5 Steps to Building Wealth Over The Long-Term
There are many reasons to engage the services of a financial advisor. Some investors don’t understand the complexities and the array of choices, and they would prefer to have an expert deal with it for them. That’s understandable.
Others enjoy the DIY approach. They love to explore the various strategies of money management. Grasping and understanding new ideas and concepts creates that “Aha!” moment. But time has become a major impediment.
Then there are those who were comfortable managing their own finances, and, having amassed a fair degree of wealth, can claim success. But climbing to new financial heights can sometimes create a fear of heights. At this juncture in their life, they are more comfortable having a financial professional keeping an eye on their choices.
Retaining an advisor is akin to having a personal trainer coaching you as you go through your daily exercise regimen. The trainer keeps you on track, encourages you, and can suggest beneficial adjustments.
If you find yourself in one of these categories, you now know that you aren’t alone.
Once again, though, we should emphasize here that each individual situation is unique, each client is unique, and we adapt our advice so that it matches your circumstances and financial goals. And we are always here to answer your questions or address any concerns.
But, while each person’s plan has its unique qualities, there are fundamental principles that must be woven into every financial blueprint. These fundamentals are the building blocks for wealth accumulation over the long term, and it's important to keep them in mind, always. Even though this is a basic list of wealth building principles, let’s take a look at the fundamentals:
5 Steps to Building Wealth Over The Long-Term
1. Avoid Get-Rich-Quick Schemes
I've been around the block many times. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. After reading that common sense advice, many of you are probably thinking, “I know that. Why did you lead off with something this simple?” Well, I've seen too many smart folks fall for get-rich-quick schemes that leave them poorer. Sometimes much poorer. And it’s heartbreaking to hear the tales.
Maybe it’s simply greediness we’re afraid of losing out on perceived riches. Maybe it’s fear—fear we’ll miss out (FOMO - Fear of Missing Out) on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Maybe we’re too trusting. The best con-artist’s pitch is steeped in sincerity. Maybe our judgment gets clouded, as we’re dazzled by the flashing presentation or personal flattery.
If you ever come across something you believe might lead to quick riches, please let me review it with you. I promise I will provide you with an objective point of view.
2. Avoid Trying to Time The Market
It sounds so simple. Buy low, sell high.
Or, here’s another take: “Buy when there’s blood in the streets.” It’s still bounced around in financial circles. Forbes credited the saying to Baron Rothschild, an 18th Century British nobleman and member of the Rothschild banking family. Coincidently, or not, Forbes published the article two weeks prior to the market bottoming in 2009.
However, in both cases, these are platitudes that are best ignored, in our view. You see, we’re not wired to dive off a cliff and buy when everyone is selling. Instead, the temptation is to circle the wagons and play defense.
In reality, it’s much easier to buy when markets are heading higher. Euphoria can breed euphoria, which leads to a feeling of invincibility. It’s the “follow the crowd” mentality.
We eschew trying to pick a few winners, avoid trying to predict the future, (i.e., market timing) and preach diversification and a disciplined approach that strips the emotional component from the investment plan. We use evidence-based investment strategies to build long-term retirement portfolios for our clients.
We believe that longer term, stocks have historically been an excellent vehicle to accumulate wealth. Let me explain.
Crestmont Research produces a chart each year that reviews the annual 10-year total returns for the S&P 500 Index going back to 1909. These are rolling, 10-year periods; i.e., we are reviewing over one hundred 10-year periods.
Since 1909, there have been only four 10-year timeframes that have generated negative returns. Want to hazard a guess as to when they may have occurred?
That’s right--the late 1930s and the end of the last decade. That shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise given extreme valuations that occurred in the late 1920s and late 1990s and early 2000s.
Oh, and the average annual return? It can vary by a considerable amount, but it averages around 10%.
3. You Must Start Somewhere, But Start You Must
Let me share my story. Years ago, I began working for a company that offered a 401k plan with a generous match. In my mind, a 401k was a euphemism for, “I get nothing today so I'll have something tomorrow.” It epitomizes the concept of delayed gratification.
Don’t try to climb Mt. Everest overnight. I started withholding 2% of my paycheck, and increased it quarterly to 4%, then 7%, and finally 10%. As I bumped it up in small increments, I found I really didn’t miss the extra withholdings.
Guess what? I enjoyed watching my small nest egg begin to grow! One more thing, you can’t start too young. Compounding and time is your friend.
I’m thrilled when I have the opportunity to speak with people in their early 20s who are embarking on their careers. They truly have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a head start on wealth accumulation.
4. Diversify Your Investments
Both Mark Twain and Andrew Carnegie allegedly said, “Put all your eggs in one basket, and watch that basket closely.” Twain and Carnegie didn’t live in an age where the dissemination of information is almost instantaneous. Bad news comes in like a WWE smackdown on a stock. It’s the defensive end leveling the quarterback, and it can happen in seconds.
Our team carefully screens investments in mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and individual securities. Our goal is to select the right mix of investments that may leave you exposed to the longer-term appreciation potential in all major sectors of the economy. And we don’t stop at the U.S. border, as we recognize the potential the global economy offers to properly diversify a long-term portfolio.
A fixed income component is also critical for most folks. Being 100% diversified in a portfolio of stocks can leave you exposed to a market decline. It’s for someone with a very long-term time horizon. If you are nearing retirement, you may not have the time to recover in the event of a steep market decline.
Bonds, cash, and fixed income securities are not earning spectacular returns right now. However, they help anchor the portfolio. As the percentage of stocks decline in relation to cash/fixed income, the portfolio is likely to experience less volatility. You won’t see the peaks in a roaring bull market, but you’ll sleep better at night knowing that a sudden dip in the market is far less likely to take a big bite out of your investments.
5. Have a Goal and Decide What You Want
The first component to achieving something is picking it. It could be anything. It could be updating your estate plan or saving more money. Why are you saving? What motivates you to contribute to your savings on a consistent basis?
Dream big and keep the goal in front of you! Have a clear goal and whatever your mind can conceive and believe; you can achieve. (Rest in peace, Zig Ziglar.)
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, I’d be happy to discuss them with you. I’m simply an email or phone call away and can be reached at jon@tcmwealthadvisors.com or 330-836-7000. You can also schedule an appointment by clicking here.
Many happy returns on life,
Jonathan Torrens CFP®
President and Chief Investment Officer
TCM Wealth Advisors
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This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. It should not be construed as research or investment advice and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy.