Posted on

The Benefits of Investing from a Young Age

The Benefits of Investing from a Young Age

Written by R. A. Stewart

To start your journey on to financial prosperity it is crucial that you start young if you want to get the full benefits of time. Here are three benefits of investing while you are young. This does not mean that investing when you are older will not have its own benefits. Investing money at any age will be beneficial and is better than having no savings whatsoever.

Here are the main benefits of investing from a young age.

  1. Time is your Friend

When you are young you are able to make time work for you. Money invested in the correct funds will multiply and increase its value. This is called compounding and it can really increase your wealth. Not only will your original investment keep producing a profit for you but the profits whether, that is from interest or dividends will be added to your original deposit and it too, will produce a profit for you.

  1. More Time to recover from financial setbacks

The markets can be volatile with shares going up and down like a yoyo, but with the benefit of time, young people have time on their side to ride out the storm. That does not mean that people who are just retired should not invest in the share market but rather they need to ask themselves this question, “How will the loss of this money affect my lifestyle?”.

It also does not mean that young people should invest all of their money in the share market. It all depends on what the money is going to be used for. If you need the money in the short term then you need to be a little bit more conservative with your investing.

The case I am making for the young ones to be a little more aggressive with their investing is that they may not be retiring for another forty years, therefore, taking advantage of capital gains which the share market offers can pay off.

3.It is better to make your mistakes early in life

People tend to make most of their mistakes early in life. That is no surprise since lack of experience often leads to errors of judgement, but as far as investing money goes, there are advantages in making your mistakes early in life. One is that you have fewer commitments, therefore, a mistake which can result in an investment going down the gurgler will not affect your lifestyle as much as it would for a person who has a family. Investing mistakes made early in life can be used to make better judgments in future. 

Investing early in life will enhance your financial literacy and will your whole life ahead of you, there are opportunities to grow your wealth so grab it with both arms.

  1. More disposable income

As a young one you are likely to have more disposable income than someone who is older and with more commitments. If you are sensible, then investing your money will help grow your wealth. You are also likely to be in a position to take more risks with how you are investing your money, but that does not necessarily mean speculating on something which is a bit dodgy, but rather, taking some calculated risks.

  1. Habits formed early will make and break you

Developing habits which add value to your life and others will make and break you. One of these habits is the habit of saving and investing. These days it is easy to start a financial portfolio with so many investing apps available. It is just a matter of choosing one which is the right fit for your investing objectives. It is also important to set goals which align with your values and not be influenced by what your colleagues at work or your family say. It is your life and you are the one who has to live with your decisions so use the brain which God gave you and you will be better off in the long run. By all means, take note of financial advice as you will find in the business section of the newspapers but learn to develop the ability to discern whether advice is good or bad. Associate with people who have common sense. As the proverb says, “He who walks with wise men shall become wise, but a companion of fools will be destroyed.”

About this article

The contents of this article are of the opinion of the writer and may not be applicable to your personal circumstances, therefore discretion is advised. You may use this article as content for your website/blog, or ebook.

Read my other articles on www.robertastewart.com

 

Posted on

How to Start a Sharemarket portfolio from Scratch…

How to Start a Share market portfolio from Scratch…

Even if you have never invested a dollar

Written by R. A. Stewart

You are a beginner to investing and want to know how to get involved in the share market and don’t have much money to invest.

My advice is firstly to ensure you have set up a pension scheme with your employer. This will help make money retirement easier as far as finances goes. Anything else you invest should be treated as strings to your financial bow.

Here is my advice to investing novices. 

There are two ways for you to drip-feed your money into the share market. They are:

  1. To join a managed fund type of investment. This is a fund where your money is combined with the money of other investors. The fund manager invests in the share market on your behalf. This minimizes risk because funds invested in this way are spread across different asset classes, something which is unobtainable for most investors unless you are already financially well off.
  2. To sign up with an online investing site where you are able to drip-feed money into the share market. Do your research into the various platforms. Popular ones are robinhood in the USA and sharesies in Australasia. 

Two pieces of advice which financial experts will tell you is “Do your research and diversify.”

It helps if you are familiar with the industries and companies you are investing with. I use the online platform “Sharesies” which is based in New Zealand. My strategy is to choose one company per year and drip-feed money throughout the year into this one company. I chose New Zealand based companies, all of them household names. I have already decided the following year’s company to invest in by Christmas.

I have invested in a range of companies such as Genesis Energy, Spark, Fontierra, Fletcher Building, PGG Wrightsons, and Contact Energy. All are well known brands.

