Article

Is Your Portfolio Music to Your Ears?

s Your Portfolio Music to Your Ears?

There are many important components involved in making music. The concept is similar to the challenging aspects of managing finances in today’s economy. Decisions about the various financial instruments that can be used for your particular objectives and your risk tolerance can come into harmony through guidance from a professional financial advisor.

September 1, 2023
s Your Portfolio Music to Your Ears?
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

One of the more challenging aspects of managing finances today is deciding how much to save and which savings vehicles are most appropriate in helping you reach your goals. Naturally, you hope to create a savings and investment plan that’s “in tune” with your personal objectives and risk tolerance. But, the lure of potentially high rates of return can easily skew a novice’s objectivity, which could result in unrealistic expectations and unnecessary exposure to risk.

That’s why it’s important to meet regularly with a qualified financial professional to review your personal financial situation, taking into account your short-term and long-term goals. During these meetings, you’ll formulate answers to the following questions:

  • What do I wish to accomplish with my money?
  • How can I keep inflation from eroding the purchasing power of my money?
  • How much risk am I willing to take with my money?

One Key Player: Diversification

Professional guidance can help you create a well-diversified savings program with assets placed in different types of investments and investment classes covering a wide range of the risk/return spectrum. Examples of some investment vehicles include: stocks; bonds; mutual funds (which can comprise of stocks, bonds, or a combination of both); certificates of deposit (CDs); savings; and money market accounts. Each investment class, and its respective options, tends to react differently to changes in financial markets and to the economy as a whole. Thus, by diversifying your portfolio, risk is spread over a broader range of investments—potentially minimizing the impact of downturns in the economy or a particular market sector.

Maintaining Harmony

Each individual situation has its own set of circumstances that require constant re-evaluation. Factors such as your age, income, expenses, family responsibilities, and risk tolerance will certainly change over time. In addition, it’s important to recognize that past performance of any investment is not indicative of future results, and shares may be redeemed for more or less than their original value. Investments that are performing well above or below your expectations may create an unbalanced portfolio, which could result in an investment mix that is “out of harmony” (inconsistent) with your original objectives.

Regular reviews with a qualified financial professional will help ensure your portfolio is properly diversified, balanced, and performing in accordance with your investment goals—in short, making music you want to hear.

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