5 Investment Hacks That an Everyday Investor Can Utilize

Available for Interviews: Mario Payne, CFP

Mario Payne is a certified personal planner and the founder of TOAMS Financial in Jacksonville. Mario brings over 15 years of investment experience to his business. He is also the author of the forthcoming book, The RELAX Investor: Conquering Fear & Investing Through Self-Discovery.

What Mario Payne could say on
Fundamental Investment Strategies:

In our sometimes topsy-turvy economy, it’s difficult to predict how the markets will behave from month to month. That’s why it is essential that we put into practice sound investment strategies to meet our long-term goals. Here are 5 smart tips that individual investors should employ:

1. 1. Start Early and Invest Regularly. The earlier you start investing, the more time your money has to grow. Invest regularly to take advantage of dollar-cost averaging, where you invest a fixed amount at regular intervals, helping to spread risk over time.
   2. Diversify Your Portfolio. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your investments across various asset classes (stocks, bonds, and real estate) and within different sectors and geographical regions. This can help manage risk and increase potential returns.
   3. Take Advantage of Tax-Advantaged Accounts. Use retirement accounts like a 401(k) or an IRA, which offer tax advantages for investors. The exact benefits depend on the type of account and your individual circumstances, but they often include either tax-deductible contributions or tax-free growth.
   4. Rebalance Periodically. Market fluctuations can throw your asset allocation out of balance over time. Rebalancing your portfolio periodically can help maintain your desired level of risk and return.
   5. Invest in Low-Cost Index Funds. Index funds, which aim to replicate the performance of a specific index, often have lower fees than actively managed funds. Over time, these lower fees can result in significant cost savings.