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Summary of Investments

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Summary of Investments

Developing an investment plan is a key driver in achieving your future goals. The more you build your knowledge about the different types of investments, their risks, and opportunity for growth, the more likely you are to build an investment portfolio you are comfortable with.

Be sure to keep the following factors in mind before making decisions to buy investments:

  • Financial goals, time horizon and risk tolerance level.
  • Asset allocation strategy: how much will you invest in stocks, bonds, and cash?
  • Diversification: how will you diversify your investment dollars in each of your asset allocation categories to ensure you don’t have "all of your eggs in one basket"?
  • Are you a do-it-yourself investor or do you prefer to work with a financial advisor?

Take time to answer these questions and then begin the process of developing your personal investment plan. It can be very rewarding watching your hard-earned dollars grow over time so that you can achieve the financial success you desire.

Things to do

  • Make a list of financial goals you would like to achieve in your life. Focus on goals for the next 10–15 years for starters.
  • Try to contribute money to your retirement plan starting day one of your full-time career. It will make a big difference in your future.
  • If you haven’t already, open a separate savings account and save money specifically for the purpose of building an emergency fund and saving for short-term goals.
  • Do a little research on investing in stocks and bonds to continue building your knowledge.
  • Learn more about the S&P 500 and investing in an index fund.
  • Think about how you feel about risk when it comes to investing.
  • Talk to trusted friends and family about a financial advisor to consider meeting with.
  • Google "mutual funds" and learn more about them.

What you have learned

  1. Reasons to Invest
  2. Types of Investments: Cash
  3. Types of Investments: Bonds
  4. Types of Investments: Stocks
  5. Diversification and Mutual Funds
  6. Asset Allocation

Find out what you have learned