Introduction to investing: get started with the basics

For those interested in working on building a solid financial foundation, you’ve come to the right place. While investing can seem intimidating and complex, it doesn't have to be. By understanding some of the basics, anyone can start investing in growing their wealth and achieving their financial goals, whether it be buying a house, saving for retirement, or relocating to your dream destination. 

In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the basics of investing, including what it is, how it differs from saving, how the stock market works, and the different types of investments you can make. We'll also explain how to create an investment plan that's tailored to your individual needs.

This guide focuses on stocks however there are plenty of alternative investments to consider across a wide range of asset classes. Other asset classes include commodities and cryptocurrencies. Always do your own research when considering alternative investments, evaluate what industry experts are saying, and review the relevant economic conditions.

What is investing?

Let’s get started with the very basics. Investing involves putting your money into assets with the expectation of earning a profit over a period of time. Generally speaking, the goal of investing is to earn a profit and grow your wealth to achieve your financial objectives, like paying for college, for instance.

Saving is different from investing in that it involves setting aside money in a safe place, such as a savings account, with little to no expectation of growth. While saving money is great, wouldn’t you rather put that money to work to grow over the long term?

Investing involves taking risks, as the value of assets can go up or down depending on various market conditions. However, over the long term, investments in stocks, bonds, hedge funds and other asset classes have historically provided higher returns than savings accounts or other low-risk investments.

How the stock market works

One of the most common ways to invest is by buying stocks, which represent ownership in a company. These can also be referred to as equity or shares in a company. When you buy a stock, you become a shareholder in the company and can benefit from its growth and profitability.

Stock prices are determined by supply and demand in the stock market. When more people want to purchase shares than sell them, the price goes up, and when more people want to sell than buy, the price goes down. Market conditions, such as economic growth, interest rates, and corporate earnings, can also impact stock prices. This rings true for other asset classes too.

How to buy stocks and enter the financial markets

Now that you’re familiar with what stocks are, let’s cover how you actually enter the market and purchase stocks on a stock exchange.

Buying stocks has become easier than ever with the rise of online brokerage platforms. To buy stocks, you'll need to open an account with a brokerage firm and deposit money into it. Then, you can place orders to buy or sell stocks using the brokerage's trading platform.

When buying stocks, it's important to do your research and consider factors such as the company's financial health, industry trends, and the greater competitive landscape. It's also important to have a long-term investment strategy and not be swayed by short-term market fluctuations.

Many investors chose to consult a financial advisor at this point, someone who can provide insights into investment strategies or manage one’s portfolio entirely. If you want to build a comprehensive portfolio across multiple asset classes, consider using the services of a reputable advisor who is familiar with alternative investments.

What is compound interest?

You’ve likely come across the term compound interest, a lucrative aspect of building wealth. Compound interest is the concept of earning interest on both the initial amount invested and the interest earned on the initial investment. Over time, this can lead to exponential growth in your investments. 

For example, if you invest $1,000 and earn 5% interest per year, your investment will grow to $1,050 after one year. But if you reinvest that $50 and continue earning 5% interest each year, your investment will grow to $1,276.28 after 10 years.

Compound interest is one of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth, so it's important to start investing early and consistently. An example of leveraging compound interest is by investing in dividend-paying stocks, and then reinvesting the dividends. 

What are dividend-paying stocks?

Some stocks pay dividends, which are regular payments made to shareholders out of the company's profits. Dividend payments can provide a steady source of income for investors, especially those who are retired or looking for passive income.

Dividend-paying stocks can be found across a wide range of industries and sectors, including utilities, consumer goods, and healthcare. However, it's important to remember that not all stocks pay dividends, and those that do may not always have a high yield or be the best investment choice. As with any investment, always do ample research prior to parting ways with your money.

The 4 main types of stocks to get started with

There are four main types of stocks that beginners can consider when starting to invest: individual stocks, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and index funds. There are also money market funds, hedge funds real estate investment trusts (REITs), commodities, certificates of deposit (CDs), and many more, but here are the best options to start with.

Individual stocks 

Individual stocks represent ownership in a single company and can provide the potential for high returns. However, they also come with higher risk, as the success of the investment is tied to the performance of a single company.

Mutual funds

Mutual funds are pools of money from multiple investors that are used to buy a variety of stocks and potentially other asset classes. This diversification helps spread out risk, as the success of the investment is not tied to a single company.

Mutual funds can be actively managed, meaning a professional fund manager makes investment decisions, or passively managed, meaning they track a market index.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

ETFs are similar to mutual funds, but trade like stocks on an exchange. They offer diversification and lower fees than mutual funds, making them a popular choice for many investors.

Index funds

Index funds are a type of passive mutual fund or ETF that tracks a market index, such as the S&P 500. They offer broad diversification and low fees, making them a great choice for beginners interested in value investing.

How to create an investment plan

Once you feel ready to start on your investment journey, the next step is to create an investment plan, an essential step to achieving your financial objectives. Here are some steps to consider when creating your plan. 

Establish your financial goals

Determine what you want to achieve through investing, such as retirement, a down payment on a house, or paying for college. These will affect many aspects of your investment journey, so honing in on them early allows you to tailor a structured approach. 

Determine your risk tolerance

Assess how much risk you are comfortable taking on. This will guide your investment choices and help you avoid taking on too much risk. This will also help determine whether asset classes and alternative investments are for you.

Choose your investments/asset classes

Consider your goals and risk tolerance when choosing your investments. A balanced portfolio of stocks, bonds, hedge funds, and other assets can help spread out risk and provide the potential for growth. If you have adequate knowledge, you might choose to incorporate other asset classes in your portfolio too.

Invest consistently

Invest regularly, such as monthly or quarterly, to take advantage of compound interest and maximize your returns. This step is recommended for those with a fixed income with adequate funds to do so.

Monitor your investments

Keep track of your investments and make adjustments as needed. Rebalancing your portfolio and diversifying your investments can help manage risk and maximize returns.

In conclusion

The investing journey can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be, especially now that you've covered this comprehensive introduction to investing. By understanding the basic principles of investing, such as the stock market, compound interest, traditional asset classes, and the different types of investments, anyone can start building their wealth and achieving their financial pursuits.

Remember to do your research and build your financial literacy when it comes to the various investment vehicles available. It's also important to invest consistently and monitor your investments to stay on track. Investment portfolios are a great way to build financial security and increase your personal finance.

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