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Investments: Where to Start?

by Raena Everett 05/24/2020

Photo by 3D Animation Production Company via Pixabay

Have you received your 401K packet? It probably had some selections to make, such as a list of investment options to choose from. A small choice like this makes a big difference down the road. Whether you own a 401K, need to fund your own retirement, are putting a down payment on a home, or have some money left to you by a relative, there are some basic investment principles.

Stocks Are Still Your Best Bet

Every decade or two, the stock market tanks, everyone panics and some people say stocks are just a gamble. And if you get excited and buy in heavily while the Dow is nearing its peak, you will have a problem when the inevitable downturn comes. But consider this: since 1957, when the S&P 500 (an index of the top 500 stocks, a more accurate all-around market measure than the Dow) was established, its issues have returned around 9 percent a year. That’s despite a decade-long slump in the 70’s, the dot.com bust of 2000, and the “Great Recession” that started in 2008. If you’re in the market for another 20, 30 or 40 years, these setbacks are merely a dip in your long-term, upward progression.

Some other pointers:

  • Dollar cost average by buying small amounts regularly over time. If you’re in a 401K, this is automatically done for you. Don’t “buy high” by jumping on board when the market’s hot.

  • If you have a 401K, try to make the maximum contribution. If your employer matches, you’re turning down free money if you don’t.

  • Don’t get excited about what’s hot today. When stocks are low, some people say gold is a no-lose choice. It’s not. It will come down. In the late 90s, day traders were bragging constantly about their latest coup, investing in startups that had never made money and never would. It came to a screaming halt in 2000. 

  • Be careful of picking individual stocks. Few people beat the market average. Even professionals who manage funds don’t do well. Favor index funds. An S&P 500 index fund buys every stock in the S&P 500. It doesn't try to outguess the market. 

  • Financial advisers may come to you suggesting their favored investment. Be leery of anyone who presents a solution before understanding your situation.

Stick to a sound, steady plan and don’t get rattled by the noise around you, and you can build a comfortable nest egg over a lifetime.

About the Author
Author

Raena Everett

Raena has an exceptionally positive outlook on life. She believes every day presents a new and exciting adventure. She also applies this attitude towards her work. She was raised in Bangor, Maine until she moved to Venice in 2011. She graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with a bachelors degree in public management. She has been an entrepreneur her entire life, owning several small businesses in Maine. She contributes her success to her problem solving skills and her commitment to excellent customer service. These skills will easily carry over to her real estate career. Her market knowledge and customer service will provide great service to her real estate clients.

She is currently a Realtor(R) for Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in the Venice office.