It is important not to get too greedy. The internet is full of stories of people who got rich investing in this or that and made a killing. This has to be treated like a grain of salt because for everyone like that, there are countless others who tried the same thing and failed.

Greed often gets the better of people and the one who made the killing will often end up giving it all back.

The share market rewards consistency and persistence. Make sure you are in the right fund for your risk profile and your goals. If you are drip-feeding money into the share market like I am doing then it shouldn’t matter how the markets are performing. Just keep investing and let time be your friend. After all, investing with an online app is just another string to my financial bow.

You should invest in the share market with money that you cannot afford to lose is a piece of advice I have heard time and again. The main question before you invest in something is, “How will the loss of this money affect my lifestyle?” 

I would not recommend that you invest in growth funds if you need the money within a year or two because the markets may drop just as you are about to withdraw the money.

It is important to be sensible and strategic with your investing and just as important to keep a cool head otherwise you may end up with burnt fingers.

About this article

The opinions expressed in this article are of the opinion of the writer and may not be applicable to your personal circumstances, therefore, discretion is advised. You may use this article as content for your blog/website, or ebook.

Read my other articles on www.robertastewart.com

Posted on

The Prodigal Son and its Money lessons

The Prodigal Son and its Money lessons

Written by R. A. Stewart

The parable of the prodigal son may have been first told over two thousand years ago but its lessons are timeless and are worth noting. In this parable a young man asks his father for his inheritance while his father was still alive. The Father then divides his estate between his two sons, and then the younger son,the one who asked for his inheritance gathers all of his things and goes to a faraway land where he fritters away his inheritance on loose living.

During this time the younger son had more money than he ever had in his life but was not responsible or mature enough to handle all of that money. In fact he was just a baby with too much money.

As so happens when young people get a lot of money, he became arrogant and displayed his wealth with his generosity. 

He had lots of friends when he had all of this money but they were not true friends as we will discover later on in this story.

We sometimes hear stories of people who won the lottery, then were broke a few years down the track. It is important for people to learn how to handle their money from a young age. This is called, “Financial literacy.”

Learning to be an investor is part of being financially literate. Some people are good at saving but they save to spend, not to invest.

Back to the prodigal son.

When one is living beyond their means the result is debt and with interest repayments on top of that financial disaster looms. The prodigal son, the younger of his father’s two sons, spent all that he was given and had nothing coming in so that it was only a matter of time before he was left with nothing.

The parable puts it this way, “There was a famine in the land”

This means that he was living in poverty. The money was all gone so what did he do?

He got himself a job working among the pigs. He wished he could eat what the pigs ate but no one gave him anything.

Strange; he had lots of friends when he had lots of money but as soon as he needed help, no one would help him. 

You will only find out who your real friends are once you hit rock bottom.

Next thing, something happened inside the mind of this lad because he came to his senses. In other words, The Penny Dropped.

He figured out in his own mind that if he returned home then he would be better off than his current circumstances. 

The main lesson from this story is that despite all of the stuff offered by the world system, it only leads to emptiness. There are things which he will never get back and that is time that he never spent with his family. His behaviour was a stain on his reputation. There are some things which money cannot buy; a good reputation and time with his family. It is all very well, going out and exploring new opportunities and working hard to make a life, but these things need to be kept in its proper perspective.

www.robertastewart.com

Posted on

How to set Money Priorities (And stick to them

Written by R. A. Stewart

Being strategic with your money will enable you to make the most of what you have and that means managing your money well; it also means prioritizing what you are going to do with your money.

Having clearly defined goals will enable you to do this but it takes a fair bit of discipline to stick to your plan.

If you are saving for a car then it means giving up stuff which does not add any value to your life. There are worse ways in which you can spend your discretionary dollar than on a vehicle. If you spend it on clubbing every weekend, then you will not have anything to show for the money you have frittered away. At least buying a car will add to your lifestyle.

Keeping pets can be very expensive and can cramp your lifestyle. The cost is not the only issue you have to deal with; if you are away on holiday then there is the issue of who is going to look after your cat or dog.

Then there are vet bills. Some folks are so attached to their cat or dog that they are prepared to spend $1,000 or more on vet bills. This is utter madness and can undermine a person’s financial well-being.

The questions which need to be asked are:

Is this purchase really necessary?

Will this purchase help me to achieve my financial goals?

Is this the best use of my money?

It is worth pointing out that there are some factors which affect your priorities. Some of them are your age, family responsibilities, your health, and your goals.

