How Do I Know Which Investment Options Are Right For Me?
When it comes to investment options, I have good news and bad news.
The bad news is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
The good news is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Yes, you read that right.
The Clothing Analogy
To illustrate what I mean, think about your clothing for a moment. Do you buy one-size-fits-all attire? Of course not – and there’s a reason for that. “One-size-fits-all” wouldn’t look very good. It wouldn’t feel very good. And it simply wouldn’t work for every person and every lifestyle.
In life, we have a variety of different clothes we can choose from. We make those choices based on several factors. Climate: pants or shorts. Employment: jeans or slacks. Occasion: a day at the beach or a day at a wedding. Personality: colorful vs dark, brazen vs muted. Figure: from extra-small to extra-large. You choose your clothes – and your style – based on what’s right for you. Based on your wants, your needs, and your nature. Investing, believe it or not, is much the same. There is no one-size-fits-all. No single “best” option. Only the best for you, based on your wants, your needs, and your nature.
This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s critical all the same. That’s because, as an investor, you will often hear the media say otherwise. You will hear people claim that the Dow is more important than the S&P (or vice versa). What stocks are better than bonds, or bonds are safer than stocks? That passive is better than active (or vice versa), or that ETFs are always better than mutual funds (or vice versa).
As we’ve seen, the truth about investment options just isn’t that simple.
In these posts, I’ve answered six questions many investors are afraid to ask. Now, I have six more for you to consider when deciding on investment options. Six questions you must not be afraid to ask. Questions only you can answer.
Those questions are as follows: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.
Who am I?
Are you cautious by nature or a risk-taker? Are you a family-oriented person, or more of a lone wolf? An adventurer or a caretaker? Someone with a few simple wants, or big, bold dreams? Or – as many people tend to be – are you a mixture of all these things?
What kind of lifestyle do I want?
Simple or extravagant? Always trying new things, or staying in your comfort zone? One focused on work and personal accomplishment, or one focused on family and community? Or again – and I can’t stress this too much – a mixture of these things, depending on what stage you’re at in life?
When will I most need money?
Do you need it soon because you’re buying a new home or starting a new business? Or do you need it later when you’re about to retire?
Where do I see myself in ten years?
Or twenty? Life is all about change and growth. That means you need to ensure you’re investing for long-term growth to reach your long-term goals.
Why do I need to invest?
To help send your kids to college? Retirement? A desire to travel? Donating to charitable causes? Feeling like you always have a safety net?
How will I pay for retirement?
This is key. Because, regardless of your other goals, there’s probably going to come a time when you want to stop working. But you can’t just pick a day to not show up at work. Retirement creates a massive lifestyle change, one that will be quite upsetting to your finances if you don’t prepare for it. Choosing the right investment options is critical.
Let Hennion & Walsh Offer a Second Opinion
Curious to learn more? Our unmatched client experience will give you peace of mind. Just as you may seek a second opinion about your health, we believe successful investors can gain value and peace of mind by getting a second opinion on their financial health. So, whether you’re worried about today’s uncertain economic environment or looking for increased peace of mind, we can help. Get a complimentary second opinion on all your investment accounts not held at Hennion & Walsh today!
Hennion & Walsh Experience
We have investment professionals, planners and portfolio managers that can collectively analyze your situation through the lens of their respective disciplines. Each member brings valuable insights to apply to your situation. Whether you are looking for income strategy guidance or growth strategy guidance, a second opinion of all your investment accounts not currently held at Hennion & Walsh could be beneficial to your financial health.
Disclosures:
Hennion & Walsh Asset Management currently has allocations within its managed money program, and Hennion & Walsh currently has allocations within certain SmartTrust® Unit Investment Trusts (UITs) consistent with several of the portfolio management ideas for consideration cited above.
Past performance does not guarantee future results. We have taken this information from sources that we believe to be reliable and accurate. Hennion and Walsh cannot guarantee the accuracy of said information and cannot be held liable. You cannot invest directly in an index. Diversification can help mitigate the risk and volatility in your portfolio but does not ensure a profit or guarantee against a loss.
