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8 Keys to Successful Investing

As a financial consultant, we are in the business not only to conduct your transaction but to provide advice and strategy for your future. In doing so, we try to impart a certain level of education upon my clients. We call these the “8 Tips to Better Investing.” We believe that every investor should know the basic concepts that guide good investment strategy.

1. If an investment seems too good to be true, it probably is. The first rule of investing is this: Higher investment returns are always accompanied by higher risks—always.

2. It is generally recommended that you diversify over a broad spectrum of investments. Your Investment Professional can help you select asset classes which are appropriate for you.

3. Be patient. Stick to your plan. Employ a dollar cost averaging strategy and approach the market with a long-term point of view.

4. Don’t succumb to fear when the market is dropping and don’t become greedy when prices are rising. Emotions can be the greatest enemy to your long-term investment plan. History has shown that when most investors are selling, you may have been better off buying.

5. Stay in touch with your Investment Professional. Be honest about your concerns. Ask questions, especially about risk or sales charges.

6. Always read the prospectus. Do your best to understand the risks, costs and liquidity of any investments you make. If there are sections of the prospectus you don’t understand, ask your Investment Professional.

7. Approach investing like you would any other important goal—get involved in the process. First, gain an understanding of your starting point. What are your resources? Your risk tolerance? Your time horizon? Your goals? Second, design an investment plan which is suited to your individual circumstances. Third, monitor your results and make adjustments, if necessary, to keep on track. Your Investment Professional has the tools and skill to guide you through the investment planning process. 

8. Consider strategic asset allocation—a sophisticated, long-term approach to investing. Strategic asset allocation provides the blueprint that helps you diversify your assets into the appropriate asset classes with proper balance.