Investment Talk

All things investments; from risk management and strategy, to various products and expectations. Feature articles on what some investors have made, and insights into industry standards, as well as, the more creative and innovative alternatives.

Step by Step

  • 1. Buy or Sell - What is there?

    Basically, anything that helps you grow your wealth by providing returns over time, is an investment. Where you spend your money every day is where you are choosing to 'invest' it. There are such a variety of products out their to potentially grow your wealth. Some require a large initial investment and others you can start with a very small amount. Each type of investment product has its own risk profile, return potential, and purpose. The right choice depends on how you feel about risk, how much you realistically would like to make, and how long you would like to invest for. Basically, the most important aspect is choosing something that suits you. Diversifying across several products can help manage risk and steady growth in your portfolio.

  • 2. What's the Plan?

    Once again, everything has to align with what you want and who you are. Coming up with your own strategic plan will improve your investing results. Allocate your capital in a way that aligns with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Use a strategy that caters to your investment style. There are various investment strategies that are quite unique from one another. Some are well-suited for long-term, passive investors, whilst others are for active management, more dynamic, short-term investors. There is no right or wrong. Understanding each strategy's strengths and weaknesses will allow you to create a plan tailored to your individual needs and financial goals.

  • 3. Don't Risk it All

    Risk management, is an integral part. You should always identify and assess potential losses. Yes, this sounds extremely dull and boring. However, it is through risk management that you can protect your capital/investment while aiming for your desired returns. Risk management is simply about balance. Balance potential rewards with the level of risk you're willing to accept. That's where the enjoyment comes in. You can then enjoy the process of diversifying your investments, using different strategic tools, and continuously monitoring your portfolio. For me, this is the playful part. Work with volatility instead of fighting against it. Do you want to surf the big waves or just put your feet in? Are you the rollercoaster type or prefer the merry-go-round? You get to choose your own adventure to completely suit your personality.

  • 4. Expect the Unexpected

    What can an investor anticipate or hope to achieve from their investments over time? These expectations often revolve around the potential return, risks involved, and the timeframe needed to meet financial goals. However, understanding realistic investment expectations is key to making informed decisions and avoiding disappointment or unnecessary risks.

  • 5. Industry Standards - Basic or Not

    Different types of investments come with standardized risk and return expectations. People rely on these general categories to create balanced portfolios. Stocks (Equities): Expected annual returns over the long term typically range between 7-10%. Bonds (Fixed Income): Expected to yield 2-6%, depending on the issuer and the type (government or corporate bonds). Cash: Typically, savings accounts yield less than 2% per year. Real Estate: Approximately 6-8% annually.

  • 6. Let's Play: Innovation & Creativity

    Innovation and creativity in investments are redefining how we think about wealth creation, risk management, and access to financial markets. Whether through fintech solutions, alternative assets like cryptocurrencies, AI-driven strategies, or sustainable investing, the investment world is continually evolving. These innovations are allowing investors of all levels to engage in dynamic, personalized, and impactful ways, while opening up new opportunities to align investments with both financial goals and personal values.

A Deeper Dive

A Guide to Different Types of Investment Products

Here is an information sheet on different types of investment products. It is an overall rundown on what is out there. It is your job to pick and choose what works for you. Start with one and expand from there. Consider what you are genuinely interested in, what your financial goals are and what your initial investment size is.

Find the right Investment Strategy for you

Choosing the right investment strategy depends on an your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. While growth and momentum investing offer high returns for risk-takers, income and value investing provide a more conservative approach for those seeking stability.

Risk Management

Risk is the main reason people steer away from investments. Therefore, learning how to manage it, is key to achieving the financial results you are after.

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Frequently asked questions

  • Many people want to know where to start when investing. Common answers include index funds, mutual funds, and ETFs, which provide diversified exposure with lower risk for beginners. There are also Robo-advisors, which are platforms (like Betterment or Wealthfront) that automatically create a diversified portfolio based on your risk tolerance and goals, offering a hands-off approach to investing.

    I, personally, started with foreign exchange. Many people would advise against this, however, it was something that really intrigued me. I enjoyed educating myself about it and then liked that it was something I could invest a small amount in to begin.

  • Understanding the risk associated with different investment types is crucial. People frequently ask how to evaluate risk and balance it against potential returns. This often involves understanding concepts like volatility, market conditions, and the time horizon.

  • Investors frequently ask how much money they need to start investing. The answer depends on the investment vehicle and the individual's financial situation, but there are many options for starting small, like fractional shares or micro-investing platforms that allow you to invest with as little as $50. A common approach is to invest 10-15% of your income regularly. However, this will depend on your savings goals, debts, and financial obligations.

  • Deciding between various asset classes is a major question. Each has its own benefits and risks, so people often seek guidance from a financial advisor or financial planner. Again, it comes down to your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon.

    • Stocks: Higher potential returns but come with greater risk. Ideal for long-term investors who can handle market volatility. Stocks are often the core of a portfolio aiming for growth.

    • Bonds: These are loans to governments or companies. Bonds tend to be safer than stocks, offering lower but more stable returns. They are ideal for risk-averse investors or those nearing retirement.

    • Real Estate: Offers income (through rent) and the potential for capital appreciation. Investing in real estate can require more capital upfront, but Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) offer a way to invest in property without directly buying buildings.

    Our you could opt for a balanced approach. Many investors use a combination of these assets in their portfolio for diversification. For example, a typical balanced portfolio might include 60% stocks, 30% bonds, and 10% real estate.

  • Portfolio diversification is key to managing risk, and many people want to know how to spread their investments across different sectors, asset classes, and regions to minimize potential losses while maximizing gains.

    • Asset Allocation: Divide your investments among different asset classes (stocks, bonds, real estate, commodities, etc.). Your asset allocation should reflect your risk tolerance and investment goals. For example, a young investor with a high-risk tolerance might hold 80% in stocks and 20% in bonds, while a more conservative investor might hold 40% stocks and 60% bonds.

    • Sector Diversification: Within each asset class, diversify across industries. For stocks, you might invest in technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and financial services, rather than putting all your money into one sector.

    • Geographic Diversification: Invest in both domestic and international markets to protect against economic downturns in any one region.

    • Rebalancing: Periodically review and adjust your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your target allocation. Over time, market performance can shift your balance, so regular rebalancing helps maintain the right risk level.

  • Tax efficiency is a common concern. Investors want to know about strategies like tax-loss harvesting, investing in tax-advantaged accounts, or choosing tax-efficient funds to minimize their tax burden on returns.

    The answer will differ according to the country and state that you reside in. However, topics to ask your accountant about include:

    • Tax-Advantaged Accounts: Maximize contributions to tax-deferred or tax-free accounts. For example, an account where your contributions grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals in retirement aren’t taxed.

    • Tax-Loss Harvesting: This involves selling investments at a loss to offset gains elsewhere in your portfolio, which can lower your tax bill. Many robo-advisors offer this feature automatically.

    • Dividend and Capital Gains Taxes: Be aware of how dividends and capital gains are taxed. Holding investments for over a year can possibly qualify you for lower long-term capital gains taxes.

    • Tax-Efficient Funds: Some funds are designed to minimize tax impact. For instance, certain ETFs and index funds are more tax-efficient due to lower turnover rates.

    • Consider Holding Periods: Long-term holdings (held for over a year) are potentially taxed at lower rates than short-term holdings.

    Be sure to speak with your accountant to seek their advice on taxes on your investments.