DIY Stock and Securities Investing

DIY Stock and Securities InvestingStock and securities investing is easier when you’re receiving the right information. As a Certified Financial Planner® who owes a fiduciary duty to clients, I’m embarrassed by Wall Street’s behavior.For many, the primary objective is to make more money off you. There’s no higher duty offered or given. Through bloated expense ratios, advisor and account fees, misleading advertising, and more, your dream of financial independence can get dashed, or held back at best.So how does a motivated, hard-working person reach financial independence sooner than later? One way is through stock and securities investing, but only if you’re getting the information you need to succeed. I’m here to help.Take ControlGiven your motivation, I recommend doing your own stock investing. I’ll supply you with the unbiased conflict-free information you need regarding your choices. Then you can create customized investment plans using only the best tools, strategies, and accounts available. When I say best, I mean what’s best for you.Managing RiskIf you’re not effectively managing your risk, the consequences can be dire, especially during periods of high stock market volatility which seem to have become the norm.Risk can never be eliminated from a stock and securities investing plan. It can, however, be managed. My three risk management strategies, implemented with your risk tolerance and time horizon in mind will help you weather even the worst stock market downturns.High Investing ExpensesBesides managing risk, trust me when I say keeping your investment expenses low is fundamental to your success. It’s my number 1 (of 5) tenet of successful stock investing. So how much are you paying? Too much if you’ve got fees for trades, loads, or the dreaded 12b-1 charge.Check the expense ratios of any funds in which you’re investing. It should start with '.0,' like in .04% or .08%. What if it’s missing that zero, as in .4% or .8%? Or worse, what if it’s got numbers to the left of the decimal point, like 1.5% or higher? You’ll be surprised how much that extra expense robs you.Find Your Best RothAre you investing in the correct accounts? For longer-term goals like financial independence, retirement, and education, you’ve got to go all in on tax-advantaged accounts. I prefer the ones with a Roth option, given a future of higher taxes, inflation, and global uncertainty.Roth and other tax-advantaged accounts help you realize a higher after-tax return. Many accounts have features that give you an even bigger advantage, some of which you may not be aware of. Invest in a regular taxable account too: Just be sure you’re optimizing your stock investing mix and not paying too much in taxes.Do It YourselfI hope you’re receiving the right information. Unfortunately, it’s been my experience that you’re probably not. Exceptions do exist. There are a handful of investment firms, financial planners, and investment advisors that provide excellent stock investing products and guidance at a fair price, but they’re few and far between.As you get to know me better through my writing, I hope you’ll begin to trust what I have to say about stock and securities investing over what Wall Street preaches. Your financial future depends on it.Create a stock investing plan that will make incredible positive differences in your life and the ones you love. When saved and invested properly with a purpose, money can do that.It may be a lot easier than you think. Past financial transgressions have no bearing on your future success or failure. Get started now on your financial independence.