If you are aged in your sixties, then you are not going to have goals with a thirty-year timeline.

Another thing which should be mentioned is that whatever you are saving for should not be at the expense of your retirement fund. If you get into the habit of putting off retirement contributions after you have saved for whatever it is you are saving for then it will cost you when that time comes and it will surely do. 

Investing helps build your financial literacy. If you are not getting involved in the share market, then you are not gaining investing experience which will help you make better decisions in the future. It is better to make mistakes when you are young and with no commitments because your lifestyle will not be impacted. Not so when you are older when you may have your own family or other commitments.

We all have a choice of how to use our discretionary spending money and by setting goals on where your money is going you will have something to show for your money. It is all matter of prioritising you’re spending.

About this article

The opinions expressed in this article are of the opinion of the writer and may not be applicable to your personal circumstances, therefore discretion is advised. You may use this article as content for your blog, website, or ebook. 

Read my other articles at www.robertastewart.com

Posted on

Don’t just hoard your money-put it to work

Written by R. A. Stewart

Saving money is a good habit to get into; it will put you in a better position to thwart some of the unforeseen setbacks which life has in store for us. It will also mean that you are able to pay for those major items in life which will crop up such as, a car, wedding, kids,or  retirement. This all requires vision. Planning for those things which are unseen but will likely occur in the future.

A person with no vision will spend their money without any thought for the future; they live for today as though tomorrow does not exist.

Saving money is one thing but investing is another thing altogether. Investing your money can multiply your wealth and help you to achieve your goals faster.

Investing needs to be strategic. Most importantly you need to know whether what you are saving for is short-term, medium-term, or long-term.

Your rainy day fund is considered short-term because you could need the money anytime, whether that be for car repairs, insurance, dental or medical bills.

Saving for a car can be considered short or medium term depending on how long you have given yourself before you are buying a car. 

Your retirement fund and saving for a house deposit are considered to be long-term savings goals.

Here is a breakdown of Short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals.

Short term is under one year

Medium-term is one-five years

Long-term is more than five years.

This determines your risk profile but you can fall into more than one category depending on what your savings goals are.

Your rainy day account is money which should be invested conservatively such in an ordinary savings account or a conservative fund in say sharesies or robinhood.

You’re saving for an overseas trip or car within five years in the medium term so you could consider having that money in a conservative or balanced fund.

Your retirement fund is considered long-term so that money could be in a growth fund if you can stomach the volatility of the markets.

As an investor you can fall into all three categories.

There is another category which I will include here and that is discretionary money, but if you are planning to save for something special then you can simply redirect your discretionary spending money into whatever you are saving for.

What you spend your money on is what takes priority in your life. It should not be at the expense of your future plans. If you are spending all of your discretionary money on your hobbies but have nothing to show for all of the money you have received from whatever source your income comes from then there is a problem. 

It all boils down to choice and how you manage your money. It is not how much money you make which determines your financial outcome but what you do with what you make.

With the right financial strategy in place you can weather some financial storms which may come along. As for investing, if you choose the correct investments for your risk profile then what the markets are doing will not be an issue. Don’t let the possibility of loss scare you off investing. You need to be an investor if you want to grow your wealth.

About this article

The opinions expressed in this article are of the writer and may not be applicable to your personal circumstances, therefore, discretion is advised. You may use this article as content for your blog/website, or ebook.

Read my other articles on www.robertastewart.com.

Posted on

Don’t follow the crowd

 

Written by R. A. Stewart

Prior to the 1987 sharemarket crash, which was named “Black Monday,” investors were rushing to buy shares and as the price rose and the value of their portfolio increased, people borrowed money to purchase shares using the value of their holdings as capital. When Black Monday arrived, the value of their portfolio dived, the result being that investors who borrowed money found themselves in the position of owing more money than their shares are worth.

The problem with using borrowed money is that the crunch comes when you have to pay it all back plus interest.

Jumping on a bandwagon can be very costly. In the case of the 1987 sharemarket crash, the price of shares did not reflect their true value but rather the amount of money which went into the market.

It reminds me of the old saying, “Something is only worth what others are prepared to pay for it.”

We have seen similar examples of companies on the share market which have seen their price rise then come crashing down quickly. Many who jumped on the bandwagon got their fingers burnt.

If you are going to try your luck at making a killing, then this needs to be done with your discretionary spending money and not with your retirement funds or your deposit for a house fund.

The reason being that investing for a killing is a short term speculative investment.

