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5 Ways to Diversify your investments

5 Ways to Diversify your investments

To have a diverse portfolio means to have your money in several places so that if one company or industry is in trouble then income from your other investments should at least minimise the shock.

There are 5 ways to diversify your portfolio. 

Number 1: Invest in several industries

Investing in different kinds of industries protects you from a downturn in one. With the online share market platforms I am with I have investments in a building company, an energy company, a farming retailer, phone company, and a New Zealand milk supplier. This diversification technique minimizes risks and gives me plenty of interest too.

Number 2: Invest in several funds

If you invest in managed funds and that includes everyone who is in Kiwisaver then you will be in various types of funds; growth, balanced, or conservative. The best strategy is to invest in the fund which is right for you and that depends on how soon you need the money. Long term, medium term, and short term money should be in growth, balanced, and conservative funds respectively but it all depends on your risk profile.

Number 3: Invest in different platforms

Most of us have heard of the online investing platforms such as Sharesies, Hatch, Investnow, Kernel Wealth, and Robinhood. Investing in several different platforms will help cushion you against the shock of having one of them fail, and certainly, there is no guarantee that this will not happen. I advise not investing all of your life savings into one online platform.

Number 4: Invest in different asset classes

Investing in different types of asset classes will enable you to withstand a downturn in one class of asset. Investing in fixed term interest, the share market, gold, and property are all different types of assets. It all depends on what the right kind of assets are right for your kind of personal circumstances. 

Number 5:Invest in different companies

This is very important. It is unlikely that all of the companies will fail even though the industry is going through a bad patch. This rule is just as applicable to investing in finance companies for a fixed term return as it is for shares. 

Benefits of Diversification

The number one benefit of diversification is it reduces your portfolio risk. If you placed all of your eggs in the one basket then you could lose it all if that one company went under and it did happen to some investors during the 2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and 1987 Sharemarket crash (Black Monday).

It can be enjoyable for investors to own a little bit of a number of countries. Micro investment platforms such as Sharesies, Hatch, and Robinhood make this affordable for Mum and Dad investors.

Downsides of Diversification

Diversification can be time consuming but then everything worth doing is worth doing well. Investing in managed funds or mutual funds as they are called in the US is an option for busy people. More transaction fees and commissions is another downside to diversification and that could reduce your short term gain.

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.

 

Sharesies is an accessible and straightforward way to invest in the stock market. You can get started on your investment journey and start building your wealth. However, before making any investment decisions, it is essential to do your research and seek professional advice if necessary.

 Join Sharesies here

Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission if you sign up with Sharesies.

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Your Investing Risk Profile is an Important Factor

Working out your risk profile

Investing money has its risks, more so if you are prepared to go for growth type of investments but you may not have the stomach to take on risky investments.

It all depends on your investment time frame which basically means how long it will be before you need the money.

The longer your time frame the more risk you are able to take with your money.

There are factors which determine your time frame and they are:

Your Age

Obviously if you are 65 then you are not going to set a 30 year savings goal, if you are in your 20s you can take more risks but that does not mean you should be reckless and just invest all your money in Bitcoin in an attempt to get rich quick.

Your health

Your savings goals

The key strategy whatever your risk profile is diversification.

That is to spread your portfolio over a wide range of industries. This is possible for the ordinary man and woman in the street who are able to invest in managed funds where your investment is combined with those of others. It is then up to the fund manager to handle all of the investments. This is exactly how kiwisaver operates.

Each fund will give you an option of investing in Conservative, Balanced, or Growth funds and your decision of which fund to leave your money in will be determined on whether you can stomach heavy losses should the share market go belly up. If the thought of losing your money will cause you sleepless nights then you should go for balanced funds. Conservative funds will not grow your money at the same rate as balanced or growth funds will and once the fund manager withdraws their fees it may feel as though your money is not growing at all.  As far as Kiwisaver is concerned, the government will contribute 50% of what you put in to a maximum of $520 every year so at least this would make it worthwhile for you to at least contribute $1,040 a year to get the $520. This will seem like obtaining 50% interest on your  $1,040 for that year.

It all adds up and no one is going to reach the retirement age of 65 and regret that they contributed to their Kiwisaver.

Your risk profile is not the only determining factor in deciding which fund to choose. If you are saving for a deposit on a home then you are not going to want to risk losing your money in the share market which will happen if you had all of your money in Growth funds only for the markets to tumble.

Investing in growth funds for long term growth and taking needless risks are not the same thing.  If you invest in something dodgy without knowing anything about what you are investing in then you are asking for trouble.

Your age is another factor to consider. When you are young, it is advisable to go for growth funds because you have more time to recover from a financial setback such as a market crash, whereas someone nearing retirement would have their retirement plans affected should this occur.

It is your money however and your own responsibility to decide where you are going to invest so learn all you can about the various types of investments and in time you increase your financial literacy.

It is sensible to diversify and invest in a range of industries. Placing all of your eggs in one basket  is not sensible. There are stories of those who did just that and lost during the Global Financial Crisis as several finance companies fell.

The information given here is my own opinion and not given as financial advice. It is best to seek professional financial advice if you are unsure.

Note: Kiwisaver is New Zealand’s retirement savings scheme and this information may not be applicable in your own country. 

www.robertastewart.com

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3 Ways to lose during a Share Market Slump

It is easy to be very confident about your investments when all is going well and your investments are rising in value but it is when the market has taken a dive when your real character is revealed.

Investing needs to be done with the right mindset otherwise allowing your emotions to take over your decision making can turn out to be very costly in the long term.

The newspapers may say, “Investors have lost millions,” but the reality is they have lost nothing, well not unless they have sold their shares during a market slump.

If you have an investment strategy then the possibility of a downward trend should have been taken into account so a market downward trend will not be of a concern.

There are three ways which you can lose during a share market slide; here are are:

  1. Sell your shares

Selling your shares during a market slide is a guarantee that you will lose; more so if you bought your shares during the peak. The share market will have it’s ups and downs and is a long term game. If you are saving money for the short to medium term then investing in growth funds may not be the right place to have your money. On the flip side of that is a rising market can help you reach your savings goals faster. It is the catch 22 situation in that if there is an opportunity for a capital gain there is an opportunity for a capital loss.

  1. Change funds

Changing from growth funds to balanced or conservative during a market downturn is a way of guaranteeing a loss. In other words you are selling shares at a lower price than you bought them for. It is the issue of allowing your emotions to rule your better judgement. 

  1. Stop Contributions to your retirement fund

This is a sure way to lose during a market slump because you are missing out on bargains in the share market. You may not lose your money by not investing during a market slump but you are losing in other ways because if you decide to just leave your money in a low interest savings account the value of your savings is being eroded by inflation.

Talk about a sure fire loser!

The share market rewards consistency and that means making contributions through good times and bad. During times when the share market is during a bear market phase you will get shares at below their market value while during a bull market cycle you will get a lot of shares at above their market value. All of this will average out over a period of time and the longer you are involved in the share market and participating the more chance you give the law of averages to work in your favour.

About this article

You may use this article as content for your ebook, website, or blog. Feel free to share it with others.

Start investing on a shoestring

Sharesies makes it possible for anyone to get into buying and selling shares. It is an online share market platform where you have the option of purchasing shares in individual companies or in various funds (managed/mutual funds). You can even start with $5. This is a no brainer because it gives investors young and not so young the chance to improve their financial literacy. There is certainly no substitute for experience when it comes to learning and this is applicable to everything else, not just investing.

Join sharesies here: https://sharesies.nz/r/377DFM

 

Note: This article is of the opinion of the writer and may not be applicable to your personal

www.robertastewart.com

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Sharesies vs. Hatch: Which Investment Platform is Right for You

Introduction

Investing in the stock market has become more accessible than ever, thanks to the proliferation of online investment platforms. Two popular options in New Zealand are Sharesies and Hatch. These platforms offer different features and cater to various investment preferences, making it essential to understand the differences between them to determine which one is the right fit for your financial goals. In this article, we’ll compare Sharesies and Hatch, exploring their key features and what sets them apart.

Sharesies: Making Investing More Accessible

Sharesies, launched in 2017, has rapidly gained popularity in New Zealand for its user-friendly interface and mission to democratize investing. The platform allows users to buy and sell fractional shares, making it ideal for those who want to start investing with a limited budget. Here are some key features of Sharesies:

  • Affordability: One of Sharesies’ standout features is its ability to buy fractional shares, meaning you can invest in high-priced stocks without needing to purchase a full share. This opens up investment opportunities for individuals with modest budgets.
  • Diverse Investment Options: Sharesies offers a wide range of investment options, including New Zealand and international shares, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), managed funds, and more. This diversity allows you to build a well-rounded portfolio to meet your investment objectives.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed with the user in mind, making it straightforward for beginners to start investing. It provides educational resources and tools to help users understand the world of investing.
  • Transparency: Sharesies is transparent about its fees, making it easy for investors to understand the costs involved in their investments. The platform charges an annual subscription fee, which can be advantageous for active investors with a larger portfolio.
  • Community and Social Element: Sharesies fosters a sense of community through its forums and discussion boards, where users can engage with other investors, share their insights, and learn from one another.
  •  Join Sharesies here

Hatch: Access to International Markets

Hatch, on the other hand, is designed to provide New Zealanders with access to international investment opportunities. It offers a gateway to the US and Australian stock markets, allowing users to invest in companies listed on these exchanges. Here are some key features of Hatch:

  • Access to International Markets: Hatch enables New Zealand investors to purchase shares in companies listed on the US and Australian stock exchanges, such as Apple, Amazon, and Tesla. This access to global markets provides diversification opportunities beyond the local market.
  • Direct Ownership of Shares: Hatch allows users to directly own shares in the companies they invest in. This means you have more control over your investments and can receive dividends if the company pays them.
  • Wide Range of Investments: In addition to individual stocks, Hatch offers access to ETFs and index funds, providing a broad range of investment options to suit various strategies and risk appetites.
  • No Subscription Fee: Unlike Sharesies, Hatch does not charge an annual subscription fee. Instead, it operates on a transaction-based fee structure, where you pay a fee when you buy or sell shares.
  • Educational Resources: Hatch offers educational resources and insights to help users make informed investment decisions, particularly in the context of international markets.
  • https://app.hatchinvest.nz/share/rtb24muk

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between Sharesies and Hatch ultimately depends on your investment goals, preferences, and level of experience. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Choose Sharesies If:

  • You are a beginner investor or have limited funds to start with.
  • You prefer to invest in New Zealand shares and ETFs.
  • You appreciate a user-friendly platform and a sense of community among fellow investors.
  • You want transparency in fees and are comfortable with the annual subscription model.

Choose Hatch If:

  • You want to access international markets and invest in US and Australian stocks.
  • You have a specific interest in owning shares in individual international companies.
  • You are comfortable with a transaction-based fee structure and don’t want to pay an annual subscription fee.
  • You are looking for diversified investment opportunities beyond New Zealand.

Conclusion

Sharesies and Hatch offer unique investment opportunities, catering to different preferences and financial goals. Sharesies is well-suited for those looking to invest in New Zealand and start with a limited budget, while Hatch provides access to global markets and individual international stocks. Carefully assess your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and budget to determine which platform aligns with your needs. Both platforms have their strengths, and the choice between them should be based on what suits your individual circumstances and investment strategy.

Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission if you sign up with Sharesies or Hatch.

www.robertastewart.com

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Share Tumble Scenario

INTRODUCTION

The share market has enjoyed a great run since the Global Financial Crisis. Will it continue or will a major fall in the markets put an end to it all? No one knows therefore, it is important to set proper financial goals and use strategies to factor in scenarios which may or may not occur.

What to do if the share market crashes

The 1987 share market crash known as “Black Monday” wiped out fortunes as many investors lost their life savings. Those of a generation who were around back then will be well aware of what can happen when you place all your eggs in one basket as many investors did. I mean there were stories of investors borrowing money to purchase shares using the value of their shares as collateral. When the markets went down, the value of their shares were a fraction of the money owed on the borrowed money.

The 1987 crash was the worst crash since the 1929 Wall Street crash. There were almost 60 years between 1929 and 1987 so investors need to reassure themselves that another crash may not fall within their lifetime.

So what should investors do when the markets are falling?

Here are my 5 tips:

1 KEEP CALM

Do not fret, markets go up and down like a roller coaster. Treat the markets as a long term investment. If you are young then you have time on your side. There is time for you to recover from financial setbacks. Even if you are say 50 you still have another 15 or so years before you reach the age of retirement so you do not really need to be too conservative, however, someone who cannot stomach the thought of rapidly falling markets would disagree. It all depends on your temperament. 

A financial adviser is likely to steer you to more conservative investments if you are approaching what is termed “The retirement age.” 

2 STICK TO YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN

It is important to stick with your original plan despite all of the negativity in the newspapers which will no doubt arise after a crash. When planning your financial strategy your plan needs to factor in the possibility of a share market tumble. Shares can take investors on a roller coaster ride which reward persistence.

3 DON’T TRY TO TIME THE MARKET

It is time, not timing, which rewards share market investors. Few investors have the knowledge to predict the movement of a share price and those who do and take advantage of it are breaking the law because it is known as insider trading. Investors should do their homework first and trust their own judgment when deciding on which shares to buy. 

4 KEEP SAVING AND INVESTING

The markets reward consistency. Investing into the markets when there is so much negativity which will follow a crash will pay off. As they say “Fortune favors the brave.” The advantage of investing when there is not much negativity and uncertainty in the markets is that you will be able to snap shares up at bargain prices and as the market recovers, investors will gradually jump on the bandwagon and in doing so will give it a shot in the arm.

5 LISTEN TO THE RIGHT PEOPLE

A share market crash will dominate the news for weeks and all of a sudden there will be financial experts coming out of the woodwork with advice on what you should do with your money. A smart investor will be able to discern between good, bad, or downright stupid advice.

www.robertastewart.com

ABOUT THIS ARTICLE

Feel free to print this article for easy reading. You may use this article for content for your website or ebook. Visit my site www.robertastewart.com for other articles.

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Investing Mistakes

This article is of the writer’s experience and opinion. If you require financial advice then see your bank manager or financial advisor.

Learning from past investing mistakes

By Robert A. Stewart

“He who never made a mistake never made anything,” 

But, there is no need to make a mistake if you can help it. How? By learning from other people’s mistakes.

The most tragic thing of all is to not learn from your own mistakes; here are some tragic examples which have left people with badly burned fingers.

In October 1987 the share market crashed big time; there were horrific stories of mum and dad investors losing fortunes. Leading up to the crash investors would borrow money to purchase shares by using the value of their shares as collateral. As the share values increased, they were able to borrow more and more money. One story I was told was of a man who borrowed money using the value of his home as collateral. 

Many companies were basically called paper shufflers; in order words they were not producing anything tangible but trading in shares.

It took several years before the market recovered.

One should never borrow money to purchase shares which is the first basic lesson of investing.

During the Global Financial Crisis several finance companies went belly up in NZ; these included Provincial Finance, Hanover Finance, Dominion Finance, Lombard Finance, and South Canterbury Finance. There were sad stories with one common one being of investors who had their whole life savings invested in the company. The media’s spin on this is to tell the viewer about the investors who lost everything they invested but that is not the case. The truth is investors were drip-fed money from whatever money the receiver’s could recover.

The investors concerned had a lot to say about all of this but one thing that was never mentioned was the fact that they placed all of their financial eggs in one basket. This is a fundamental mistake. In one case, an investor had NZ$400,000 invested in Hanover Finance. One would have thought an investor with commonsense would have spread their money around. 

It does make one wonder whether someone provided this investor with misleading advice. 

The second basic lesson is to not place all of your financial eggs in one basket.

Cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin and the like have been very popular during the last ten years. Stories of great wealth have been floating around from time to time of investors who have invested x number of $ and turned it into a fortune worth x. My view of Crypto Currency is that it should be treated as a bit of a gamble where you only invest discretionary income in. Only money you can afford to lose should be invested in crypto currency.

