Having a savings account isn’t enough
Saving money is important, but it’s only part of the story. Smart savers start by building sufficient emergency savings within a savings account or through investment in a money market account. But after building three to six months of easy-to-access savings, investing in the financial markets offers many potential advantages.
Why is investing important?
Investing is an effective way to put your money to work and potentially build wealth. Smart investing may allow your money to outpace inflation and increase in value.
The greater growth potential of investing is primarily due to the power of compounding and the risk-return tradeoff.
The power of compounding
Compounding occurs when an investment generates earnings or dividends which are then reinvested. These earnings or dividends then generate their own earnings. So, in other words, compounding is when your investments generate earnings from previous earnings.
If you invest in a dividend-paying stock, for example, you might consider taking advantage of the potential power of compounding by choosing to reinvest the dividends. To help increase the potential benefits of compounding, start investing as soon as possible and automatically reinvest your dividends and other distributions. Read about the power of compounding and the cost of waiting.
The risk-return tradeoff
Different investments offer varying levels of potential return and market risk.
- Risk is an investment’s chance of producing a lower-than-expected return or even losing value.
- Return is the amount of money you earn on the assets you’ve invested, or the investment’s overall increase in value.
Investing in stocks, for example, has the potential to provide higher returns. In contrast, investing in a money market or a savings account likely won’t offer the same return potential but is considered less risky than investing in stocks.
The amount of risk you carry depends on your appetite — or tolerance — for risk. Only you can decide how much risk you’re willing to take for the potential of higher returns. But if you’re seeking to outpace inflation, taking on some risk may be necessary. An increase in risk may provide more potential for your money to grow.
Diversification can reduce risk
Learn the basic investing types
When it comes to investing, you have many options. Before deciding which investment vehicles are appropriate for you, it'll help if you know what they are, how they work, and why they may be a good fit for your needs.
Learn about investment types >
Stocks are subject to market risk, which means their value may fluctuate in response to general economic and market conditions, the prospects of individual companies, and industry sectors. Investments in equity securities are generally more volatile than other types of securities.
Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal.
Dividends are not guaranteed and are subject to change or elimination.
Investment and Insurance Products are:
- Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency
- Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate
- Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested
Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC (WFCS) and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company.
Retirement Professionals are registered representatives of and offer brokerage products through Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC (WFCS). Discussions with Retirement Professionals may lead to a referral to affiliates including Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. WFCS and its associates may receive a financial or other benefit for this referral. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is a banking affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.
Insurance products are offered through non-bank insurance agency affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company and are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies.
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is a bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.
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FAQs
Investing is an effective way to put your money to work and potentially build wealth. Smart investing may allow your money to outpace inflation and increase in value. The greater growth potential of investing is primarily due to the power of compounding and the risk-return tradeoff.
Should I invest with Wells Fargo Advisors? ›
Wells Fargo Advisors is a good business for investors and those seeking financial advice. It helps that the company is an affiliate of the well-established Wells Fargo Bank — it's easier for people to trust a name they already know. Clients who already bank with Wells Fargo can save on Wells Fargo Advisors services.
Why is investing important? ›
As savings held in cash will tend to lose value because inflation reduces their buying power over time, investing can help to protect the value of your money as the cost of living rises. Over the long term, investing can smooth out the effects of weekly market ups and downs.
Why should I invest in WFC? ›
For WFC, shares are up 6.87% over the past week while the Zacks Banks - Major Regional industry is up 1.11% over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 7.7% compares favorably with the industry's 0.83% performance as well.
What is the primary purpose of investing? ›
Investment definition is an asset acquired or invested in to build wealth and save money from the hard earned income or appreciation. Investment meaning is primarily to obtain an additional source of income or gain profit from the investment over a specific period of time.
Is my money safe with Wells Fargo Advisors? ›
Wells Fargo, along with thousands of other financial institutions, is FDIC-insured. FDIC insurance limits cap at $250,000. The FDIC insures certificates of deposit and money market accounts, along with traditional checking and savings accounts.
Are Wells Fargo advisor fees high? ›
Wells Fargo Advisors' cons
Higher than average fees: With fees generally ranging between 2% and 2.50% for its investment management programs, The firm's fees tend to be higher than the industry average rates, which generally fall between 0.50% to 1.25% of assets under management.
Do 90% of millionaires make over $100,000 a year? ›
Choose the right career
And one crucial detail to note: Millionaire status doesn't equal a sky-high salary. “Only 31% averaged $100,000 a year over the course of their career,” the study found, “and one-third never made six figures in any single working year of their career.”
Is it better to save or invest? ›
Investing provides the potential for (significantly) higher returns than saving. As your investments grow, they allow you to take advantage of compounding to accelerate gains. Investing offers many different access points and strategies, from individual stocks and bonds to mutual or exchange-traded funds.
Is investing actually worth it? ›
Good for long-term goals.
Investing can help you grow money over the long term, making it a strong option for funding expensive future goals, like retirement.
Is Wells Fargo FDIC Insured? Yes, Wells Fargo is FDIC insured. 11 However, FDIC insurance only covers specific accounts, like checking and savings accounts, up to $250,000. FDIC insurance does not cover any accounts invested in stocks, bonds, or ETFs; those accounts will fall under the SIPC.
What is special about Wells Fargo? ›
With more than 150 years of experience, we're focused on helping you figure out the financial solutions for every stage of your life. We offer convenient ways to help you manage your money, protect your finances, and reach your financial goals.
What is the Wells Fargo prediction? ›
Future Growth
Wells Fargo is forecast to grow earnings and revenue by 3.5% and 3.2% per annum respectively. EPS is expected to grow by 6.8% per annum. Return on equity is forecast to be 11.9% in 3 years.
What is the most important part of investing? ›
Hold your investments long-term. Like adding to your investment over time, holding your investment long-term is really important to building your wealth, generating more profit. Your money needs years to grow, and with time, it can grow exponentially and generate higher returns.
What is the key of investing? ›
Key Takeaways
Understand risk, diversification, and asset allocation. Minimize investment costs. Learn classic strategies, be disciplined, and think like an owner or lender. Never invest in something you do not fully understand.
How does investing make you money? ›
Your investments can make money in 1 of 2 ways. The first is through payments—such as interest or dividends. The second is through investment appreciation, aka, capital gains. When your investment appreciates, it increases in value.
Is investing with an advisor worth it? ›
The right decision is going to depend on your unique financial situation and how much you can afford to pay an advisor. If all goes well then the length of time shouldn't be an issue to you, financially, because the returns can more than pay for the advisor's contributions.
Is it worth using an investment advisor? ›
A financial advisor is worth paying for if they provide help you need, whether because you don't have the time or financial acumen or you simply don't want to deal with your finances. An advisor may be especially valuable if you have complicated finances that would benefit from professional help.
Is it smart to invest with a financial advisor? ›
A good financial advisor or robo-advisor can be worth the cost if you're able to save more money, cut your expenses or better plan for the future. A financial advisor can also help you feel more secure in your financial situation, which can be priceless. But financial advisors can also come with high fees.
Should I use a financial advisor to invest my money? ›
If you are approaching retirement, planning for a major purchase or facing a monumental financial decision, or you simply don't have the time or know-how to manage your investments, hiring a financial advisor can be a good decision.