Once in a while you will hear stories of someone who made a killing by investing in such and such but you never hear about those who tried the same thing and lost. It is likely that such people ended up losing their profits.

Here is another saying worth keeping in mind, “Whenever there is an opportunity for a capital gain there is an opportunity for a capital loss,” that is the nature of the markets.

But with the right investing strategy you can achieve your goals whatever the markets are doing. If you have invested according to your risk profile then the state of Wall Street should not be a concern to you.

A windfall is only as good as how it is being used. It is not much good if it is being frittered away. Use it to your best advantage according to YOUR OWN GOALS and not what others think you should do with your life.

Following the crowd can destroy one’s chances of financial prosperity; Just take a look at how much money smokers are paying for their addiction. And where did it all start?

As a teenager when someone was offered a cigarette by their peers and because they were people-pleasers they accepted.

It is rather mind-boggling the amount of money smokers are burning through per annum. That money could have been put to better use. Not to mention the health aspect of smoking.

Set goals that align with your values and not ones which others have tried to impose on you. If someone has limitations then they will impose their limitations on you. Take heed of wise advice but use your common sense to discern whether the advice is good or bad. If you are unsure then ask a number of adults for their opinion. Don’t be afraid to ask and never be so puffed up with pride that you never take advice from anyone. “Pride always comes before a fall.”

About this article

The content of this article is the writer’;s own opinion and may not be applicable to your personal circumstances, therefore discretion is advised. You may use this article as content for your blog/website, or ebook.

Read my other articles on www.robertastewart.com

Posted on

Don’t make money your first goal

Don’t make money your first goal

Written by R. A. Stewart

To live a purposeful life one has to do something meaningful and that usually involves some kind of activity which does not involve getting paid or which costs you money.

Of course your first responsibility is your commitments. Take care of those but also spend some time doing whatever you enjoy doing, then you will have something to look forward to when you get home from work.

This is particularly so if you are in a job you hate.

It is soul-destroying when all you have to look forward to is your paycheck every week or month, and once that is gone you go through the same process over and over again.

There are some ways of getting out of a rut and one of these is to up skill but even that does not work for some people. I have known people to take courses in various subjects in order to improve their chances of getting a higher paying job and they still never seem to rise above working in a job which pays the minimum wage.

Paying for higher education with a student loan can pay off but if you are going to take this route then you had better make sure it is something you want to do otherwise it will be a waste of time and money. The key thing is to know how you are going to use this education. It will be a good idea to make a list of the jobs which you are available with the qualifications you are seeking to acquire.

It is important to do things for the right reasons and not try to fit in with what others are doing.

I have known people who have gone into study simply because others are doing or to impress others because they appear smart. Usually there is no thought of what they are going to do with their newly acquired skills, that is, if they have passed their exams.

Getting a higher paying job may not be all that it is cracked up to be if you weigh up all of the pros and cons. There are some things to consider.

  1. Will the increased income move you up to a higher tax bracket?
  2. Will you be spending less time with your family?
  3. Will you have more responsibility?
  4. Will you have to do more travelling as part of the job?

The bottom line is the extra stress which goes with the position may not be worth it and you may not be all that much better off financially anyway.

Life has to be lived in a balanced way in order for it to be meaningful. The bills have to be paid, but if you are able to turn a hobby into an income stream then you are living the dream. An ambition has to involve more than just earning money to buy stuff. Experiences with others cannot be purchased with money. Our family’s tradition was our Sunday afternoon game of cricket and it all began with just a cricket bat. We used boxes for wickets to start with then we cut up some saplings to use for wickets.

It just goes to show that you don’t need much money to create lifelong memories.

About this article

This article is of the opinion and experience of the writer and may not be applicable to your personal circumstances, therefore discretion is advised. You may use this article as content for your blog/website or ebook. 

Read my other articles on www.robertastewart.com

Posted on

Investing with a Vision

Investing with a Vision

Written by R. A. Stewart

“He who lacks vision will perish.”-Proverbs 29:18

Financial planning requires vision. What does vision mean? It is the art of preparing for the unseen. People will go through life stages. They buy a car, get married, have kids, and retire. A person with vision will make provisions for these life stages. A person with no vision will spend all of their discretionary spending money without giving any thought to the future.

This is irresponsible and selfish because there are consequences to spending now and burying your head in the sand mentality and that is often poverty. 

If you enter into a relationship with someone then you will take your financial situation into that relationship. If you have a bad credit rating then you and your partner may have difficulty obtaining a mortgage.

