Why Do We Invest?

During my teaching days, that is a question I always asked my students during the first class of the semester. The answers varied. Some students said “to make money”, or “to beat the market” (those were unacceptable C- answers). Some said “to stay ahead of inflation” (that was the B- answer). The A answer was “to protect the purchasing power of the investment, while maintaining reasonable, risk adjusted returns that are consistent with the goals of the investor’s plan”.

That’s a good answer in the classroom, but that answer may be difficult to say with a smile given the performance of the stock market since the beginning of the year.

A lot of people will try to give you reasons as to why this is happening. Some of the excuses include the following: a dramatic slowdown in China’s economy and an ensuing sell-off in their market, problems in the Middle East, questions about the sustainability of our own economic recovery, etc.

While the “why” is interesting, the real question on most people’s minds is whether this is simply a normal adjustment, or if it is the start of something more serious. While only time will tell, if history is a guide, this may just be a passing event.

Going back to the student’s “A” answer, there is also an important emphasis on an investor’s goals and the need for a plan.  The financial plan helps to answer the question of how much money you need, and when you need it. Once the financial plan is in place, we can discuss an investment plan.  The investment plan compliments the financial plan by identifying the most appropriate investments to help support the investor’s goals. In addition to an investment selection process, the investment plan also provides guidance on asset allocation, diversification, and buy/sell strategies. In other words, the financial plan must guide the investments, and the investments must never guide the plan. The plan will guide our decisions, not our emotions.  (Repeat last sentence three times)

Successful investors must avoid the daily static provided by financial news commentators, as financial markets and investment decisions may appear to be excessively complex and arbitrary. Over the short term, this may be accurate. However, over the long term, there are time tested investment principles which will govern our success and serve as a disciplined basis for our decisions.

We must maintain confidence in the time-tested efficiencies of our investments. While a market correction is never welcome, it must be expected as a normal part of the investment experience.  (Repeat three times)

If your plan has changed and there is a need for money over the next 3-4 years, then we will update the financial plan. The investments will then be adjusted accordingly. For everyone else, if your goals have not changed, then your portfolio shouldn’t change.

I am thankful for our relationship, and look forward to our next conversation. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. I’ll do my best to provide you with clear answers, help you understand your options to make smart decisions with your money.