Investment Terminology for Beginners & Where to find Help

By Trilogy Financial

February 20, 2024

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Introduction

Investing can be a stepping stone towards financial freedom, yet the journey begins with understanding the basic terminology. This guide aims to unravel key investment terms, explore various investment types, and delve into the long-term investment advantages, all illustrated with real-world examples and statistics. As you venture into the financial world, remember that professional guidance is available to help navigate the complexities of investing. At Trilogy Financial Services, a dedicated financial advisor can work with you to amplify your wealth and fast-track your financial independence. Discover more about how they can assist you in planning for long-term success as we delve into the essential investment terminology.

Defining Key Investment Terms

1. Stocks:

- A share of ownership in a company which may yield returns through price appreciation and dividends.
- A share of ownership in a company. Stocks have the potential for high returns, with the S&P 500 for example having a long-term average return of 11.88% per year1.

2. Bonds

- Debt instruments issued by governments or companies that pay periodic interest and return the principal amount at maturity.
- Debt instruments that pay periodic interest and return the principal amount at maturity. They are considered less risky compared to stocks.

3. Mutual Funds

- Investment vehicles that pool money from multiple investors to buy a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities.
- Pools of funds from multiple investors managed by professionals to buy a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities.

4. ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds):

- Funds that track indexes, commodities, or a basket of assets and are traded on stock exchanges like individual stocks.
- Like mutual funds but traded on stock exchanges like individual stocks.

5. Dividends:

- Payments made by companies to shareholders from earnings, usually on a quarterly basis.
- Dividends are not guaranteed by companies to shareholders

Exploring Investment Types

Different types of investments cater to varying risk appetites and financial goals. In 2020, 35% of respondents believed real estate to be the best long-term investment, followed by the stock market2.

1. Growth Stocks:

- Companies expected to grow at an above-average rate compared to other firms.
- Examples: Amazon (AMZN), Nvidia (NVDA), and Tesla (TSLA) have shown substantial growth over the past decade1.
- Companies like Amazon, Nvidia, and Tesla are examples of growth stocks that have shown substantial growth over the past decade3.

2. Value Stocks:

- Companies trading below their intrinsic value based on fundamentals.
- Examples: Exxon Mobil (XOM), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), and Verizon Communications (VZ) are considered value stocks1.

3. Dividend Stocks:

- Firms that have historically returned a portion of their earnings to shareholders through dividends.
- Examples: AT&T (T), Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), and 3M (MMM) have high dividend yields1.

4. Bond Investments:

- Bonds are considered less risky than stocks and provide fixed interest payments over time1.
- Bonds are essential for balancing a portfolio and are generally considered less risky than stocks3.

5. Mutual Funds and ETFs:

- These funds provide diversification and professional management, making them suitable for long-term investors1.

Advantages of Long-term Investments

Long-term investments, typically held for five years or more, allow the benefits of compounding to significantly enhance the value over time4. It's important to understand your risk tolerance when it comes to determining your investment portfolio such as the amount of money you want for your retirement account and what investments in stocks might yield the higher returns and market capitalization you are looking for in your broader financial goal.

Why Long-term Investments Are Valuable:

Compounding:
- One of the most compelling reasons for long-term investing is the benefit of compounding. When you reinvest the earnings from an investment, those earnings can earn more over time. The longer the investment horizon, the more substantial the compounding effect.
Reduced Impact of Volatility:
- Short-term market volatility can significantly affect investment values. However, long-term investments tend to smooth out these short-term fluctuations, potentially leading to more stable returns over time.
Tax Efficiency:
- One common advantage of a long-term investment is that they often enjoy more favorable tax treatment compared to short-term investments, which can enhance net returns.
Diversification:
- Long-term investments allow for diversification, spreading out risk across different asset classes or sectors, which can lead to more stable returns over time.

Delving into Case Studies and Numbers:

Warren Buffett:
- Warren Buffett is a quintessential example of a long-term investor. His strategy of buying and holding quality stocks has led to significant wealth accumulation over decades. His approach exemplifies how a disciplined, long-term investment strategy can lead to substantial financial growth.

