Knowledge | Investing Basics | Learn more (2024)

This is an educational tool. As it provides only a rough assessment of a hypothetical asset allocation, it should not be relied upon, nor form the primary basis for your investment, financial, tax-planning or retirement decisions. This analysis is not a replacement for a comprehensive financial plan.

IMPORTANT: The results or other information generated by this tool are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results.

Your personal and financial situation, the macroeconomic environment, and federal and state tax laws will certainly change over time. Please note that this tool is not a substitute for a comprehensive financial plan, and should not be relied upon as your sole or primary means for making retirement planning or asset allocation decisions. Strategies that may be appropriate at one stage of life or point in time can become inappropriate in the future. Changing needs and circ*mstances, including changes to the economy and securities markets in general, make it prudent to determine whether your asset allocation should be updated. You should discuss your situation with your financial planner, tax advisor, or an estate planning professional before acting on the information you receive from this tool, and to identify specific issues not addressed by this tool.

The tool does not take into consideration all asset classes. For example, asset classes such as real estate, precious metals, and currencies are excluded from consideration. Asset classes not considered may have characteristics similar or superior to those being analyzed.

In addition, portfolio returns assume the reinvestment of interest and dividends, no transaction costs, no management or servicing fees, and the portfolios are assumed to be rebalanced annually at each calendar year end. Performance returns for actual investments generally will be reduced by fees or expenses not reflected in these hypothetical illustrations.

SAMPLE ASSET ALLOCATION RESULTS

Results are based on the investing style entered in the tool, even if you have implemented a different investing style foryour existing brokerage or retirement accounts. The default investing style in the tool is initially set to Moderate Growth.If in the drop-down menu you select a more aggressive or more conservative than the default investing style, the chart andasset allocation shown will update accordingly.

The investing styles in the tool consist of predetermined asset allocations. Asset allocation refers to the process of distributing assets in a portfolio among different asset classes such as stocks, bonds, and cash. The purpose of asset allocation is to reduce risk by diversifying a portfolio. The ideal asset allocation differs based on the risk tolerance and time horizon of the individual investor. The tool uses model asset allocation portfolios that are comprised of the following high-level asset classes in the following proportions:

Conservative Conservative GrowthModerate GrowthGrowthAggressive Growth
Large Cap Blend10%17%25%35%41%
Large Cap Value0%3%4%5%7%
Small-Mid Cap Blend3%6%10%12%16%
International Equity7%14%21%28%35%
Fixed Income79%59%39%19%0%
Cash1%1%1%1%1%

Other than "cash," it is not possible to invest generically in any of the above asset classes. All assumed rates of return include reinvestment of dividends and interest income. Other investments not considered may have characteristics similar or superior to the asset classes identified above.

The historical rates of return for each sub-divided asset class used in this tool are below and represent dates from 1/1/2002-12/31/2021:

ModelAverage 1 Year Return (Annualized)
1/1/2002 – 12/31/2021
Best 12 MonthsWorst 12 Months
Conservative5.5017.86-8.28
Conservative Growth6.5327.08-17.98
Moderate Growth7.4437.01-27.62
Growth8.1947.50-37.05
Aggressive Growth8.7158.88-45.81

The Best and Worst 12 months is calculated from rolling 12-month returns over the above mentioned 20-year time period. The Average 12 Months is calculated as annualized returns over that same 20-year time period. The returns shown above are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. They do not represent performance of the above asset allocation strategies or actual accounts. The information is intended to show the effects on risk and returns of different asset allocations over time based on hypothetical combinations of the benchmark indexes that correspond to the relevant asset class. Hypothetical results have many inherent limitations and no representation is made that any account will or is likely to have returns similar to those shown above. The asset allocation, indexes, and methodology utilized are broad and simplified, and intended solely for the purpose of providing an overview demonstration.

The historical returns are calculated as the weighted average of the target model weights and the market index returns that represent each asset class. Displayed returns include reinvestment of dividends, and are rebalanced annually. The indexes representing each asset class are: S&P 500® Index (for Large Cap Blend Equity); Russell 1000 Value (for Large Cap Value Equity) Russell 2000 Index (for Small-Mid Cap Blend Equity); MSCI All Country World ex U.S. Index (for International Equity); Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (for Fixed Income); and Citi Treasury Bill 3-Month Index (for Cash). Due to the limitation of other indexes, which were excluded from this illustration due to their shorter time periods,the allocation represented may be more general than an actual recommended allocation (for example, it may exclude particular styles and subsets within equity and fixed income). Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur fees or expenses, and cannot be invested in directly. Actual future returns in any given year can and probably will be significantly different from the historical averages shown.

