Here are 10 simple commandments to becoming a successful investor. These commandments, when strictly followed, can make you a successful investor. The successful legendary investors like Benjamin Graham and Warren Buffet have followed these principles, so why not you?
1. Decide your investment strategy and stick to it
An investor may invest in regular investment plan and when the market continues to fall, he will discontinue his plan. But the market crash is the right time to continue your regular plan. Because, during the market crash you will get more number of units and the averaging works out in your favor.
Another investor may decide 50:50 as his debt to equity asset allocation ratio. When the market goes up, he may want to invest more in equity and hence he may change his asset allocation to 30:70. Actually when the market goes up one need to reduce his equity exposure to bring the portfolio back to his predetermined asset allocation ratio.
Do not change your strategies midway. You know what is best for you and this applies to deciding with foresight the ideal investment strategy for you. Once the strategy is set, do not fluctuate in your decision each time you decide to invest. This would only mean losses instead of profits.
2. Conduct your own research on stocks
It is not advisable to just depend on hear say and decisions of your neighbour, friend, relative or tips from the media or your stock broker and invest in stocks. It may seem easy but could amount to gamble. Being an informed investor investing your hard-earned money needs you to ensure if the investment would meet your financial goal. This could be done through research from various sources or you can invest with mutual fund.
3. Learn to overlook short-term fluctuation
If you want to be a successful investor, you need to understand that it is futile to be affected by short-term fluctuations of the stock market. Investing in good and reputed portfolio ensures good quality of your investment and capital appreciation in the long run. The short-term volatility of the share market has got nothing to do with the long term performance of your investments and achieving your financial goals.
4. Resist investing in penny stocks
Some investors have a common misconception that it is better to invest in penny stock than in high value stocks. This is wrong as whether you buy stock at Rs.5. You need to see the background of the company before looking at the price of the share.
5. Discard the losers and pamper the winners
There is a tendency among investors to sell off appreciated stock and to hold on to depreciated stock in the hope that it would rise. It is wrong, as it is possible that the shares which are not doing well may continue to under perform and the shares that are doing well may continue to perform in the future.
It is better to acknowledge you went wrong, swallow your pride and discard the loser stocks and lessen your losses. Your decision lies in deciding to suffer a one-time loss for future long-term gains.
6. Look before you leap
Even good company shares bought at the wrong price can be a poor investment choice. So devise some strategies like regular investment, asset allocation to avoid this mistake.
7. Adopt an open-minded investment strategy
It may be advisable to consider investing in good companies; however it is wrong to overlook the point that small start-up companies would make losses. Even such companies with good strategies and growth plans could contribute to long-term capital appreciation. Always have an open mind in taking your investment decisions.
8. Base your investment strategy on the future
Investment decisions based on past happenings may not always be right. It is better to consider the happenings, but give more importance to the present and future prospects of the investment. An informed decision based on the fundamentals and mission of the company helps in long-term wealth creation.
9. Consider offshore investments
Making investment decisions based on tax considerations may prove counter-productive. You can chose best performing market or asset class to invest your money.
10. Adopt a long-term perspective
Adopting a long term prospective is advisable if you want to be a successful investor. If you want to get short term results, then you will be able to cultivate only coriander leaves. If you want to grow a large banyan tree then you need to wait for years. So if you really want to be richer and create wealth, you need to be a long term investor.
Follow these roles religiously with the help of a financial adviser to achieve your goals and objectives in your life.
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