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? ›

Five basic investment concepts that you should know
  • Risk and return. Return and risk always go together. ...
  • Risk diversification. Any investment involves risk. ...
  • Dollar-cost averaging. This is a long-term strategy. ...
  • Compound Interest. ...
  • Inflation.

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? ›

Investing is when you put your money to work for you. You buy an investment, like a stock or bond, with the hope that its value will increase over time.

What are the 5 pillars of investment? ›

These five pillars – ESG investing, community impact investment, shareholder engagement & policy work, direct private investment, and philanthropy – can be practiced individually or collectively, enabling you to maximize the positive impact of your wealth while also benefiting others and the world.

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 3 A's of investing? ›

Remember the 3 A's for retirement saving: amount, account, and asset mix.

What are the three keys to successful investing? ›

3 keys: The foundations of investing
  • Create a tailored investment plan.
  • Invest at the right level of risk.
  • Manage your plan.

What are the three basic rules of investing? ›

The 3 simple rules of investing that every investor, new or experienced, needs to know
  • Rule #1: Don't lose money.
  • Rule #2: Don't forget rule #1.
  • Rule #3: Make money.
Mar 29, 2022

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 much money do I need to generate $2000 a month? ›

Earning $2,000 in monthly passive income sounds unbelievable but is achievable through dividend investing. However, the investment amount required to produce the desired income is considerable. To make $2,000 in dividend income, the investment amount and rate of return must be $400,000 and 6%, respectively.

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 can I teach myself investing? ›

You can seek out articles, books, and courses to educate yourself; use robo-advisors, automated apps and platforms, or financial specialists to manage your portfolio; or personally manage your own stock investments.

How do I start investing as a beginner? ›

Let's break it all down—no nonsense.
  1. Step 1: Figure out what you're investing for. ...
  2. Step 2: Choose an account type. ...
  3. Step 3: Open the account and put money in it. ...
  4. Step 4: Pick investments. ...
  5. Step 5: Buy the investments. ...
  6. Step 6: Relax (but also keep tabs on your investments)

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 are the 5 stages of investing? ›

  • Step One: Put-and-Take Account. This is the first savings you should establish when you begin making money. ...
  • Step Two: Beginning to Invest. ...
  • Step Three: Systematic Investing. ...
  • Step Four: Strategic Investing. ...
  • Step Five: Speculative Investing.

What are the 5 investment decision criteria? ›

In conclusion, a good investment possesses the following key criteria: liquidity, principal protection, expected returns, cash flow, and arbitrage opportunities. Understanding these criteria allows investors to assess the profitability, risk, and viability of an investment opportunity.

What are 5 basic but distinct principles that an investor would follow? ›

By following these five essential investment principles — setting clear financial goals, diversifying your portfolio, understanding your risk tolerance, investing for the long term, and conducting thorough research — you can position yourself for long-term financial success.

What is the five factor model of investing? ›

The important Fama-French 5-factor model shows that market, size, value, operating profitability and investment adequately capture the returns of the U.S. stock market. Though there are many more factors that can affect the returns and one of them is momentum.

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