Stock investments are easier than it seems, but they still bring a lot of risks with them. It seems like words like “investment” and “investing” are pretty popular since the last year, especially when the pandemic made all things harder for us. A lot of people finally realized that in some cases, the risk is worth the struggle, and found alternative ways to earn more money. Investing in stocks is just one of them, and it’s our focus for today’s article.
But, before you start, you should read more to learn how to do that. Don’t get in this without at least reading a few articles on this topic, or even more detailed analytical papers, or books dedicated to this topic. Then, you need to decide how do you want to do that, to choose an investing account, and of course, learn how to make a difference between stocks and funds.
There are a lot of things you must know before you become a part of it, but let’s see which the most important ones:
1. Don’t do anything blindly, without having a basic plan
Source: pexels.com
The stock market isn’t something you can simply visit, take what do you want, pay for it, and leave. You have to take a part in a lot of discussions, courses, and lessons, read books, follow the related articles and websites, and then decide if you are ready to take that step. You also need to have a strong reason why you are doing that. If you did that just because your friends are already investing, then it’s a completely wrong approach, especially if your financial situation is difficult. Many people make a huge mistake when they jump into this thinking they will become rich in a few months, and resolve every money struggle they have. But, it’s not like that, even though the ads and movies are showing happy people who earn a lot and buy cars, houses, and other luxury things.
2. It comes with risks
Every activity in our life comes with a risk. Even when we drink water, we risk doing that completely wrong and end up in hospital. Going out is also a risk because you can get hit by a bus. Every morning, as we wake up, we are taking all those risks in our hands, so when someone says that stocks aren’t a risk, then they are lying to you. And you don’t have to fall for those faked success stories of people who make significant amounts and get rich, because, you must remember this forever – the stock market is not a machine that prints out a lot of money. The stories about successful millionaires are attractive and encouraging, but you must remember that even if they are real, those people worked hard for years, and didn’t earn the money after a few weeks of presence on the market. Don’t forget the fact that there are cases when the people lost everything they had, just because they didn’t plan the things, and weren’t informed about the risks.
3. You have to choose your brokerage’s service
Source: itsblockchain.com
Most people don’t invest as individuals, but they choose to work through a brokerage company. That means you need to create an account, deposit some money, and then proceed with investing in some amounts of stocks. Keep in mind that brokerage service will charge some fees, but also, you will receive different offers every day, and you will have to make risky decisions even when you don’t feel like that. The good thing is that they have offers for beginners, and don’t let them trade big quantities of stocks in the initial stages. Also, before you join some websites, you have to explore their options and estimate the strengths and weaknesses, so you can determine if they are good for you. Choose the brokerage website according to your needs and preferences. Check if they have customer support, and then decide if they are a good option for you.
4. Don’t invest your savings
You save money because you have some goal in your life. No matter if you save them for a new car, apartment, or just to have some funds in the future, investing them in stocks is the worst idea you may have. Some people take a small part of their savings, and trade with them, but it’s good if you are aware of the risk, and don’t do that all the time. If you invest your savings you can earn big, and that’s the best-case scenario. In some cases, you will earn just a small amount, or in the worst situation, you will lose everything you have, without any chance to bring back even a cent.
5. Keep yourself informed all the time
Source: time.com
There are plenty of web resources that can be really helpful during this process. Don’t underestimate the blog articles too, or the experience some people share with their followers on social media. Every information you get is useful and can be turned into a trick, tip, or piece of knowledge that you will use within your further activities on the market.
6. Develop a strategy
Set limits, personal rules, and strategies, so you can reduce the potential risks for losing big. Take in mind every possible factor that can have an influence over your activities. Having a strategy is a good way to ensure you will get returns in the future.
7. You should never avoid the taxes
Source: pexels.com
Profits made from investments are taxable, but you shouldn’t be stressed about that. You only need to include the earnings and profits in the calculation. When you receive your funds, make sure you are saving some amounts for the taxes. Avoiding them is a crime that may lead to legal issues.
If you are sure you really want to do that, and it’s your wish, not your friends’, then we wish you a lot of luck, hoping that you will be successful in this risky market in the future.
