1. Warren Buffett, a popular investor and one of the world's
wealthiest people once said: "Someone's sitting in the
shade today because someone planted a tree a long time
ago."
2. And you can have your spot under the shade too - through
careful and prolific investments.
3. Though the current economic conditions may still seem
unstable, the benefits of investing rings true in any
market, and in any time.
4. Making investments means putting your money in
something that would make it grow. Simply put, it's also
equivalent to making your hard-earned money work for
you. Unlike saving your money in a bank, investing is
focused more on getting returns.
5. Starting to invest though, is more than just about having
the money. It is not just about knowing where to
concentrate investing either.
6. First and foremost, it is about strategizing. Know what
your objectives are - is it for education, retirement or
business? According to Robert Kiyosaki, it can also be for
three reasons: to be secure, to be comfortable, or to be
rich. Whichever it is, your objectives would be your
primary guide in building your investment portfolio.
7. Investing is not about random allocations or deciding
based on popularity lists. You should choose your
investments carefully, and go specifically with what works
for your financial goals. Warren Buffett's investment
portfolio isn't exactly what you would call an 'all-star cast',
but it works really well for him.
8. Remember as well that when you invest your money, you
look at it as being a part-owner of a company. You become
part of its development and you benefit from its growth.
Understand as well, that the world's top investors didn't
get rich just by putting some money aside to let it
multiply. Monitor your investments, and analyze their
movements.
9. Investing is also about timing, and taking calculated risks.
There may be instances that you have to hold off on
putting in more money into an investment or you may
have to completely let go (selling) of it. Either way, these
are part and parcel of the process of investing.
10. And in comparison to savings accounts, your diversified
investments offer both short and long-term financial
benefits. It gives you the security of having an 'emergency
fund' that you can take out of when necessary, and still
maintain growth. It also allows you to widen your horizon
when it comes to future plans.
11. More importantly investing also helps you lay a solid
foundation for your family's financial stability, and a
comfortable retirement for yourself.