The Lessons of Time

The issues that worry investors today aren’t new.

Staying focused despite the day-to-day distractions of the market is never easy, especially during periods of economic uncertainty.

However, those who seek the guidance of a trusted financial planner and remain committed to their investment plans, even when it’s tempting to head to the sidelines, are better positioned to realise their short-, medium- and long-term goals.

A Few “History Lessons” to Consider

The chart below shows how dramatically the stock market (as represented by the five-hundred biggest companies in the USA by market capitalisation, who sell their goods and services globally) bounced back from its lowest point during four bear markets over the last few decades.

Of course, investors during these periods couldn’t possibly have known their investment would grow so dramatically … but they could have remained fully invested, confident in the knowledge that markets recover over time.

Don’t Let Emotions Drive Your Investment Decisions

Emotions can lead to irrational decision making and impulsive decisions that compromise the realisation of your goals.

Before you react impulsively, make a list of your concerns and revisit your goals. If your goals and/or priorities have changed, or if you believe your investment strategy is no longer appropriate given the economic environment, then contact a financial planner.

When there is fear and uncertainty in the air, when there is scary news that makes you question what you should do, that’s when it’s most important to talk to talk to a professional who will sit on your side of the table.

Understand Your Tolerance For Risk

Volatility is part of investing. You can limit it, you can defend against it, but you can’t eliminate it.

The important thing is to have a well-informed understanding of how much risk you can tolerate.

By having a well-informed understanding of your tolerance for risk, we can construct a long-term investment strategy suited to your needs.

Be Diversified

Despite the best guesses – I mean, efforts – of journalists and active investment managers, it’s virtually impossible to tell in advance which asset class will have the best return in any given year.

Therefore, spreading your investment between different asset classes is an important tool to manage investment risk, especially during periods of market volatility.

Stay Invested

Investors who stay the course have historically been rewarded for their patience.

When you look at market performance over decades rather than just a year or two, you find that while it may contract, it also expands — with the gains often concentrated in a handful of trading days.

For example, if you were out of the market on the best days in the last 20 years, your gain would have been less than half of what it would have been if you were invested during the whole period:

Identify your goals, needs and aspirations to align your short-, medium- and long-term goals with your money.

Most importantly, working with a financial planner can provide you with valuable insight and guidance on how economic issues, legislation, the markets, and specific investment strategies affect your financial plan.

Amyr Rocha Lima, CFP® is a financial planner who specialises in working with successful professionals age 50+ to help them reduce taxes, invest smarter and retire on their terms.

”Amyr has provided me with objective and impartial advice when reviewing my financial plan and objectives. Amyr has excellent technical knowledge and, more importantly, he delivers his advice clearly and in a way that helps you decide your next steps."

Paul Dawson
(Senior Risk and Compliance Officer - Metlife)

*****

”I appreciated Amyr's friendly, relaxed and helpful manner and, even more, his highly professional approach. He soon understood my financial situation and what I was looking for. The financial plan he proposed met my requirements. I have every confidence we will have a good working relationship in the years ahead.”

Louise Anstead
(London Stock Exchange)

*****

”After trying several IFAs who did not 'cut the mustard' I was lucky enough to find Amyr. He has been exemplary in his dealings with me. He is very professional, knowledgeable, honest, friendly, and (most important to me) someone I know that I can trust with my financial affairs.”

Dominic Cortizo
(Certification Specialist - Civil Aviation Authority)

*****

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