Growth of $10,000 Investment:
- In the scenario provided earlier, a $10,000 investment growing to $33,618 over 20 years with a 7% annual return showcases the power of compounding. The formula to calculate future value is FV=PV(1+r)ⁿ
  - Where:
    - FV is the future value of the investment.
    - PV is the present value or initial investment amount ($10,000 in this case).
    - r is the annual interest rate (0.07 in this case).
    - n is the number of years (20 in this case).

Investment in Growth Stocks:
- Companies like Amazon, Nvidia, and Tesla have shown remarkable growth over the past decade, often outperforming the broader market. The ROI (Return on Investment) is calculated as:
  - (Final Value of Investment – Initial Value of Investment)/Initial Value of Investment)×100
  - (Final Value of Investment – Initial Value of Investment)/Initial Value of Investment)×100. Their high ROI illustrates the potential returns available from investing in growth-oriented companies over the long term.

S&P 500 Long-term Average Return:
- The long-term average return of 11.88% for the S&P 500 illustrates the potential for growth over time when investing in a diversified portfolio of large-cap US stocks. It also reflects the historical resilience and growth potential of the broader market over extended periods.

Conclusion

Understanding investment terminology and exploring various types of investments are crucial steps toward achieving financial growth. As illustrated through real-world examples and reinforced by compelling statistics, long-term investments offer a pathway to potentially grow wealth over time. However, the realm of investing can be complex, and making informed decisions is vital for financial success. If you are looking to make well-informed investment decisions, consider speaking with a financial advisor at Trilogy Financial Services. With the help of qualified professionals, you can navigate the financial complexities that may be hindering your wealth amplification journey. Trilogy Financial Services offers a range of financial services including 401k Retirement Planning, Wealth & Asset Management, Estate Planning Strategies, Investment Strategies, College & Education Planning, and Insurance Services, all tailored to help you achieve your financial goals1.

Instead of spending years mastering finances on your own, partnering with those who have already traversed the financial landscape can fast-track your financial success. A dedicated financial advisor from Trilogy Financial Services can work with you to make your money work smarter and harder, simplifying the financial intricacies that have been keeping you up at night. You can schedule a no-strings-attached portfolio review today and embark on a path to financial success guided by professional advisors. For more information and to schedule your consultation, visit www.trilogyfs.com/yourmoneyamplified. With the right knowledge and professional guidance, the journey of investing becomes an exciting venture towards pursuing financial security and growth.

How Are Financial Strategies Tailored to Individual Needs?

Trilogy's financial planners excel in tailoring strategies to your unique financial objectives. They ensure your money works smarter, not harder, covering areas such as:

401k Retirement Planning
Wealth & Asset Management
Estate Planning Strategies
Investment Strategies
College & Education Planning
Insurance Services

This holistic approach embodies the essence of “amplify wealth management”1.

What Expert Insights Are Offered for Investment Strategies?

Jake Claver, a finance expert, emphasizes the need for simplicity in investment strategies. He suggests having a diverse portfolio to reach long-term financial goals 2.

What Makes the Journey to Amplified Wealth a Collaborative Venture?

The journey to “amplified wealth” is a collaborative venture with skilled advisors.A Visual Capitalist survey reinforces this idea by revealing:

74% of Americans engage in financial planning.
Only 29% work with a professional planner, emphasizing the potential for enhanced wealth management with professional guidance3.

How Does Trilogy Help in Bypassing Investment Pitfalls?

Investing in Trilogy’s expertise means bypassing common DIY investment pitfalls. Andrew Lokenauth, a seasoned financial planner, reinforces the significance of professional guidance in achieving financial security through smart investing4.

How Does Trilogy Contribute to Wealth Preservation and Growth?

With Trilogy, you're not merely preserving wealth; you're propelling it to new heights, embodying the essence of “amplify my wealth.” Did you know the alarming statistic that 42% of Americans have less than $10,000 saved for retirement 5?

What Does the Signature Process and Professional Advisors Offer?

Trilogy's signature process and professional advisors offer:

Independent competitive portfolios
Tax-smart strategies
Real-time portfolio adjustments
Risk mitigation approaches

This tailored guidance fast-tracks your financial independence, allowing your money to work tirelessly towards pursuing your financial objectives1.

