By Yann Kostic on the June 2019 Edition
Some people believe they risk losing some or all of their money by investing. But did you know that not investing could be even riskier?
Let’s say a 35-year-old has decided to invest for her retirement and is putting $750 a month (a total of $9,000 a year) in a tax-deferred account such as a 401(k). She’s convinced the bull market will halt suddenly, so she’s invested her money in a low-risk investment vehicle earning 6% a year.
Flash forward 25 years. This investor is about to retire and has accumulated roughly $523,000. Will it last another 20 years or so? Perhaps not. After 25 years, $523,000 is equivalent to $244,000 (assuming 3% annual inflation). And when you take out what is owed in taxes, the total dwindles even more. It may not be enough to live on for 20 years.
The moral of the story: Don’t let all your savings sit in a checking or savings account because you fear risk.
To build a diversified portfolio, you should consider investing in individual stocks and bonds as well as cash, or in mutual funds that hold these asset classes.
Of course, investing more aggressively isn’t an appropriate strategy for all investors. Returns are not guaranteed. But it is an option to consider.
Also, remember, diversification doesn’t end at having a mix of stocks, bonds and cash. There are many types of equity investments: growth, value, large cap, small cap, international, domestic.
There are also many types of bond investments, from municipal to high yield. And, at any given time, one type tends to out per form the others. So be sure to consider all your options.
One option you may not want to consider is letting your money languish because you are afraid of risk. Your financial advisor can help you compare options to get the most from your hard earned savings.Note: This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide financial advice for your particular situation.
Note: This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide financial advice for your particular situation.
Yann Kostic, MBA and Tom Zachystal, CFP, are Presidents of their respective Assets Management firms, both US-Registered Investment Advisors (RIA). Tom is the San Francisco Financial Planners’ Association President. Tom and Yann cater to US expats in Mexico and worldwide. Comments, questions or to request his newsletter, “News you can use” contact him at US at (321) 574-1 529 or in Mexico, (376) 106-1613.
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