Your portfolio of investments and how you allocate them is key to your success as an investor. The assets in your portfolio will vary depending on the time and money you are willing to risk. You may have years to invest and are willing to ride the waves of the market. Or you may have limited time so may choose to be more conservative with your portfolio.
With higher-risk investments, you may be in line for a bigger return. But only if you’re willing to take that risk in the first place. Whatever your situation, here are a few elements that will help your investment portfolio be a success.
Stocks
Stocks are probably the most common thing you think of when investing. If you have the time and resources to continually watch and monitor the ups and downs of the market, invest in individual stocks. You must be diligent and work hard at this type of investment, but it can pay off if done right.
For a more succinct investment, look into index funds. With an index fund, an investor can buy shares of many stocks at the same time. They are grouped according to indices, such as the S&P 500. The price movements of each stock in the index are averaged, and the value of the index fund fluctuates as this average goes up or down. With an index fund, you are investing in many equities at the same time.
With the S&P 500, for example, you are investing in 500 different stocks simultaneously. There are many different index funds that can range from stocks and bonds to real estate investments. Index funds generally have a much lower cost, so they are available to a wider variety of investors. They can instantly give you an array of investments to add to your portfolio.
If you’d prefer an even wider-ranged approach, check out mutual funds. These are managed by a professional that will do all the research and monitoring for you. They will pool your money with other investors and select the best investments. This will diversify your portfolio in a much wider sense than you may have been able to do on your own.
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are funds invested in several different stocks within the same category. They could be invested in major established companies or small businesses that have a strong potential for growth. You can choose to invest in several different ETFs to diversify and build up your portfolio and return.
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Bonds
Another addition to your portfolio could be in the form of bonds. A bond is a loan made to a corporation or government that includes a fixed amount of interest and payment to you as the investor. When these institutions need to raise funds for a new project, refinance debts, or maintain their current operations, they issue a bond directly to an investor.
They will outline the terms of the payback of the loan. This should include the schedule of interest payments and rates, as well as the date of expiration or maturity when the final payment must be made. After being issued the bond, you may also be able to sell your bond to other investors. You can also buy back your investment if interest rates decline, or if due to their own financial increase, the borrower is able to sell it back to you at a lower rate.
Roth IRA
A Roth IRA is a retirement account where you pay taxes on the money you deposit. Once you reach the age of 59 ½ and have had your account open for five years, all future withdrawals are tax-free. If you are single, your annual income may not exceed $139,000 to qualify. If married, the limit is $206,000 annually. You may use your account contributions for investments in stocks, payment of insurance premiums (dependent on 12 weeks of unemployment compensation), higher education costs, and some medical expenses.
Employer Matched 401(k)
Another key investment retirement account is your 401(k). This is an account set up by your employer that you can contribute to regularly. For both the traditional and Roth 401(k) accounts, your employer may match your contributions. The amount will vary depending on your specific company. Suppose your employer matched your contribution dollar-for-dollar, you would be earning 100% back. Whatever amount your employer contributes; you will see an immediate return on your investment.
A traditional 401(k) reduces the income tax for the year but taxes all withdrawals. This type of account may appeal to you if you expect that after retirement you will be in a lower tax bracket. This way you can take advantage of the tax breaks immediately. A Roth 401(k) however, would be beneficial if after retirement you think you may be on the higher end of taxes.
For example, if you are a younger employee and foresee your salary substantially rising over time, it may be best to pay the taxes now and be able to go tax-free later. For this type of account, you would make contributions with post-tax income, but your withdrawals are tax-free.
Buy a Home
Purchasing a home is a great way to stop paying rent and put that money into equity. Once you put a down payment on your house, the property will begin to gain value, also referred to as appreciation. This appreciation then becomes money in your pocket.
Suppose you put a down payment of $20,000 on your $100,000 house and it gained just 4% appreciation, or $4,000, in the first year. That means you just just earned 20% of that investment back. This could be a very practical investment that benefits your return as well as adds diversity to your portfolio.
Whether you are a high net worth individual investing for the first time or a well-established business looking to bump up your revenue, having a strong investment portfolio is key. Investing requires you to take a risk with your own money, your company’s, or your family’s. That’s why it is important to do the research and get the facts.
You want to build your wealth in the best way possible. The goal you want to achieve must always be at the forefront of your mind. That will help you to make the right choices along the way. If you need help, you can find a financial advisor ready to guide you and give you the steps to make that goal a reality. Your future is important. Make sure it is in the right hands.