How to start my investment portfolio

Although you may often think about investing, it’s quite easy to be apprehensive, especially when you consider all of the details of getting started. Your mind may be full of questions, such as who should I call? How much shall I invest? How often will I invest? Is my invested money safe and protected?

Completing this worksheet will help you take the first steps toward investing your money:

How much will you save every month to get your investment portfolio up and running?

Remember no amount is too small. Even $50 per month will get an investment account going. If the minimum buy-in for a stock or mutual fund is $500, continue depositing money regularly so that once you reach the minimum buy-in amount, you can make the investment.

What are your financial goals?

Identify your goals and plan small steps to achieve them. Because your financial goals will no doubt change over time, have a spiral notebook dedicated to your financial goals and notes. Note down any matters of concern or anything new that needs to be followed up.

What will you save for? 

Tertiary education

Buying a home 

Dream Vacation 

Retirement     

All of the above 

The length of time required to save for whatever you want will largely determine the most advantageous strategy in diversifying your investment portfolio.

What level of risk have you considered for your investment dollars?

Speak with a reputable investment professional who will help you diversify your investment portfolio to include low, medium and high risk investments. If you’re a high-risk taker, you might be comfortable making some higher risk investments. If not, go for medium- or low-risk investments.

Many investment professionals also suggest placing higher percentages of your money in higher risk investments the younger you are. As you age, it’s wise to shift the higher percentages of your monies into medium and lower risk investments.

What kinds of investments are you interested in?

Property 

Stocks 

Mutual Funds

Bonds

Before purchasing any investment vehicle it is important to list questions about them and ask your investment professional to ensure you understand how your dollars will grow.  

Which stocks are you interested in purchasing? 

Pay attention to business news on TV, the internet and in your local newspaper. This will help you form opinions about companies you might want to invest in. Subscribe to a financial magazine to learn more.

Which mutual funds are you considering? 

Mutual funds can be wise investments because they are set up to include several companies together. Any losses by one will hopefully be offset by the business gains experienced by others.

Are you thinking about investing in property?

Get in touch with Hallie Hill our property investment consultant for advice.

How to locate a reputable investment professional to get started? 

Ask friends/relatives who they use.

Call a professional who advertises in the newspaper.

Do an internet search for a qualified professional in your area.

The first time you meet with an investment professional, examine your thoughts about the person and the business. Avoid feeling pressured to deposit money with the firm right then.

Make it a point to meet with 2 or 3 professionals until you find the one you’re comfortable with.

Write the date, name and telephone number of the investment professionals you’ll call. Include names and numbers of 2 additional professionals to compare notes about the three of them. Finally, after you meet with each one, circle the person you plan to do business with.

You’re going to feel so accomplished when you get started on your investment journey! Why not get started today?

Click here to grab a copy of your Investing Worksheet.