding your goals and priorities, they will be able to formulate a plan to help best suit your needs.
Also, as stated above, investing is not a one-and-done type of ordeal. Effective and profitable investing requires constant management, evaluation, research, and just an overall understanding of the market. To ensure you’re placing your assets in the best opportunities possible, you need to work together with an experienced investment manager.
What are some worries or problems you have when it comes to investing? Let us know in the comments below!
