Get Started with Planning & Research
Investing need not be complicated nor intimidating. Simplify it with step-by-step planning and research.
Determine your Current Situation
A systematic and comprehensive financial plan will help you focus on your long-term goals. Prioritizing competing goals can help reduce anxiety and stress around money.
Begin by analyzing your financial goals in relation to your income, expenses, savings, future needs, and priorities. Prioritizing and balancing competing goals is a critical part of planning. By creating a budget and documenting everything, it is easier to get a full picture. Remember, it is an ongoing process. Consistency is key to financial success.
Set Realistic Goals
To be achievable, your goals must be measured against a specific timeline in relation to your income, expenses, savings, and rising inflation.
Compare Options
Do market research: for example, compare different types of IRA accounts to understand their benefits, income and contribution limits, tax liabilities, and other features to choose the one most beneficial for your goals. Compare the types of funds available for investments. Determine if you should choose Education Savings Account or an IRA, or both. Consult with your tax advisor for tax advice about your particular circumstances.
Also, compare available halal investment companies and brokers, their offerings, fee structures, performance, experience, terminologies, and support. And talk with us. Call (877) 417-6161.
Evaluate Risk and Comfort Level with Risk
Every investment involves some risk. Thoroughly evaluate your risk tolerance in relation to your age, income, expenses and goals. Learn more about why risk tolerance assessment matters.
Implement Your Financial Plan
Then, start implementing your plan immediately. Time is money. The more time you are invested, the more benefit you have the potential to gain long term.
Review and Revise as Your Circumstances Change
Financial planning is an ongoing process. It takes more time when you first begin and much less effort when you need to review. Take a fresh look at your plan every six months to a year to ensure you are on the right track and make any adjustments as you or your family’s circumstances change.
Understanding Dollar Cost Averaging and Market Volatility
Request a Workshop/Presentation for Your Organization
We are looking forward to presenting at your organization. Please complete the form or, if you have immediate needs, please call (877) 417-6161 during business hours. We will get back to you to discuss and schedule a custom presentation for you shortly.
Key Takeaways!
Prioritize
financial needs to determine the current situation. Create a budget document to see the full picture.
Pay off debt
as quickly as possible.
Be intentional
when you save. Treat retirement and education savings as separate goals. You must save for both.
Start small
Commit to saving and/or investing regularly. Develop a habit of saving in the whole family. Consider Automatic Investment Programs.
Research
all available options for investments such as mutual funds, sukuks, IRAs, education savings accounts, etc. Also, learn the terminology so you understand what you are getting into. Learn about the different halal investment companies or brokerage firms to help you manage your portfolio. Understand their fee structures and terms. Knowledge is power and increases your comfort level when difficult tasks occur.
Start now!
Start as early as possibly, as soon as possible
Be prepared
for emergencies. Set aside money for up to 6 months of expenses outside of other savings – for example, sudden health problems, job loss, death, or impact of a natural disaster.
Organize
all finances by creating a budget and sticking to it – for example, jot down income vs. expenses.
Cut costs
is much more effective and doable than increasing income. If and when income increases, try not to increase expenses, instead, increase saving and investments.
Diversify
When you are ready to invest after doing your necessary planning and identifying your goals, spread out the investments for a more balanced portfolio. Mutual funds (such as Iman Fund) may help you achieve your objectives.
Evaluate
all options carefully. Talk to your tax consultant to maximize any tax advantages or savings on your investments.
Be consistent
is key to financial success. Stick to the budget and financial goals.
Plan for emergencies
and set aside money for up to 6 months of expenses outside of other savings for example, sudden health problems, job loss, death, or impact of a natural disaster etc.
Think long term
vs. short term. Focus on the end goal instead of the market fluctuations. This maxim is called “time vs. timing the market.” History has shown that what matters more in achieving good returns is how long your money has been invested in the market regardless of the fluctuations.
Be informed
about your income, savings and investments, and the type of accounts you choose to invest in. Many may affect your benefits after retirement as well as the financial aid need determination for your child’s college. Make careful, informed choices. Contact us to gain more insights.
