Planning for a better financial future is one of the essential things that a person intends sooner or later in his/her lifetime. Investing in suitable investment options with a long-term horizon can help you grow your wealth over time.
While planning your investment, you should keep in mind that the strategies for long-term and short-term investments are altogether different. It is advisable to invest in long-term asset classes. Doing this allows you to recover your past losses, as you invest with a long-term perspective. So, you have enough time in hand to maximize the returns on your investments.
Here are some successful long-term investment ideas to follow if you want to make the most of your investments.
- Set your financial goals first
Investment is made to earn returns that can help you fulfill your monetary objectives in the future. Therefore, it becomes essential that you ascertain these aspirations, and when you want to achieve them. When you do this, it becomes easier for you to find out how much money you will have to invest to accomplish your ambitions. You can then determine your asset allocation strategies based on your objectives and risk-bearing appetite.
- Invest early
There are many benefits of investing from a young age. By following this approach, you can benefit from the power of compounding in the long run. Additionally, this can help you develop a savings habit right from an early age, which is one of the critical aspects of wealth generation. The power of compounding is a compelling concept, as it allows you to grow your wealth exponentially. Here, the amount you have earned from your initial investment is re-invested to help you generate surplus wealth.
- Invest a part in equity-based ULIPs
Investing in equity-oriented Unit-Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) is one of the best ways to meet your long-term life goals, as the returns are significantly higher. However, one thing that you should remember is that along with higher returns, these funds have greater risks. Therefore, invest in equity-based ULIPs wisely, and only if you have a long-term horizon.
- Consider the SIP mode
If you are not skilled enough to time your investments, it is advisable to consider a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) while investing your hard-earned money. One of the main plus points of an SIP is that it allows you to enjoy the advantage of rupee cost averaging. Besides this, it helps you to establish financial discipline. The rupee cost averaging will enable you to capitalize on your investment and earn better returns over time.
- Do not compromise your emergency fund
An emergency fund is beneficial in situations, like accidents and paying expenses, such as house rent, children’s education fees, equated monthly installments (EMIs), insurance premiums, medical expenses, and hospitalization, among others. So, it is never a good idea to compromise on your contingency fund even if you put your money in long-term investment options. If you do not have an emergency fund in place, it can affect your long-term financial aspirations. In case of any dire monetary circumstance, you will have to sell your investments at a loss if the market conditions are bearish.
- Monitor your investment and financial goals periodically
It is recommended that you review the performance of your long-term investments at regular intervals, as it allows you to make wise financial decisions. Besides this, your ambitions can change over time. For instance, if you get married and are planning to have a child, your life’s objectives are bound to change. Therefore, it becomes vital to analyze your financial goals and align your investments accordingly.
While considering investment products, ensure that you look for tax-savings options like ULIPs that offer exemptions under Section 80C and 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. So, invest in the appropriate financial instruments, make wise financial decisions, and keep track of your fund’s performance to ensure better returns.