Mistakes to Avoid When Investing

In order to fall under the umbrella of "Financial Responsibility" most people understand that they need to start planning early. However, despite best intentions, often times the culprit called life gets in the way. Home improvements, car repairs and unexpected job losses all seem to come together to put a kink in even the most well-laid financial plans.

To keep yourself closer to the financial finish line, there are a few common financial pitfalls you can avoid. Although you may fall short of the goal from time to time, knowing where you stand and where you are poised to land are incredibly valuable in being financially sound for the long term.

Thinking It Is Too Late

The best financial advice taps into individuals in their twenties, when there is little debt, few obligations, and a high potential of earnings. Unfortunately, few of us are ever the financially responsible adults we want to be straight out of college. It's important to remember that no matter where you are on your financial journey - one of the lucky few in their twenties or one of the more common forty-somethings realizing that their savings account just isn't what it used to be - it's never to early or late to get started accumulating for retirement or even a down payment on a home. Doing nothing is the only way to guarantee that you'll have nothing. Thinking You Have More Time

On the flip side of the coin, you must also do everything in your power to get started investing right away. Although no one is going to berate you for failing to start saving twenty years ago, it doesn't do any good to wait another twenty to get started. It doesn't matter if you have thousands of dollars in debt or are switching jobs for the sixth time in as many years. Meet with a financial advisor right now to learn what your next steps should be.

Not Looking Far Enough Ahead

Some beginners make the mistake of investing money only to realize a few years later that those funds are needed somewhere else. Consider the time frame of each and every investment you make. Few advisors will recommend touching money in the stock market before five years is up, but a money market account or certificates of deposit can turn around quicker than that. You'll also need to remember that most investments do much better when given time. Trading in and out of the market or changing your mind frequently can come with higher fees or other monetary setbacks. Like a good wine, investments tend to get better with age.


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Questions? Email me at wesley@thewandwgroup.com and visit our website at http://www.thewandwgroup.com . New Money Talk is a weekly article focusing on retirement, personal finance, and estate planning.