It should be worth remembering that for every person that made a killing of some kind, whether on the share market, cryptocurrency, or other kind of investment, there will be a lot more people who lost their money. What usually happens is that many of those who made the killing will try to repeat the feat and end up giving back most if not all of their gains.

A company called “Cryptopia” which was basically a blockchain which held funds invested in Bitcoin was hacked into and all those with bitcoin invested with cryptopia lost their money. There were some sad stories of an x amount of $ lost.

The third lesson here is to NEVER invest money in cryptocurrency which you can not afford to lose. In other words, only use your discretionary money for Bitcoin.

It is certainly well worth remembering that if there is a chance of capital gain then there is also a chance of capital loss. That is the nature of investing.

The bottom line is this; “It is up to YOU, the investor to take responsibility for your mistakes.

www.robertastewart.com

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7 Ways that Emotional Spending can ruin your financial plan

7 Ways that Emotional Spending can ruin your financial plan

Written by R. A. Stewart

The best financial plan can be undermined by emotional spending; unless you have the right mindset all of your self discipline and planning can be undone by a moment of madness. 

Here are 7 Emotional Spending Habits can hurt your finances:

  1. Pets

Pets can be very costly and unless you are able to keep your emotions in check they can cost you an arm and a leg. A perfect example of this is when a dog or cat lover will spend a grand or more on a vet bill for their pet moggie when the practical thing to do is to just have the thing put down. Keeping pets can be a drain on one’s finances so it is not surprising that the SPCA are inundated with unwanted pets during the cost of living crisis. The money spent on keeping these pets could have gone toward a rainy day fund which would have enabled the people concerned to weather any financial storm which came along. Personally I think that spending $1,000 on a cat is stupidity.

  1. Expensive Gifts

Buying expensive gifts is another drain on one’s finances. The recipient may appreciate the gift but it is not the same as liking you. What I am saying is that if the only reason why they like you is because you are spending a fortune on them then they like you for the wrong reasons. People who are always buying gifts for others are approval seekers. They seek approval from others and gift giving is their way of achieving this. Giving expensive gifts will drain your finances and is not worth it because it will add up to a fortune in the long run.

  1. Alcohol

Spending too much on alcohol has put paid to many promising careers not to mention being a drain on their finances. Problems with alcohol are usually brought on by emotional needs. Whatever issues you have will be made worse by alcohol therefore it is better to deal with whatever problems you have rather than trying to forget them with alcohol.

  1. Sales (Boxing day, Black Friday, etc.)

You have seen all of the sales advertised on the TV and the internet. Black Friday and Boxing Day sales The sales frenzy on these two days is unreal and it is generated by advertising which appeals to the “Fear of missing out” emotion. 

  1. Lotteries

Gambling is a harmless bit of fun if you are sensible about it but it is when you start placing sizable bets that are affecting your budget that when there is a problem. If that sounds like you then it is time to take stock and find a less expensive hobby.

  1. Cars

Some people are not satisfied with just a vehicle which is adequate for their requirements; they have to go out and spend a lot more on something which is flash in order to impress their peers. Your ego has to be kept in check otherwise it will cost you a fortune over your lifetime. 

  1. Manipulation

Having a strong will and self-discipline will help you become wealthy because there will be people who you have to deal with on a daily basis who have differing views to you as far as finances are concerned. People will try to get you to conform to their values in order to make you just like them. Some will try a tactic known as manipulation by guilt. This is when you are made to feel inadequate or guilty because you won’t do as they say or conform to their value system.

The bottom line is, “They will play on your emotions.”

Don’t try to reason with these people because that type of individual tends to contradict everything you say.

About this article

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

www.robertastewart.com

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Investing for seniors

Investing for seniors

Written by R. A. Stewart

 

Your age is a crucial factor in establishing your savings and investing strategy. Your 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s are your savings years. It is these years when you build up your assets. 

Your 60s and 70s can be considered your spending years. It is when you tick off items on your bucket list while you are able to.

That does not mean that you do not have to work, a lot of older people are taking this option, not because they cannot make ends meet on their pension, but because they enjoy what they are doing.

In New Zealand, retirees will have access to their kiwisaver account once they reach the age of 65. Money invested in kiwisaver will be in growth, balanced, or conservative funds. Most people during their working life opt for growth or balanced funds.

It is time to decide whether to stay with the status quo or invest in more conservative funds. 

Your age and your health are the two most important factors in deciding which fund to invest your money in. 

Older people do not have time on their side to overcome financial setbacks such share market falls and so forth, therefore if you are 60+ it is a good idea to lean toward more conservative investments but still retain some exposure to risk.

It is worth mentioning at this point that New Zealand financial advisor and writer Frances Cook has a formula for calculating how much exposure you should have based on your age, and it is this…

Subtract your age from 100.

If for example you are aged 60 then only 40% of your portfolio should be invested in the share market.

I do not necessarily agree with this formula and my exposure to the share market is more than her formula suggests I have.

However, that is a personal choice; one that I do not necessarily recommend to you because your circumstances will be different as they are for different people.

If you are connected to the internet and you have a lot of spare cash in your account then I suggest that you place most of your money into an account that is not connected to internet banking. This is to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of internet scammers. 

With internet banking being the norm, this could be difficult in the future though.

In any case I still believe that it will pay to arrange your finances so that if you fall victim to a scammer then not all of your money will be lost. 

Don’t leave all of your money in the one account for goodness sake as some victims of scammers have.

If you are traveling then make sure you don’t have access to your life savings because if you do then so will be a scammer if they manage to get hold of your login details. What I am trying to say is you should leave your entire life savings in an account which you use to do your daily spending. Keep it in a separate account from the account you do your day to day banking. The 

Scammers have all kinds of ways to trick people into handing over their login details.

Anyone can be a victim so don’t be proud by saying “I am not that stupid.”

As you get older you will have to invest more conservatively; that does not necessarily mean transferring from growth to conservative funds but investing some of your current savings into low risk accounts. The deciding factor is your timeline. How soon you need the money and funds which are going to be used within 12 months are best invested conservatively.

 

www.robertastewart.com

 

ABOUT THIS ARTICLE

This article is of the opinion of the writer and may not be applicable to your personal circumstances. Feel free to share this article. You may also use this article for your website/blog or as content for your ebook.

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Beginners Guide to the share market

You do not have to be rich to get involved in the share market these days with online share market platforms such as Sharesies and Hatch which provide a gateway to novice investors.

If you are from a country other than New Zealand or Australia then Robinhood from the States is a share market platform which you can use.

Here are my tips to follow if you are a complete beginner.

Tip 1: Shares go up and down

The value of your shares will fluctuate; that is the nature of the markets. It is important not to focus on your shares but rather on saving and letting the markets take care of itself because if you are strategic with your investments then falling markets will not scare you. 

Tip 2: Know why you are investing

Have a clear plan on what the money’s for. Is it for your retirement, a mortgage, a vehicle, or as a rainy day fund. 

Tip 3: Invest money you can afford to lose

Money which is invested in the share market should only be money which you can fully afford to lose because of the volatile nature of shares, however, you can choose a conservative funds when investing in managed funds. It all depends on your time frame. If the money is needed in the short term then investing in conservative funds will be your best option. 

Tip 4: Know your risk profile

Your risk profile is the level of risk you are prepared for or are willing to take. If you are young you are able to take more risks because you have more time to recover from financial setbacks.

Tip 5: Not a substitute for kiwisaver

Online investing  platforms such as Robinhood, Sharesies, Hatch and the like should not be a substitute for your retirement fund, in New Zealand that is called Kiwisaver)

Tip 5: Not a get rich scheme

Investing in the share market is a long term game; it is not a get rich quick scheme. Don’t be taken in by the stories of those who have made a share market killing because you never get to hear about the losses and it is likely that people who made that killing will spend years trying to make another killing and lose all their gains.

Tip 6: Patience is a virtue

It is time and not timing which is the key to making money in the share market. Patience investors are rewarded handsomely if they stay onboard rather than jump ship during stormy seas.

Tip 6: Do your homework

It is important to do your homework on the various companies you plan to invest in and not just invest haphazardly. The alternative is to invest in managed funds; the fund manager will choose the companies for you.

Tip 7: Take responsibility

Don’t blame anyone for your mistakes, take responsibility for them and learn from them; that way you will become a better investor.

Tip 8: Get right advice

Listen to the right people. Prior to the Global Financial Crisis, some financial experts were saying “The high interest rates do not reflect the higher risk investors of finance companies are taking on.”

Well guess what happened? A number of them folded.

www.robertastewart.com

Start investing on a shoestring

Sharesies makes it possible for anyone to get into buying and selling shares. It is an online share market platform where you have the option of purchasing shares in individual companies or in various funds (managed/mutual funds). You can even start with $5. This is a no brainer because it gives investors young and not so young the chance to improve their financial literacy. There is certainly no substitute for experience when it comes to learning and this is applicable to everything else, not just investing.

Join sharesies here: https://sharesies.nz/r/377DFM

Disclaimer: I may receive a small sign up bonus if you join sharesies.

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5 Industries not to invest in

Coal is still being burned in New Zealand and a lot of other countries.

5 Industries not to invest in

We live in a changing world; industries which were once thriving will likely see a decline but those that are able to adapt to a changing world will thrive, but there are some industries which I would think twice about investing in for various reasons. It is up to each and every investor to do their own due diligence when making their investment choices.

Here is my list of industries to avoid:

  1. Fossil Fuel industries

It is no secret that coal is the scapegoat for climate change and all of the weather related events which take place around the world with monotonous regularity. As a result, it is risky to be investing in anything which is being blamed for climate change, coal being one of these. 

During the GFC, the New Zealand government privatised many state owned companies to pay it’s debts, Solid Energy who were involved in the mining industry was one of these. Just a few years later, Solid Energy collapsed with debts of 400m. Falling coal prices were given as the reason for it’s demise.  About the same time, the Pike River coal mine blew up killing 29 miners. It too collapsed. Both were listed on the NZ share market. Investors got their fingers burned. Need I say more?

  1. Manufacturing

Manufacturing is another industry which is vulnerable to changing economic conditions and government policies. During the GFC, Feltex carpets collapsed. It was listed on the NZ Stock exchange. Investors lost their money. I do not know the reason for the demise of Feltex but do know that whatever is manufactured in the West, it is likely that it can be made in China at a fraction of the cost.

  1. Airlines

The lock downs around the world taught us how Airlines can be easily affected by a pandemic. Air New Zealand were greatly affected as were Airlines around the world. The government bailed them out and it was not the only time that Air New Zealand was rescued by the government. In 2001, they were saved from going under by the NZ government. The shares went down 14 cents per share before they recovered but never returned to their original price. The NZ government ended up owning 51% of the company.

  1. Retail

Internet shopping has made retail shares risky. I just saw on the news recently that Australian Post has an aircraft which will be used solely for parcels. The seats were taken out of this former passenger plane. Trends which take place in Europe and America are ahead of Australia and New Zealand so high street retail firms need to adapt fast or be left behind.

  1. Property Developers

There have been several companies involved in property development which have gone to the wall in the past decade. Slowing economic conditions, staff shortages, and material shortages are problems which hinder progress. 

During the Global Financial Crisis, Lombard, a finance company in New Zealand went bust. They loaned money to property developers and when their creditors were unable to service their debt it affected Lombard. Their glossy brochure stated that the loans are secured by property but the problem came when the value of the properties were worth less than the debt.

Learning from Experience

Experience is the best teacher and I admit that I lost money when I bought shares in Air New Zealand and Feltex Carpets. I also lost money when I invested 5k in Lombard Finance at compound interest. When Lombard went belly up that 5k had over to over 6k. At least I did receive some money back and this was deposited into my retirement fund which in New Zealand is called Kiwisaver. 

As for Coal; the Pike River mine is around 13 or so miles from where I live. I did think of buying shares in Pike River before the explosion just for an interest. I suggest that if you are buying shares in something for the same reason then do so with discretionary spending money.

Special note

Any industry which relies heavily on the discretionary dollar is always going to be vulnerable to changes in the economy. 

www.robertastewart.com

Lake Mapouriki near Franz Josef Glacier. A tourist hotspot which was hit hard by covid lock downs.