When it comes to investing, different people have different perspectives and opinions. Investing is the process of putting money to work for us in one way or another. Investing is not a one-size-fits-all proposition, and there are numerous types of investment.
In Investing 101, we will be going through the basics of investing and debunking myths related to investing. At the end of the blog, it should hopefully be able to influence you positively to get started on investing in what’s right for you!
What is Investing?
When you talk to people about investing. They will say they invest in this or that which may not be related to what you have invested. That’s fine because there are various types of investments available, including stocks, real estate, cryptocurrency, and even your education. Investment vehicles refer to various types of investments. There is no one size fits all investment vehicle out there.
Everyone has their choice of investment vehicle they wish to drive, some may be slower or faster than others but at the end of the day. Its purpose is to get you to your destination. In that sense, the only way you can improve or upgrade your investment is with more input. Be it more money deposited or dedicating more time which improves compound interest.
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Choosing the right vehicle for the right terrine is equally important. We can’t have a race car traveling up the mountainous terrain. Same for investing, picking the right strategy that matches the type of investment we choose be it one with high volatility.
Types of Investment for You
Before you start investing your money into the stock market or anything. Do read up and understand the 7 levels of financial freedom to get you started on the fundamentals to have before putting your money to work!
The best way to try out multiple investments is diversification, maybe not real estate (those are expensive), but you can try putting money into a lower-cost investment such as index funds, REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust), crypto, or starting your own side hustle. This way, you have skin in the game and know what investment asset you like better.
1) Equities for Long-Term Growth
Stocks, also known as equities, represent ownership shares in a company.
Investors purchase stocks, and as the company grows and profits, the stock value increases, offering potential capital appreciation.
However, stocks are subject to market volatility and require a long-term investment horizon for optimal returns.
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2) Fixed-Income Securities for Stability
Bonds are debt securities issued by governments or corporations.
When you invest in bonds, you are essentially lending money to the issuer in exchange for periodic interest payments and the return of the principal amount upon maturity.
Bonds are considered less risky than stocks and provide a steady income stream.
Retiree loves to invest in these fix income asset because they are able to live off the earnings from the “ALMOST” guaranteed interest.
3) Real estate – Tangible Assets with Potential
Real estate investments involve purchasing properties, such as residential or commercial real estate, with the expectation of generating rental income or benefiting from property appreciation over time.
Real estate can offer a hedge against inflation and provide portfolio diversification.
Additionally, rental income is somewhat passive and many would consider real estate to be a better investment because they are tangible assets.
4) Embracing Mutual Funds
Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other assets. They offer instant diversification, and professional management, and are suitable for investors looking for a hands-off approach.
5) Navigating Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETFs are similar to mutual funds but are traded on stock exchanges like individual stocks.
They provide diversification, liquidity, and lower expense ratios, making them an attractive investment option for many investors.
6) Compound Interest and Savings Accounts
Savings accounts offer a safe and accessible way to grow your money through compound interest. The interest earned on the principal amount is reinvested, generating more interest over time.
7) Unraveling Certificate of Deposits (CDs)
CDs are time-bound deposits offered by banks with fixed interest rates and maturity periods. They are low-risk investments suitable for those seeking capital preservation.
8) Taking on Risk with Options Trading
Options trading involves buying or selling the right to buy (call option) or sell (put option) a specific asset at a predetermined price within a set period. This type of investment can be complex and may not be suitable for all investors.
9) Commodities: Investing in Precious Resources
Commodities include physical assets like gold, silver, oil, and agricultural products. Investing in commodities can act as a hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations.
10) Cryptocurrencies: The Future of Finance?
Cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, are digital assets that utilize blockchain technology. While they offer the potential for significant returns, they are highly volatile and speculative.
11) Peer-to-Peer Lending: Earn as a Lender
Peer-to-peer lending platforms enable individuals to lend money directly to borrowers, earning interest on their investments. It provides an alternative to traditional banking systems.
12) Annuities: Guaranteed Income for Retirement
Annuities are insurance products that provide regular income during retirement. They offer financial security but may come with high fees and limited liquidity.
13) Retirement Accounts: Securing Your Golden Years
Retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and IRAs, offer tax advantages and are designed to help individuals save for retirement.
14) Venture Capital
Venture capital involves investing in startups and small businesses with high growth potential. While risky, successful ventures can yield substantial returns.
15) Hedge Funds: Exclusive Investment Vehicles
Hedge funds are private investment funds that pool capital from accredited investors and use various strategies to achieve returns, often with a lower correlation to the broader market.
How to Achieve the Best Investment
Ultimately, the best investment is those that you have put your time into working on it. Either spend hours researching the stock or learn new skills that can build on top of your investment. Investing is not risky when you have put in hours of work to back it up. At HustleVentureSG, we read and recommend books that we believe would be useful in growing your financial knowledge. The books are categorized in terms of difficulty so all readers will be able to enjoy reading and learning.
To get better full-on financial advice, do sit down with your financial advisor to discuss what is a better approach to building your investment.
