4 Mistakes Millennials are Making with their Investments
The word “Millennial” has been more descriptive of a culture rather than a well-defined group. While, technically I qualify as a Millenial, I can't say I relate to much of the cultural description. The Pew Research Center has made a best guess as to exactly how old that generation is, pointing to anyone born between 1981 and 1996.1 By that measure, in 2018, the eldest Millennials are 37 years old. They grew up during the dot-com boom where it seemed that technology drove the economy to new heights and likely heard how important it is to invest to get wealthy. They also lived through the financial crisis, and may have had a hard time finding work after incurring huge amounts of student debt. These experiences may have colored their view of the economy and how best to negotiate it.
Millenials have shown to have wildly different lifestyle and financial goals and approaches to their life. As a group, they tend to be great savers however, some observers have noticed that Millennials could be making better decisions when it comes to investment strategies. Make sure you’re avoiding the investment mistakes some Millennials are making.
1. Cash Heavy
The biggest mistake may be not having a retirement account at all. A study from Bankrate, a financial services company, finds that many Millennials are heavily invested in cash. That means they have lots of money in savings accounts and CDs, not so much in investments.2 The strategy is understandable given how the markets rocked the economy in 2007. Yet, having a more diverse portfolio that earns more interest than a savings account may be best.
2. