Investments are one of many topics people discuss during their early adult years. The appeal of multiplying wealth entices many, but minefields like scams have made some turn cold shoulders to it.
Despite these, one of the easiest ways to build wealth and enjoy a comfortable future is to invest. The economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated that those who don’t have multiple sources of income may find themselves short of funds in a flash.
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In an interview, Anthony Ejefoh, a veteran Nigerian Entrepreneur, Investor, and Author with more than nine years of experience, talks about the importance of investment while sharing tips on building a portfolio.
According to Anthony, the most important thing about investment is financial security in the future. “What you invest in today affects your future. Investing can provide you with another source of income, fund your retirement, or even get you out of a financial jam. Above all, investing grows your wealth, helping you meet your financial goals and increasing your purchasing power over time.”
There are many ways to invest but deciding on investment as a novice can be very confusing. Mr. Ejefoh advised starters that the first thing to consider is why they want to start investing.
He added that it would make it easier to decide which type of investment to go in. “At first, when I started, it seemed difficult. Imagine waking up one day, and you decided you want to become an entrepreneur. I just had a few things left with me, but I made that decision. I looked at the market, What I want to invest in, and how much my return will be I will want it in the future. As I said earlier, investment deals with the future. Look at where I am now; I invested in myself now I am reaping the benefits.”
In addition to that, Anthony says the more you invest, the better you become and the more you are getting in the future.
Developing profitable investment strategies
While investment can build wealth, it is also important to balance potential gains with the risk involved. Here is where investment strategies come to play. Mr. Ejefoh cautions that Investment strategies are very vital, especially when it comes to investment.
He explained that before determining a strategy, it’s essential to note one’s financial situation and goals. “Look at what you want to achieve while setting your strategy.”
Anthony added that investment is based on finance, and it’s necessary to make out strategies as they are guides for investors.
“Before investing, make sure you’re financially stable. That means having manageable debt levels, having an emergency fund, and being able to withstand the ups and downs of the stock market without needing to access your money.”
Aside from goals, it’s also important to choose investments based on your risk tolerance. The veteran entrepreneur iterated that knowing one investment behavior is important.
Speaking on how much of the monthly income you should invest, Anthony expressed that it is dependent on personal investment goals.” Always set a plan before you invest. It can be 30%, 40%, 50%, or even 100% of your monthly income. Always based on your risk tolerance. ”
Choosing the right investment
When investing, there are several types of investment to choose from, from money market accounts to medium-risk options such as corporate bonds and even higher-risk picks such as stock index funds.
Deciding the most profitable investment can be tricky, but Anthony says the secret to knowing about Investment is Return. “Before I go into an investment, I try to imagine myself and see myself in the future. I always calculate the return of every investment and the cost of the investment if it is worth it, and if it isn’t, I won’t go into it, or I will stop.”
Aside from thinking about profits, investors have to think about protecting their investment. However, it’s not as easy as many think it is. Mr. Ejefoh, on his part, says he protects his investments by looking at the growth of the investment before investing.
He added that he also keeps a plan B as a precaution. “So the first thing I look at is the growth. Secondly, I always try not to divert. Thirdly, I would advise you to have a second plan. It is always good to have a plan B.”
In a situation where the investment goes bad, Anthony says he doesn’t panic. He added that he focuses on the cost of exit and also tries to seek help from advisors.
“I feel like no matter how good you set a plan or strategy, you could make a mistake. If I want to get out of a bad investment, I don’t panic. I read books based on investment a lot. One Up on Wall Street, a book by John Rothchild and Peter Lynch, is one of my favorites and a book I started with.”
In summary
No matter how old you are or where you are in life, it’s never too late to start investing. New ventures need the backing of money, and investors provide it while also benefiting from its returns. Anthony muses that investing can also be fun, potentially allowing someone to invest in a new cutting-edge product or get to work on something they’re passionate about.
Finally, he advised people to begin investing early because “your future self will thank you.”