Someone who is a good money manager will make provisions for the future which will help them to withstand financial shocks which may not have been predicted such as a job lay off or health issues.

Financial planning does not end with saving money, but rather it is the beginning. Investing that money so that it is working for you can increase your savings and certainly your financial literacy. Your risk profile is the factor which determines where you should invest your money.

Your risk profile is the amount of risk you can take on in relation to the term of the investment. 

If you are in your twenties or thirties then investing in growth funds may be right for you because you have more time to recover from a market meltdown. Someone in their sixties may need their retirement funds within five years or less and the last thing you need is for the markets to take a dive just when you need the money.

If you are putting money aside for a mortgage deposit, car, your child’s education, then you may want to take a more balanced approach with your investing.

It is worth pointing out that you could fit into more than one risk profile category.

If you are young then financial advisors suggest that investing in growth funds is the way to go for your retirement fund because you may have more than forty years before you retire.

However, you may also be putting away money for a mortgage deposit and need that money within 5-10 years so taking a more conservative approach to your house deposit funds may be best. Again, if the markets took a dive just when you needed the money then your house deposit funds will be short of where you intended it to be.

Having the right kind of attitude to your money will pay dividends in the long term. Some people scoff at those who are prudent with their money, calling them selfish and money hunger yet go out and purchase lottery tickets in the hope of winning a quick million. If that is not a contradiction in their philosophy then I don’t know what is. Gold Diggers are notorious for this. A man is their only financial plan; they have no interest in gaining any kind of financial knowledge. There is an abundance of it out there. You just need to pay a visit to your local library to find such books. Even your local charity stores will have some of these books in stock. 

My favourite authors are Frances Cook, Mary Holm, and Martin Hawes. These financial advisors are from New Zealand. Their advice is just as applicable to other countries, well, most of it. It is just a matter of acting on what they say. That is, if it is applicable to your personal circumstances. 

Having some kind of vision for your life will make it meaningful and fulfilling and that requires a degree of vision. Just Go For It and take no notice of your detractors.

About this article

This article is of the opinion of the writer and may not be applicable to your personal circumstances, therefore discretion is advised. You may use this article as content for your ebook, website, or blog.

Read my other articles on www.robertastewart.com

Posted on

How to Fight High Energy Prices: A Guide to Saving Money and Staying Comfortable

How to Fight High Energy Prices: A Guide to Saving Money and Staying Comfortable

Rising energy costs have become a significant concern for households around the world. With prices fluctuating due to global economic factors, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions, many people are looking for practical ways to reduce their energy expenses. Here’s a guide to help you fight high energy prices while maintaining comfort and sustainability.

1. Conduct a Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit is the first step to identifying areas where energy is being wasted. You can hire a professional auditor or do a DIY assessment. Look for drafts around windows and doors, inspect insulation in your attic, and check for inefficient appliances. Small issues like poorly sealed windows can lead to significant energy loss, driving up costs.

2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Older appliances consume significantly more energy than their modern counterparts. When it’s time to replace a refrigerator, washing machine, or HVAC system, choose models with the Energy Star label or similar certifications. Though the upfront cost might be higher, energy-efficient appliances can save hundreds of dollars annually on electricity bills.

3. Optimize Heating and Cooling Systems

Heating and cooling account for a substantial portion of household energy consumption. To lower costs:

  • Install a programmable thermostat: Set temperatures lower when you’re away or asleep.
  • Service your HVAC system regularly: Dirty filters and clogged vents make systems work harder.
  • Seal ducts and vents: Ensure heated or cooled air isn’t escaping.
  • Use fans strategically: Ceiling fans can help circulate air and reduce reliance on HVAC systems.

4. Switch to LED Lighting

Lighting is one of the simplest areas to cut energy costs. Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED lights can reduce energy use by up to 75%. LEDs also last significantly longer, saving money on replacements.

5. Embrace Renewable Energy

Investing in renewable energy sources like solar panels can yield long-term savings. While the initial cost can be high, government incentives, tax credits, and the ability to sell excess power back to the grid make it an appealing option. For smaller budgets, consider portable solar chargers for devices or solar water heaters.

6. Reduce Standby Power Consumption

Many electronics consume energy even when not in use, known as “phantom power.” To combat this:

  • Unplug devices like phone chargers, TVs, and gaming consoles when not in use.
  • Use smart power strips that automatically shut off power to devices not actively in use.

