Investment Guides & Articles for 2016

It’s never too early — or too late — to take control of your financial future. However, investing can be an intimidating and challenging prospect for some. However, it is entirely possible for even a beginner to the world of finance to begin taking control of their personal money goals.

The good news is that when you’re armed with the right information and do your homework, investing becomes far less scary and more accessible — even to individuals with no professional financial background. There are a variety of investment vehicles that can be used to reach your financial goals, each certainly has its own strengths and disadvantages. With so many different types of investments available, you’re sure to find an ideal strategy that suits your needs and goals.

Getting Started: How to Save Money for Investing

The very first step to getting a handle on your personal finances is establishing savings. It doesn’t matter if it’s a retirement savings account like a 401k or an IRA, or if it is a savings account at a bank or credit union. If you think you don’t have enough money to start saving, think again. There are a number of ways to “find” money to put into an account.

Easy Ways to Save

Saving money doesn’t have to be painful. There are a variety of ways to save money without feeling the pinch, for example, you could:

• Have your employer deduct a specific amount from each check to be automatically sent to your savings account.
• Skip your daily coffee shop purchase and make coffee at home
• Buy generic at the store instead of name brands and put the savings into your account
• Keep a jar for loose change; when it’s full, deposit it into your savings account

These simple methods of saving are ideal for individuals who may not have the discipline to save large amounts of money all at once, or those who simply don’t have a lot to save. By building your savings using small steps like the ones listed above, you can build your financial nest egg over time without feeling deprived. Remember — every penny counts!

Types of Investments

There are several standard types of investments to carefully consider. They may include:

• Stocks – Ownership shares in a company that can appreciate, or pay dividends over time.
• Bonds – Sometimes called fixed-income securities, these investment products are a loan to a corporation and pay a steady income of interest and principle.
• Mutual Funds – An assortment of stocks and/or bonds that is managed by a professional.
• Precious Metals – Gold, silver, platinum and palladium. These investments are unique as they are not tied to any currency value.
• Retirement Accounts – These are tax-sheltered investment account that can be used for retirement planning.

Common Investing Questions

Financial advisors get lots of questions on a daily basis, and that’s no surprise! Investing can be tricky. Here are some common questions new investors have:

When should I start investing?

Quick answer: as soon as possible! However, it’s never too late, so don’t think you’re “too old” to begin investing for your retirement years. Check out the articles below for more information about when it makes sense to start saving and investing.

At What Age Should I Start Saving for Retirement?

Investment Tips, Trends, and Advice for 2016

Should I invest in precious metals?

There are many reasons to consider investing in precious metals. These assets (like gold and silver) are valuable all over the world. Global demand for gold and silver is growing every day; what’s more, both gold and silver are highly liquid, historically preserves wealth, and have the backing to stand up to potential currency collapse. To learn more, visit our precious metals information hub, or check out the articles below:

Read why one expert recommends precious metals

10 Reasons to Buy Gold & Silver

Where can I find quality research by financial analysts?

There are many information sources online, some are reputable and others should be avoided like the plague. There is never any guarantee that a particular investment will make money for investors, but individuals can give themselves the best possible chance for success by learning as much as possible.