First-time investor? Here are some smart tips you must follow

Imagine you have just received your monthly salary. You have paid off bills, set aside money for groceries, and are left with some surplus funds. The thought crosses your mind – Should I invest? That is a smart thought because instead of spending impulsively on non-essential items, you can invest that money for a secure financial future.

Investing in the right avenues is important to achieve financial stability and build wealth to meet a range of goals. But for beginners, investing can seem complicated at first. With the right knowledge, however, it can be a valuable asset to secure your financial future. On that note, here are five tips to help you begin and navigate your investment journey with ease. 

1. Begin with a clear goal
 

When it comes to investing for beginners, one of the first steps is to set clear financial goals. Ask yourself what your targets are. Do you plan on buying real estate as a long-term goal? Maybe you are saving for a vacation in the near future. Or perhaps you want to buy a bike soon. Once you know your targets, you can shape your strategy, gauge the risk you can afford, and identify assets or schemes that align with your ambitions. 

2. Invest in mutual funds through SIP
 

A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in mutual funds offers a disciplined way to invest which can be extremely helpful for new investors. An SIP lets you invest a fixed sum each month or at your chosen frequency.

To get started, select an SIP mutual fund, set a date and frequency, and automate your investments through IDFC FIRST Bank’s savings account. This simplifies the process and instils a habit of regular saving. Moreover, SIPs let you capitalise on market fluctuations, leveraging a concept called rupee-cost averaging. You buy more units when the market is low and fewer units when it's high. This averages out your investment cost over time and helps you optimise your returns.

3. Diversification for risk mitigation

One of the fundamental investing principles is not putting all your money in one place. This is known as diversification. It means you should have different investments like stocks, debt, gold funds, and even some real estate. Try to include short, medium, and long-term investments to get more diversification. Most importantly, diversification helps to mitigate risks in your portfolio. For example, in case the stock market crashes, your bonds and gold investments might still hold value and can help balance your losses.

4. Cut investment costs

The key to successful portfolio management is striking a balance between investment costs and returns. Pay attention to trading costs, mutual fund fees, and management expenses. These expenses can eat into your profits. As a beginner investor, try to keep these costs low and opt for low-cost options like index funds, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) along with actively managed funds.

5. Review and adjust

Your financial priorities and goals may change with time. Events like marriage, childbirth, or job promotions affect your goals. Moreover, markets always fluctuate and can change in an unpredictable manner. Therefore, regular reviews of your investment portfolio become crucial. For example, if you have just had a child, you may want to tweak your strategy to save for their college education or wedding. Thus, ongoing review and adjustments are essential.

Investing for beginners: Create a roadmap to financial success

Investing may seem complex for beginners, but it doesn't need to be. Start with a small sum and research well before you make any investment. Remember, diversification acts as a cushion against risk, hence spread your assets across different investment types and schemes. Check your portfolio often and make adjustments if market conditions have changed or your goals have evolved. Most importantly, adopt a patient approach when investing, and don't get discouraged by short-term fluctuations in the market. Remember, most successful investors play the long game.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.