Securing Your Investments

Looking for ways to secure your investments? Here are some tips that can keep your investments safe and sound.

For those with stocks: Never listen to just one source. You may think you have a genius stockbroker, but Wall Street is littered with brilliant stockbrokers who’ve ruined their clients’ portfolios.

For those with bonds funds: You may want to consider investing in bonds as opposed to bond funds; rising interest rates may mean that your bond fund’s value will decrease over the years. A bond remains a secure, long-term investment.

For those with bad credit: If you have bad credit, it may seem impossible to ever climb your way to decent credit again. Unfortunately, in our society, our credit score is usually what determines what major purchases —including investments —we can buy. If you have bad credit, consider using a prepaid card, such as a Reach prepaid card, instead of a secured credit card (which you’ll probably be unable to get). A prepaid card doesn’t come with costly overdraft fees, and it’s available to anyone, including those with bad credit.

For those who feel lost: Seek out a financial planner. Many people need a second, experienced opinion to look over their financial status. Financial planners are trained to look at a person’s existing financial situation, examine their projected financial situation, and (in some cases) make their clients wake up and realize their misguided investments or dangerous spending habits. They can also help you calculate exactly what you need for retirement, which is one of the biggest reasons for investments.