How to start investing

It is a myth that investment options only suit those already wealthy. Everyone knows that investing in the right vehicles will build wealth exponentially. However, few know that even if you start small, you can create a substantial corpus with discipline and consistency. 

With the growth of online platforms that offer varied investment options, online share trading and online stock trading have become immensely famous. The number of investors has grown to 161 million as of February 2024. Also, 79.2 million SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) accounts are active now; you can start investing with as low as Rs. 500. 

If you are still wondering whether an investment is right for you, read this blog as you will discover simple wealth-building strategies. 

Impact of Long-Term Financial Planning 

Financial planning is not about your immediate needs and goals. While you need to generate cash for your imminent needs, look at financial planning with a long-term perspective. Set goals and formulate a plan while understanding risks and obstacles. 

Some of the reasons why long-term financial planning is important are:

• Creates a roadmap for achieving your long-term goals
• Inculcates investment discipline to stay focused on your goals
• Increases your savings over time with the power of compounding
• Creates a safety net that may help you beat inflation 

Tips to Build Wealth with Long-Term Investing

Start Investing Early

Start early, regardless of your salary or the amount of money you can afford to invest. When you start investing early, you will have a longer investment horizon. This adequate time will help generate higher returns for your investments by simply reinvesting your returns. 

When you start young, you can take higher risks. Equity options offer higher reward potential but carry higher risk. As you grow older and approach retirement age, you should consistently allocate more towards debt investment options. 

The general rule is that equity allocation must be 100 minus age. So, if you are 25, you can allocate 75% of your investments to high-risk equity, which can also give you higher returns. 

Invest Only What You are Comfortable with

Your budget is a huge factor that influences your ability to invest consistently. Take a closer look at your spending and see if you can reduce negotiable expenses. Determine the amount of income you can allocate towards your investment accounts. Depending on the changes in your income, you can increase or decrease this amount. However, make it a point to allocate a portion of your income to your investment regularly. 

Explore Investment Options 

The investment vehicle you choose determines your return potential. High-risk equity funds offer better returns but are heavily dependent on market conditions. You can choose high-risk investments at a young age to get higher returns. As retirement age approaches, move your funds towards stable investment options because you must opt for lower-risk vehicles. Always ensure that your investment aligns with your risk tolerance. Also, portfolio diversification will help you distribute the risks while keeping windows open to capitalise from market variations. 

Monitor Your Investment with Patience

Building sustainable wealth over a long time demands patience. The market is always volatile. The stocks that perform well today may face dips within a week. Some stocks may suddenly skyrocket for no reason. Successful investors can build wealth only with patience. 

It is crucial to adjust your investments based on market conditions. However, for wealth creation, making impulsive decisions is detrimental. Review your investments occasionally and never give in to recent market temptations. At the same time, find ways to leverage the market tailwinds with consistent diversification. 

Explore Alternative Asset Classes 

Diversification is the key to wealth building. Traditional assets and equities are widely preferred, but new-age asset classes are now available. Conventional assets like fixed deposits are not always safe in a volatile interest rate environment. 

Explore alternative asset classes like crypto, NFTs, ETFs, etc. Expanding your portfolio with exposure to various assets will help you maintain an ideal balance. 

Create an Investment Strategy and be Consistent

Your investments will always respond to market swings. There is no single investment plan that can assure returns. However, with a longer investment horizon, you can cancel out your losses with your profits with a diversification strategy. SIPs allow you to create a disciplined investment strategy by putting aside a predetermined monthly amount towards your investment. Create another strategy to invest your lump-sum income. Sticking to your plan will help you avoid chasing returns. 

Revisit and optimise your investment strategy

Even though you take all measures to create the perfect investment strategy, the performance always varies based on market conditions. Review your investment plans annually and ensure the returns align with your goals. If needed, rebalance your portfolio and change your savings and investment strategies. 

Conclusion

Wealth building is not a one-time activity. The inclusion of suitable options, such as the chance to opt for a zero brokerage trading account in India, has further boosted the country’s trading economy. Investing allows you to build wealth consistently and ensure a secure financial future. The rewards are dependent on the risk involved. Stock market investments can help you grow wealth by adopting a long-term perspective with discipline. Portfolio diversification is a proven way to dilute risks and optimise returns. Determine your risk appetite and ensure that your investments align with your needs. 

FAQs

1. Is it useful to start investing at the age of 40?

Yes, it is never too late to start an investment. Even after retirement, you can stay invested. As long as you manage your income and find avenues for investment, you can continue to invest. 

2. How do you build wealth easily?

The simple way to build wealth is to start investing as early as possible and continue investing. As your income increases, you must also increase your investments. 

3. Should I not withdraw dividends from my investments?

If your goal is building wealth, you can leverage the power of compounding by increasing your investment. Reinvesting your dividends in the same scheme will increase your returns gradually.