How Should I Invest?

Everyone has beeen asking lately - "How should I be investing my money?" or "What's Good Right Now"?

The answers to those questions should provoke several other questions from your advisor.
I could say "Depends", which doesn't mean to invest in adult diapers, but you should give your advisor more information.

How you should invest your money really does depend on you.

* What are your goals?

Is it to be 'debt free'? Is it to own a 60 foot yacht? Golf everyday? Spend time with grandkids?
What does having money mean to YOU? Once you figure that out and communicate that with an advisor, he or she can help to give you the right place to put your money.

* What are your financial circumstances?

Someone with $100,000 in savings and no debt is in a different place in their life than someone who has $500 to "play with", but no other savings. As an advisor, I do not want to "gamble" with anyone's money. I look to provide appropriate long term solutions to help you reach your goals.
My job is to give you the "Map" you need to get from where you are now, to where you want to be - and make sure you are happily involved every step of the way.

* What is your tolerance for Risk?

OK I said it - the "R" word. To which you may say "I don't want any risk."
It's important to understand that ALL investments have risk. Even your savings account which
is FDIC insured has risk.

"How is that?" you ask.
Savings & CDs have "inflation risk", which means they are not good long term vehicles to keep up with the rising cost of living - inflation.

The best way to minimize risk is to use a mix of different investments that have different purposes - like different clothes in your closet - or "Diversification". There are also questions which your advisor may ask you to help you understand what risk means.

It all boils down to one question - Money means different things to different people.
What is important about money to you?

For more information, or to contact me directly, please visit www.deanvoelker.com