If you’re looking for a way to generate some additional income on the side, there are few better options than investing. It’s a perfect accompaniment to a fulltime job, as you can set up your investments and let the money trickle in.
But all investments come with some element of risk. You can be smart with your portfolio but you ultimately can never guarantee you aren’t going to lose money. It’s for this reason that many people don’t bother, as they see it as too dangerous and complicated to get started.
But with a well-managed portfolio and some caution, there are many ways to reduce your investment risk and look after your money. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Do your research
If you are only just getting into the investment game, it’s not wise to play fast and loose with your money. Too many reckless people invest too much too early on and end up losing it due to a lack of understanding about the mechanics of the process. Make sure you take some time to do your research before you get started. Speak to a financial advisor or find a mentor who can talk you through the finer details. Learn about the different types of investments such as cryptocurrency and stocks in order to understand the pros and cons of each. ONly once you understand the basics can you then consider parting with your money.
Know your risk tolerance
How much money can you afford to lose? Your risk tolerance is your ability to endure the risk of losing the capital you have invested. This will depend on a range of factors including your income, your financial obligations, and your demographics. For example, an unmarried single person in their twenties will have a higher risk tolerance than a 50-year-old investor with debts and children in education. By understanding your risk tolerance, you can use this information to seek out investments that deliver the best ratio of risk to reward.
Avoid extra charges
Some investments come with additional fees and charges that are not immediately obvious to those who are new to the game. To avoid this, make sure you do your research and find opportunities that don’t require additional expense. For example, if you’re foreign exchange trading, it’s useful to know that swap free accounts incur no interest charges.
Diversify your investments
You can reduce your risk by spreading it across multiple types of investment. This is known as diversifying your portfolio, and means you avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. If one investment loses you money, you have others to fall back on.
Start small
The key to successful investing is to start small and work your way up to the larger investments. As you gain more experience and learn more about the process, you will begin to reap the rewards and minimize your losses.
By following these five tips you will learn to reduce your investment risk and create a successful portfolio. Good luck with your money-making venture!
