Think about how you’ll afford what’s important to you in life. Like:
- Buying a house . . . a car . . . or a cottage
- Taking a vacation
- Paying for education
- Having money for your retirement
Investing is how you get there. Like any road trip, it starts with a plan. There are proven principles to follow so you can grow your savings over time and reach your goals.
Investing is NOT:
- Gambling
- Getting rich quick
- Chasing a lucky break
- Following a “hot” tip
Investing is also NOT the same thing as saving.
Saving: you put cash in the safest places . . . where you can access your money at any time. Your risk of losing money is low and you may earn a little interest.
Investing: you put your money into an investment to make a financial gain. There’s more risk and no guarantee you will get your money back. But you may earn more money, too. This is called your ‘return.’
- Stocks
- Bonds
- Mutual funds
- Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
- Real estate
Because history shows markets have been up 8 out of every 10 years since 1971. So if you stay invested, over time your money should grow. 1
To get started, develop a plan and do your homework to choose investments that are right for you. Investment firms like RBC GAM will research securities and manage investment funds so you don’t have to.
Keep in mind this basic principle: higher potential gains tend to go with a higher risk of losses. Finding the right balance is key.
To learn more about investing, browse the Learn and Plan section at rbcgam.com.
Or talk to an advisor to get started now.