Many in the investment industry aim to complicate things, making you feel unqualified to handle your own finances, so you hand over control to an “expert.” However, paying extra for professional investment management doesn’t always mean better returns, especially after considering fees. The good news is, creating a reliable portfolio is easier than it seems.
For investors ready to take the reins, building and managing a portfolio using professional strategies isn’t hard. Doing it yourself keeps you in charge of your money and saves you money. Even if you work with a trusted advisor, understanding how your portfolio operates will boost your investment confidence.
Here is how you can manage your own stock portfolio.
Establish Your Financial Objectives and Stick to the Strategy
Defining your investment goals and timelines is crucial. These factors will guide your choice of stocks and determine how long you plan to keep them. Different investors have distinct financial objectives and schedules.
An individual investing for retirement in three decades will adopt a different approach than someone saving for a home down payment in the next year or two. Stock prices can be volatile, which may cause anxiety. However, it’s wise to remain patient and committed to your investments after establishing your investment goals and structuring your portfolio accordingly.
Constantly altering your plan due to market fluctuations can exacerbate the situation and might even prevent you from benefiting when prices recover.
Monitor Your Stock Investments Closely
The stock market isn’t a “set it and forget it” venture. To identify stocks with potential long-term growth and spot overvalued ones that may drop, regularly assess key company metrics like quarterly earnings, profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.
Avoid holding onto stocks out of habit, if a company’s fundamentals are moving in the wrong direction, it might be time to sell. Use DCF calculation to determine the true value of a stock and compare it to its market price. Investors aiming to pinpoint undervalued or overvalued stocks will find this method provides a more comprehensive approach to stock valuation.
Apply Dollar-Cost Averaging Strategy
Adopting a dollar-cost averaging approach involves investing a fixed sum consistently. This is regardless of market conditions. This method offers several advantages. This means a portion of your income is consistently put towards active investing.
Additionally, dollar-cost averaging helps you avoid the risk of investing a large sum at unfavorable market times. While the stock market has generally produced wealth over time, it is not without risks. There are times when the market may dip significantly, and investing all your funds just before such declines can lead to substantial losses.
Establish Rules
Create guidelines that encourage diversity while capping the number of stocks in your portfolio. While having a diverse portfolio is important, a smaller one simplifies management and control, particularly at the start. For instance, begin by implementing a rule to restrict your portfolio to no more than 10 stocks.
Establish a rule stating you will not acquire a new stock until you have sold one already in your possession. Ensure diversity within your portfolio by incorporating asset allocation rules into your investment strategy that align with your investment timeline and risk tolerance. To make decisions on selling stocks easier, establish a “sell” rule. If your risk tolerance is low, set a rule to sell any stock that drops more than 7% to 8% below its purchase price.
Endnote
Effectively manage your investment through portfolio management. Tailor your portfolio to fit your personal needs and financial objectives. Construct your portfolio to reduce risk while enhancing returns. Consistently monitor your portfolio’s performance and make adjustments when necessary.
