So you’ve decided to risk some of your hard-earned money in the stock market or a mutual fund pool. Have you considered setting up a brokerage account, in which someone who is an expert in investing helps you choose products and options and manage your dollars?
Time heals all wounds. It is hard to believe that only a little over seven years ago America almost reached a state of depression – a situation that the country endured almost 90 years ago.
The ROI Group realizes that the most important thing to our investors is safety of principal. We believe that the amount your account drops is more significant than the amount it increases. So with us, you will not hear of any “hot” tips, “must” invest, or “once in a lifetime” opportunities. We know how hard it is to earn – let alone save – money, and we have no interest in putting any of it at unnecessary risk.
The ROI Group is able to pass on to our clients very low costs and bulk purchasing prices while being able to buy and sell fractions of mutual funds and stocks.
There is, however, a reason that this type of investing is near the top of the ROI Group Financial Pyramid associated with “Taxable Assets”. That reason is because these types of investments should really be considered only after other financial vehicles have been funded, such as emergency savings, insurance/protection, and college and/or retirement accounts.
And say you have adequate savings in case of job loss or other emergency, you have insurance policies, and you have some money put aside for retirement. Investing in securities brings the potential of loss. What you may not have is the most efficient products in each category. Maybe some are redundant and therefore expose you to risk. Alternatively, you may be able to take more risk because of your allocations in these vehicles.
Regardless of your situation, it is highly unlikely that the professionals at The ROI Group could not shed some light on your current strategy. The visit is free, and you could leave with a new outlook on your future.
Important: Below are some of the financial elements we work with. These are only some of the vehicles, and we invite you to contact us if you have specific questions about picking stocks, online traders, or anything related to investing your hard-earned dollars.
Feel comfortable with your securities investments? Learn how The ROI Group might be able to help you with other financial situations, including Savings and Wealth Building, College Planning, Retirement Planning, Insurance, and Older Adult Services, including Medicare planning.
Stocks
A stock – also known as equity or shares – is a share in the ownership of a given company. Owning stock means that you are a shareholder that given company, and have claims on the company’s assets.
People buy stocks hoping that their value will grow over a period of time, netting them more money. While there may be substantial gains through stock investment, they are typically more risky than other assets, and can produce loss.
There are different types and classes of stock. However, when people talk about “owning stock” in a company, they typically mean Common Stock.
Bonds
A bond, otherwise known as a debt investment or fixed-income security, is a loan from an investor to an entity (usually corporate or governmental-based) that borrows the funds for a specific time period at a variable or fixed interest rate.
Sometimes, companies or governmental entities will raise money for projects by issuing bonds, rather than going to a bank for money. The owner of the bond signs a contract upon purchasing a bond (lending money) that states the interest rate that will be paid on the loan. The contract will also state when the loaned funds must be returned, also known as a maturity date. Also outlined will be “coupon dates” that signify when the interest on the bonds will be paid to the bondholder.
Mutual Funds
These types of investment vehicles are comprised of many funds collected from various investors for the purpose of investing money in securities. Mutual funds typically include stocks, bonds, money markets, and other financial instruments.
Those interested in mutual funds typically work with a money manager who invest money on the behalf of the funds’ owners’ in an attempt to produce for them a financial gain.
Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs)
SMAs are managed by professional investment firms. These types of accounts include portfolios of assets and are managed on a daily basis by teams of analysts.
SMAs are typically designed for wealthy, though not “ultra-wealthy”, investors. These people have substantial means for investment, well beyond basic investments in particular stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
Annuities
An annuity is a contractual agreement between you and an insurance company. You buy an annuity from an insurance company, and they make guaranteed payments to you – or in some cases, a beneficiary you choose – over time, offering various withdrawal or annuitization rates. Annuities are often referred to as “Self Funded Pensions”
Fixed annuities dictate that the insurance company guarantees you a minimum rate of interest on your annuity purchase, as well as a fixed amount of periodic payments over time. There are also variable and indexed annuities, which bring with them different opportunities for funds to be directed to mutual funds, stock indexes, and more.
You might choose to receive an annuity to guarantee payment/income during retirement, or to take advantage of tax-deferred growth. Our team is well-versed in annuities and can help you decide if they’re right for your situation.
Joint Accounts
Many of our clients, typically married couples and family members, ask us about joint investment accounts. We can help set up joint brokerage accounts between two or more individuals.
In these scenarios, it is best for all of the people who will have access to and/or manage the account to sit down with a financial advisor. This ensures proper communication so that everyone understands the specifics of the account from its inception.
Custodial Accounts
These accounts are typically set up for minors. They can be Brokerage Accounts intended to help parents or adult guardians teach their children how to invest and save money.
Most custodial accounts are set up and managed by an adult, and then turned over to the minor (typically their child) when they turn 18. Assets are then owned fully by the minor who becomes of majority age.
Alternative Investments
The ROI Group’s team of financial experts has experience working with investments that are outside of the realm of the stock market and securities pools.
Please contact us to discuss your investment ideas, including traditional and alternative vehicles.