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Harvester’s tips

Albert Einstein once said, “The only source of knowledge is experience”. In this segment, a professional financial planner and other seasoned investors share their advice with the benefit of hindsight.

"I prefer safety over growth and gravitate towards stocks that pay good dividends."

Logan

Civil servant in his 50s

What did you wish you knew when you first started investing?

With the benefit of hindsight, I would never have started off by speculating in stocks blindly. I would also have limited my investments in penny stocks despite affordability as their prices are more volatile. It would have been wiser if I did more research and identified companies with strong business models and those that paid stable dividends. In short, I should have begun my investment journey in blue chips.

As I gained more experience, I realised that a falling market is an opportunity to pick up stocks but again only those with good fundamentals. Furthermore, I would not blindly buy stocks by purely looking at its previous highs, those highs may not reflect true value, rather momentum-driven bubble territory highs.

Now in my 50s, I prefer safety over growth and gravitate towards stocks that pay good dividends. My biggest regret is that I should have known about REITS much earlier for its income-generating feature

"There is no ‘best’ time to buy or sell an investment."

Serene Tan

Business owner in her 50s

What did you wish you knew when you first started investing?

Over the years, I have realised that it is impossible to time the market – there is no “best” time to buy or sell an investment.

I have also learnt that I should find out more about any potential investment before I make the final decision. It is probably best not to invest in something which I do not understand! At the same time, while the potential returns of an investment may look very tempting, it is also important to consider the risks.

Now that I am in my 50s, I am focusing more on preserving my wealth. I would rather not chase high-risk investments just to get high returns. My current portfolio is titled towards REITs and banking stocks.


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The general concepts shared are for educational purposes only and not for the use in the marketing or sale of any Eastspring investment products.


Viewers are advised to be cautious if they intend to invest in any products that are used in the illustrations as the illustrations do not cover the full spectrum of considerations required in making an investment decision.


This information is not an offer or solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not lawful or in which the person making such an offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. It should not be construed as an offer, solicitation of an offer, or a recommendation to transact in any investments if mentioned herein.


The information contained herein does not have any regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any person. Investors may wish to seek advice from a financial adviser before any making investment decision. In the event that an investor chooses not to seek advice from a financial adviser, he should consider carefully whether the investment in question is suitable for him.


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