Past performance is no indication of future results.

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Knowledge | Investing Basics | Learn more (2024)

FAQs

What are the three important concepts of investment? ›

Understand risk, diversification, and asset allocation.

How much money do I need to invest to make $1000 a month? ›

A stock portfolio focused on dividends can generate $1,000 per month or more in perpetual passive income, Mircea Iosif wrote on Medium. “For example, at a 4% dividend yield, you would need a portfolio worth $300,000.

What are the basics of investing? ›

Tips for Successful Investing
  • Set investment goals. Identify your most important short-, medium and long-term financial goals. ...
  • Know your investment time frame. ...
  • Be patient. ...
  • Test the waters. ...
  • Explore investing through your company's retirement plan. ...
  • Educate yourself.

What are the 4 C's of investing? ›

Trade-offs must be weighed and evaluated, and the costs of any investment must be contextualized. To help with this conversation, I like to frame fund expenses in terms of what I call the Four C's of Investment Costs: Capacity, Craftsmanship, Complexity, and Contribution.

What are the 5 golden rules of investing? ›

The golden rules of investing
  • If you can't afford to invest yet, don't. It's true that starting to invest early can give your investments more time to grow over the long term. ...
  • Set your investment expectations. ...
  • Understand your investment. ...
  • Diversify. ...
  • Take a long-term view. ...
  • Keep on top of your investments.

What are the three basic pillars of investment management? ›

However, countless studies show that long-term investment success is based on three factors: analysis, strategy and discipline. Analysis means systematically studying the markets and investments worldwide in relation to both risks and return potential.

What are 3 factors you should consider before investing your money? ›

Key Takeaways

An investment can be characterized by three factors: safety, income, and capital growth. Every investor has to select an appropriate mix of these three factors. One will be preeminent. The appropriate mix for you will change over time as your life circ*mstances and needs change.

How to make $2500 a month in passive income? ›

Invest in Dividend Stocks

One of the easiest passive income strategies is dividend investing. By purchasing stocks that pay regular dividends, you can earn $2,500 per month in dividend income. Here's a realistic example: Invest $300,000 into a diversified portfolio of dividend stocks.

How to get $500 a month in dividends? ›

That usually comes in quarterly, semi-annual or annual payments. Shares of public companies that split profits with shareholders by paying cash dividends yield between 2% and 6% a year. With that in mind, putting $250,000 into low-yielding dividend stocks or $83,333 into high-yielding shares will get your $500 a month.

How to make 1k a month passively? ›

Passive Income: 7 Ways To Make an Extra $1,000 a Month
  1. Buy US Treasuries. U.S. Treasuries are still paying attractive yields on short-term investments. ...
  2. Rent Out Your Yard. ...
  3. Rent Out Your Car. ...
  4. Rental Real Estate. ...
  5. Publish an E-Book. ...
  6. Become an Affiliate. ...
  7. Sell an Online Course. ...
  8. Bottom Line.
Apr 18, 2024

How long does it take to learn the basics of investing? ›

Average Time it Takes to Learn Investing

Several experts agree that in the first six to twelve months, one learns the basics and masters those concepts, after which one learns advanced concepts and invests.

What is the simplest investment? ›

Cash. A cash bank deposit is the simplest, most easily understandable investment asset—and the safest. It not only gives investors precise knowledge of the interest that they'll earn but also guarantees that they'll get their capital back.

What is the simplest investment rule? ›

The Rule of 72 is a simple way to determine how long an investment will take to double given a fixed annual rate of interest. Dividing 72 by the annual rate of return gives investors a rough estimate of how many years it will take for the initial investment to duplicate itself.

What are the 5 steps to start investing? ›

Here are five steps to start investing this year:
  1. Start investing as early as possible. Investing when you're young is one of the best ways to see solid returns on your money. ...
  2. Decide how much to invest. ...
  3. Open an investment account. ...
  4. Pick an investment strategy. ...
  5. Understand your investment options.
Feb 26, 2024

What is investment and elements of investment? ›

Investing is the acquisition of an asset to build wealth and save money from earned income or appreciation. The primary purpose of investing is to obtain an additional source of income or gain profit from the investment over a certain period of time.

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