• Research and data-driven behavioral insights to guide client conversations

  • Practical application of behavioral finance to portfolio construction, management and analysis

  • Ideas, guides and materials designed to differentiate and grow your practice

  • Current market conditions from the Behavioral, Economic, Valuation, and Technical perspectives

Building Wealth by Avoiding Emotional Errors

Published on Proactive Advisor Magazine June 23, 2021

Emotional investing errors are a significant impediment to building wealth over the long term. What are two of the most debilitating errors, and how can financial advisors help their clients avoid them?

Proactive Advisor masthead blue

Regular contributions drive wealth

Many investors wait until they have “enough” money or for when it’s “a good time” to invest in the market. Making regular contributions regardless of these concerns is one of the most powerful ways to build wealth.

Figure 1 highlights the value to individuals of making regular contributions compared to periodic contributions over 10-, 20- and 30-year periods. Even though the same principal amount is invested, the result is dramatically different—with nearly twice the wealth creation.

FIGURE 1: RESULTING VALUES OF PERIODIC VERSUS ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS (S&P 500 TR INDEX JAN 1991–DEC 2020

v30 i12 UpClose Chart 1 1280x653

Note: 10-year return is 1991–2000, 20-year return is 1991–2010, and 30-year return is 1991–2020. Periodic = investing $100,000 every 10 years. Annual = investing $10,000 annually.

Sources: AthenaInvest Inc. and S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC

Figure 1 highlights two investors over a 30-year period: annual investor A (who invests $10,000 every year) and periodic investor B (who invests $100,000 at the end of every 10 years). Regular contributions benefit from investing earlier and the subsequent compounding. Over longer periods, the results are dramatic with roughly twice the wealth creation for 10-, 20- and 30-year periods.

Read the full article in Proactive Advisor Magazine
 

Behavioral Finance straight to your Inbox

Behavioral Viewpoints features new topics each month which are intended to help advisors and investors gain a deeper understanding of how behavior shapes the investing landscape.

Subscribe Now

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND DISCLOSURES

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. It should not be assumed that recommendations of AthenaInvest made herein or in the future will be profitable or will equal the past performance records of any AthenaInvest investment strategy or product. There can be no assurance that future recommendations will achieve comparable results. The author’s opinions may change, without notice, in reaction to shifting economic, market, business, and other conditions. AthenaInvest disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of trading intent on behalf of AthenaInvest.

You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives and financial circumstances. You should consult with a qualified financial adviser, legal or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Past Performance is no guarantee of future results.

Contact

AthenaInvest Advisors LLC
5340 South Quebec Street, Suite 320-S
Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Phone:   (877) 430-5675
Fax:        (303) 721-6294
Email:     support@athenainvest.com