What Is the Track Record of Success Among Financial Professionals?

The Forbes/SHOOK Top Wealth Advisors have a strong history of success. Utilizing financial professionals who have trusted advisors can have a big impact on your wealth management. It also highlights the advantages of using professional financial planning services, like those provided by Trilogy Financial Services 6.

How Does Technology Optimize Financial Management?

Technology is important in changing finance, and Trilogy Financial Services uses advanced technology to increase wealth.Trilogy has personalized digital platforms that give you real-time insights on your finances, helping you make quick informed decisions.

Personalized Digital Platforms: Trilogy offers personalized digital platforms that provide real-time insights into your financial portfolio, enabling you to make informed decisions swiftly.
Robust Data Analysis: Utilizing advanced data analytics, Trilogy's financial planners can dissect complex financial data to unearth lucrative investment opportunities and mitigate potential risks.
Secure Digital Transactions: With a focus on security, Trilogy ensures that all your financial transactions are conducted securely, protecting your wealth from potential cyber threats.
Virtual Consultations: In an era where digital interaction is paramount, Trilogy facilitates virtual consultations with financial experts, ensuring that you remain on the right financial track, irrespective of regional constraints.

These technology-driven approaches not only streamline the financial management process but also provide a seamless, interactive experience. By integrating modern technology, Trilogy Financial Services demonstrates a forward-thinking approach in helping clients “amplify their wealth.” Combining financial advice and technology helps people grow their wealth. Trilogy is a great option for investors who want to succeed in today's digital financial world.

How Can You Embark on Your Pathway to Amplified Wealth?

“Amplified wealth” with Trilogy isn’t a distant dream, but a tangible reality awaiting your action. Engage with Trilogy Financial Services and set the cornerstone for a financially secure and affluent future.

Retirement Planning Advice Tax Planning Advice

Planning a Tax-Free Retirement

Windus Fernandez Brinkkord, AIF®, CEPA

May 24, 2018

When planning for retirement, you need to look at multiple sources of income and be sure that some of the income sources are tax-free. The more, the better. So, how do you plan for a retirement income stream that minimizes overall taxation?

Four Instruments that Provide tax-free Retirement Income

Here are four great ways to provide yourself with tax-free.

Roth IRA is a great retirement investment that can result in a steady stream of tax-free retirement income as long as they are considered qualified. However, you must qualify for an IRA and the requirements are adjusted year by year as is the amount eligible for savings. Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Future tax laws can change at any time and may impact the benefits of Roth IRAs. Their tax treatment may change.

If you do qualify, money put into a Roth IRA is taxed when you receive it, so it is not taxed again when it is withdrawn. In 2018, the eligibility requirements are:

Single or head of household, earning less than $120,000 to fully contribute to a Roth IRA.
Married filing jointly or a qualified widow(er) earning less than $189,000 to fully contribute to a Roth IRA.
Married filing separately earning less than $10,000 to fully contribute to a Roth IRA. (Note that those married but filing separately can use the limits for single people as long as they have not lived with their spouse in the past year)
Municipal Bonds and Funds provide income distributions not taxable by the federal government though they are may be subject to state income tax. Because they are not subject to federal income tax, interest paid on these bonds is typically less than taxable bonds.

There is no income limit to investing in tax-free municipal bonds and funds.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are available if your employer offers health insurance using an HSA. Combined contributions by the employer and employee to this account as of 2018 can be as high as $6,900.00 for qualifying plans.

Following the rules about which expenses are reimbursable, no taxes are paid on withdrawals.

In addition, the HSA funds and earnings can be held until retirement then uses to provide tax-free income by reimbursing the holder for past and current allowable expenses which include Medicare premiums.

Roth 401(k) or 403(b) allow Roth contributions inside these accounts making those contributions and their subsequent retirement earnings, tax-free. These accounts are not subject to income eligibility limits but they are subject to taxes in the year that contributions are made.

Making the Most of Your Home

Another way to make a smart investment for your retirement is to pay off any mortgage that you have on your home before you retire which allows you to live in your home for the cost of property taxes and home insurance alone.

For many retirees, this is a huge reduction in their monthly expenses allowing the money be used elsewhere.