Start the Year on the Right Foot
What better way to start the year off than by putting your portfolio in order! We all like to make New Year resolutions like promising to exercise more, work less or spend more time with the family. Have you ever thought about a resolution for your portfolio? Here are some resolutions that will turn you into a savvy investor.
It's not how fast you run, it's when you start
The earlier in your life you invest, the more time your investments will have to grow into a nice tidy sum. Besides, you'll be taking advantage of the only thing that's free in the world of investing: interest on interest, or the return on reinvestments. Accumulating interest and reinvesting distributions in a portfolio bring you even more interest and gains over time.
Be true to your investment strategy
Investment theory assumes that stock market returns are a matter of chance. If you subscribe to the theory that returns are random, you will be unnerved by market ups and downs. So stop worrying and don't be afraid of day-to-day market fluctuations. This way, you'll stick to your investment strategy, make fewer market bets and be a smarter investor.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Good diversification lets you avoid unnecessary risk and reduce losses when the markets are very turbulent. Your investment portfolio should include not only different asset classes (stocks and bonds representing the main classes) but also the securities of companies in a number of industries, as well as international securities and small-caps. Lastly, remember to diversify your portfolio by management approach: active or passive and value or growth.
Think RRSP
RRSP season is already started, heralding, of course, the tax refund period. While the government happily digs into our pockets all year long, it gives us a helping hand in the spring. Your RRSP contributions are deducted in full from your taxable income, thus reducing your tax bill. Not to mention the fact that the income produced by this investment vehicle is non-taxable, unlike the income from non-registered investments. A resolution that just doesn't quit! Who could ask for more?
What else can you do?
