The stock market can be exciting. Part of the appeal (or dread) comes from high-risk investments that could put a ton of money in your pocket or wash it all away in a day. Most of us fall in the “somewhere in between” category. While there are numerous strategies for making your investments work for you, one way is diversifying your portfolio and having a list of various kinds of investments, including stocks.
Defining Diversification
It used to be common practice to invest in one stable and reliable stock and stay invested for years on end. These days, that still might be appropriate depending on the stock, but you may get more bang for your buck when you diversify. Diversifying your portfolio means you choose several stocks and other investments for your portfolio. In the end, you could grow the value of your portfolio and reduce your concentration risk at the same time. Here are four ways to start diversifying today.
- When you Can, Spread Out
By spreading out across the investment atmosphere, you may have less risk and potentially higher returns than if you just chose one single investment or sector. Apart from choosing different stocks, also investigate other investments like mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), bonds and unit investment trusts. When you can, spread into different markets and expand your investments for helping better meet your overall investment objectives.
- Don’t Miss Out on Mutual Funds and Bonds
Most portfolios can benefit from the features of mutual funds and possibly bonds, depending on the interest rate environment. There are thousands of funds and bonds out there, so picking one or more that is helpful to you requires the advice from a professional. Don’t go it alone as there are funds and bonds appropriate for a myriad of investment objectives.
- Build and Keep Building
As you grow your investments, you can continue to choose stable funds, stocks, and other investments along the way. One trick of the trade is to use cost-dollar averaging, which keeps the amount you invest the same throughout different stages of the market. Working with a knowledgeable advisor, may up your chances of reaping better returns.
- Monitor and Monitor Again
A diversified portfolio is great, but it does need to be monitored on a regular basis. Is the portfolio working for you? Is it meeting your expectations? Is it taking advantage of timely opportunities? What about investments that have lost favor in the market? Have your objectives changed? What changes should be made? These are just a few of the many reasons to get the help of a professional. An experienced advisor can do this for you and offer recommendations on the best way to make changes along the way.
Make Sure to Choose Wisely
Not only should you choose your investments wisely, but you should choose a financial advisor wisely too. Ask friends and family if they have advisors they like, do research on-line and make appointments with a couple different advisors to get a feel if they will be a good fit for you and your financial objectives. Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, go to https://brokercheck.finra.org to see if they have had any disciplinary actions against them.
Add Some Spice to your Portfolio
Diversifying is a little bit like adding spice to a favorite dish. The combination of flavors increases the quality and taste of the dish. Don’t stop at stocks and look around for all kinds of other investments too. Add some spice to your portfolio, and watch your investments grow.
Any opinions are those of Independent Financial Services and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Dollar-cost averaging cannot guarantee a profit or protect against a loss, and you should consider your financial ability to continue purchases through periods of low-price levels. The forgoing is not a recommendation to buy or sell any individual security or any combination of securities.