(Photo : Precondo CA on Unsplash)

Can I Invest as a Beginner?

If you are looking to take control of your finances and explore a new economic landscape, you may want to consider investing. Investing is the process of purchasing assets that increase in value over time. These assets provide returns. 

Investing is possible even for beginners! If you are looking to dip a toe into the pond of investing, here are some preliminary questions you should ask yourself:

  1. What is my current financial situation?
  2. What short and long-term financial goals do I have?
  3. What is my timeline for reaching these financial goals?
  4. What type of investment works best for me?
  5. What is my risk tolerance?

    Once you have determined the answer to these questions, you are ready to venture into investing. One pro tip from professionals is to start investing when you are young. When you are young, time is on your side. You have the option to start investing low amounts of money that have the opportunity to compound over time. When your funds compound, this means that they grow gradually over time!

    What Is the Best Stock Investment to Have Right Now?

    If you are ready to start investing, you are likely wondering how you can get the most bang for your buck. An important concept to understand before you get any further is the idea of short-term vs. long-term investments. 

    Short-term investments are investments that yield returns within 5 years, whereas long-term investments yield returns a bit further out. While there are pros and cons to each type of investment, typically, long-term investments tend to be more profitable. 

    If you are looking for the best investment right now, many individuals would agree that the stock market is the best investment. While many investments ebb and flow, there is a bit more certainty when it comes to the stock market. While the stock market will inevitably experience fluctuations, it will always come back. 

    The following stocks are typically high-performing and considered some of the best to invest in: 

    • Technology companies
    • Healthcare
    • Green energy

      The best investment for you to be in right now is ultimately a personal decision. While these types of stock investments have typically been high performers, you ultimately need to determine your personal goals, current lifestyle, and tolerance for loss. 

      Five Investments That Can Make the Most Money:

      The goal of investing should be to yield high returns and make the most money possible. If you want options and are looking for the five investments that can make the most money, check out the following list: 

      1. High-Yield Savings Accounts: A top investment choice is a high-yield savings account. These types of accounts offer a higher interest rate than a typical savings account. Dedicating money to these types of accounts can offer a great return over time. It is important to research this type of account, as there are many that offer little to no maintenance fee to maintain the account. 
      2. Cryptocurrencies: Digital currencies such as bitcoin have grown in popularity in recent years. Investing in cryptocurrencies is a great way to diversify your portfolio and see great returns on your investment. However, while the "newness" of crypto has helped it soar, investors also need to exercise caution. Cryptocurrencies can be slightly volatile in the market, and you should ensure that your risk tolerance is on track with your investment. 
      3. CDs: A Certificate of Deposit, or CD account, is a type of savings account that is offered specifically by a bank or credit union. CDs are a great investment if you are looking to pour some of your money into long-term investments. When you invest your money in a CD account, you agree to leave the funds in the account for a certain amount of time. In addition, these types of accounts are also appealing to investors with a lower risk tolerance who are looking for a largely safe investment. 
      4. Bonds: Bonds are another solid type of investment. A bond is a financial investment from an investor (you) to a company or corporation. The borrower (the company or corporation) then promises to pay back the investor (you) with interest. A significant advantage to bonds is that they provide a very steady income level and are also low-risk to investors. 
      5. Real Estate: Another popular investment is real estate. Unlike the above investments, real estate involves owning physical property as an investment. There are also a variety of types of real estate investments, including: 
        • Residential Properties
        • Commercial Real Estate
        • Rental Properties

      A sizable benefit of this type of investment is that real estate provides a steady flow of cash and can have significant tax advantages. However, it is also important to remember that investing in real estate is a large commitment. While you can gain huge returns on your investments from managing rental properties, serving as a landlord is a great responsibility that requires a lot of time and effort. While there can be definite advantages to this type of investment, it is important to evaluate and ensure that you are up to the task. 

      While it takes a while to learn the ropes of investing, the profit and knowledge gained can be well worth the effort! 

      How Can I Learn More About Investing?

      With all new endeavors, knowledge is power. If you are embarking on your investing journey and looking to maximize your returns, you should dedicate time to educating yourself. 

      There are a variety of ways that you can learn more about investing. Some of these methods include: 

      1. Read! Visit your local library or purchase a book on investing. There are a variety of books for investors who are new, wanting to grow, or looking to invest in a particular area. 
      2. Listen! Cue up a podcast about investing. This can be done on your daily commute and provides an easy way for you to learn more about the ins and outs of investing. Check out this list for some of the best investing podcasts in 2024. Podcasts are good, but advice directly from experts is invaluable. Talk to financial advisors or agents such as those available from LoanMart.
      3. Join! Using the internet or a social app such as Meetup, look for a social group for investing. This can provide an excellent outlet for discussion and networking with investors near you!

        All in all, there are actionable steps that you can take to learn, grow, and improve your investing skills. With this knowledge, you can also help to grow your finances and invest in your financial future.