Have you ever dreamed of being able to travel the world? If yes, are you still dreaming or have you made it come true? Regardless, I’m sure we can all agree on one thing: Being able to travel comfortably usually requires you to make an “investmentâ€, be it your time and effort in saving money for the trip, or actually investing your money, where you can then use the returns or dividends to finance your trip.
Some of the most common ways to achieve your long term financial goals include savings & fixed deposits, investing in property (a second home, perhaps?), and of course, unit trust funds & investing in the stock market.
However, fixed deposits tend to yield average returns, and while buying a second home is a simple enough investment option, the 2016 property market is expected to be a bit subdued, so your rental returns may not be enough to offset your monthly mortgage, leaving you in more debt.
And then there are stocks, unit trusts, bonds, derivatives, and other investment products. Well, they can get complicated, no?
Enter InvestSmart, an investor empowerment initiative by Securities Comission Malaysia (SC), organising seminars for retail investors (like you and me) so that we, the public can be better educated on investment methods, taking control of our finances and  being fully responsible for our own investment decisions and (hopefully) achieving future wealth.
The seminars will cover basic fundamental topics such as how to:
- Understand the role of market sentiment, technical analysis and identify the trading risks involved;
- Spot the right opportunities for trading or investing;
- Conduct fundamental research on listed companies in Bursa Malaysia, and
- Distinguish between stock trading and stock investing.
These seminars are held NATIONWIDE every SATURDAY and will equip investors with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools needed to exercise good judgement and discretion in making sound investment decisions, very important not only to new and aspiring investors, but perhaps even the seasoned veterans as well. Guess what, you can even keep up with InvestSmart via Facebook! Find out where the next seminar is happening, or when InvestSmart’s Mobile Kiosk will be coming to a location near you at https://www.facebook.com/InvestSmartSC. Interestingly, InvestSmart has also roped in local celebrities Neelofa, Aaron Aziz, Scha Alyahya, Awal Ashaari, Shaheizy Sam and Elfira Loy to promote simple and witty investment messages on Instagram, so be sure to follow them!
Based on what I’ve read on the InvestSmart website so far (www.investsmsartsc.my), I’d say that articles such as 5 Investment Tips For Beginners would be really great if you are looking to kick-start your investment knowledge with the basics.
Do yourself a favor and check out www.investsmartsc.my and do plan to attend their events to learn more. The future is in your hand!
Disclaimer:Â edited/written by InvestSmart, a Securities Commission Malaysia initiative
KY, when you reach a certain you have to think of investing for a nice future ahead. Fun and shopping and travling is ok but must limit it to put aside some for that moment in life you might need it. My late father never done it and spend on all kind things for himself for that why family had no fund left to build on .
I now been saving with in states IRA which make sure at certain age release fund back to me for nice secure future.
Vickie: Yah, saving up for future needs is certainly often an overlooked objective for many.
Yes, trying to save but with my penny salary, I could not save much. I did buy PRS and some saving plans though; thinking to try shares and bonds too.
Ken: good start!