7. Insulate and Weatherproof Your Home

Proper insulation keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Key areas to insulate include:

  • Attics and walls.
  • Windows: Consider double-glazed or storm windows.
  • Doors: Use weather stripping and draft stoppers.

8. Cultivate Energy-Saving Habits

Behavioral changes can lead to significant savings:

  • Turn off lights and appliances when leaving a room.
  • Wash clothes in cold water and hang-dry them instead of using a dryer.
  • Limit the use of high-energy appliances during peak hours.

9. Explore Alternative Heating and Cooling Methods

In addition to your main HVAC system, consider these cost-saving alternatives:

  • Use space heaters for small areas instead of heating the entire house.
  • Install blackout curtains to reduce heat gain in summer and retain warmth in winter.
  • Utilize fireplaces or pellet stoves in colder months.

10. Monitor and Adjust Energy Usage

Smart meters and energy monitoring apps help track real-time energy consumption. These tools provide insights into which appliances consume the most energy, allowing you to make informed adjustments.

11. Advocate for Better Energy Policies

Join community initiatives or advocacy groups pushing for renewable energy investments and fair energy pricing. Supporting green energy policies can lead to lower costs for everyone in the long run.

12. Shop Around for Better Energy Plans

If your area allows for competition among energy providers, compare rates to find a more affordable plan. Some providers offer fixed-rate plans or discounts for off-peak usage.

Conclusion

Fighting high energy prices doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. By making small changes to your home, investing in energy-efficient solutions, and adopting mindful habits, you can significantly reduce your energy bills. Not only will these strategies save you money, but they’ll also contribute to a more sustainable future. Start implementing these tips today and watch your energy costs drop.

Posted on

Who do you take Money advice from?

Who do you take Money advice from?

Written by R. A. Stewart

Everyone has some form of advice on what you should do with your money. From co-workers and family members to bloggers and those who are qualified to provide financial advice. A lot of people will have some form of opinion on what you should do with your money. So much so that it pays to not speak about your financial affairs with anyone; not that it is any of their business.

There are some red flags to note from any of these so-called financial experts. These red flags are just as applicable to the man in the street as they are to a qualified financial advisor.

Red Flag number one: The advisor has no money

I knew someone who turned a couple of hundred dollars into $6,000, then $10,000, then $20,000, and more. In the early stages when he had $6,000, his colleagues suggested to him that he should get a deposit for a new car with that money. I said “That is the stupidest advice you could ever get because not only will you end up with nothing but you will have a debt.” 

He ignored his colleague’s advice.

I told him that he should at least deposit at least $1040 in his Kiwisaver in order to get the $520 government money in July. I don’t know if he followed that advice.

Red Flag number two: They do not know anything your your personal circumstances

If you receive financial advice from someone who does not know a thing about your financial situation then treat that advice with some kind of scepticism. The advice and acting on it must be based on your personal circumstances and your goals for the future. Your age and health are other factors which have to be taken into account. It is your responsibility to make it known to a financial advisor what your future plans are but that does not mean that you should just reveal all to a random cold caller. Use your discretion and common sense when discussing anything with others. 

Red Flag number three: They advise you to invest your life savings in one company

This is a major red flag! Diversification spreads your risk but plunging all of your money in the one company can lead to financial ruin and affect your lifestyle big time. It may be true that there are some people who made a killing by plunging but it is equally true that a lot of people lost everything they invested. The only reason why a paid financial advisor would tell you to invest all of your money in the one company is that they are more interested in their commission rather than your financial well-being.

Red Flag number four: You are advised to invest in cryptocurrency

This is a major red flag. No one should ever advise you to invest in any kind of cryptocurrency. This is a high risk speculation rather than an investment. Only discretionary spending money should be used for purchasing Bitcoin. If you are young and have no commitments then buying Bitcoin will provide you with a bit of excitement, but it is certainly no substitute for your retirement fund.

Red Flag number five: The advice is unsolicited

If you receive a cold call from someone claiming to be a financial advisor then hang up or delete the email. Tell them that you already have an advisor. Whatever you do, don’t engage with them. If you have responded to anything they have said, then say, “Let me talk to my financial advisor first.”

A typical scammer does not want you to talk to anyone else about their so-called opportunity.

Learn to spot the terminology these scammers use in their correspondence and it will help you to avoid becoming their next victim.

About this article

This article is of the opinion of the writer and may not be applicable to your personal circumstances, therefore discretion is advised. You may use this article as content for your blog, website, or ebook. Read my other articles on www.robertastewart.com