Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people found themselves under increased financial pressure, struggling to keep up with the rising prices of essential products as well as the soaring utility costs.
The rapidly shifting work environment only added further uncertainty.
All of these troubling circumstances served to showcase the importance of having a diversified revenue stream. With income coming in from multiple sources, people can enjoy increased financial freedom and security.
One such option is investing in stocks. Stocks have been around for quite a while and can represent an exciting opportunity for nearly everyone to realize significant financial gains.
The wide-reaching consequences of the pandemic also had an adverse effect on countless startups and SMEs (small to medium-sized enterprises).
The most common problem manifested in negative cash flows for a prolonged period that left the affected organizations unable to pay their outstanding debts, resulting in insolvency.
However, falling into insolvency doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the company.
Enlisting the help of professionals, such as an insolvency practitioner, if the ailing business operates in that area, can allow the struggling company to stabilize its finances and continue forwards in a stronger position.
The experts can analyze the specific circumstances of each business and help it pinpoint the most suitable insolvency procedure for the situation.
Investment Approach
Like most investment options, stocks can deliver excellent returns. However, the involved risk is also considerable.
Taking the wrong position in the stock market could lead to sizeable losses that can be hard to recuperate. That is why simply picking a stock and putting all your savings into it is rarely a winning strategy.
Instead, think carefully about your expectations, desired outcomes, and preferred approach before committing even a single pound.
Investors with plenty of available time and the desire to thoroughly research the chosen stocks and their movements can focus on trading individual stocks.
Doing so can produce tremendous results with enough practice and patience but may require understanding quarterly earning reports, chart indicators, and mathematical calculations.
People who desire to invest in stocks in a more passive and less time-consuming way can look into Index funds.
This option typically has lower costs, and its consistent behavior can lead to steady and predictable annualized gains, allowing investors to build substantial wealth over time.
A relatively newer option that is gaining popularity is utilizing robo-advisors. These are brokerages that offer to invest money in a portfolio of index funds on behalf of the investor.
The profile of the chosen portfolio is adjusted to meet each investor’s specific requirements, such as their risk tolerance, investing goals, age, and more. A robo-advisor can also offer to optimize the investment in terms of tax efficiency.
First Steps Towards Investing
The next major consideration involves deciding on your investment budget. Any sums invested in stocks could be subjected to significant losses. Losing your entire savings due to a bad stock prediction could have devastating consequences.
In general, you should invest only amounts that you will not need in the immediate future and that would not jeopardize your ability to meet current and potential costs and expenses.
After you have set your investment budget, it is time to open a brokerage account with one of the available online stock brokers. Don’t simply choose the first platform you come across.
Even though most brokers have drastically reduced or even outright eliminated their trading commissions, other features must be considered.
Some brokers offer helpful educational tools and access to in-depth investment research to help people just starting with their investment journey.
Furthermore, not all brokers offer access to particular foreign stock exchanges.
Finally, some have physical branch networks, which can greatly benefit investors who wish to meet with a professional in a face-to-face environment.
Choosing Your Stocks
While building your stock portfolio, it might be for the best so stay away from picks that move solely on hype. While these opportunities can lead to quick gains, novice investors can get stuck and not move fast enough when the trend turns.
Instead, a more stable approach should be adopted until you have a solid base of stocks for your portfolio.
Another relevant piece of advice is to diversify the stocks you pick. Do not go overboard, though.
Stick to industries and sectors you are familiar with to quickly recognize any forming trends or obstacles that might impact the movement of the stocks.
Conclusion
Be aware that no singular solution is correct in all potential investment situations.
The vast majority of stocks are prone to volatility, and most novice investors should try to minimize the risks they take.
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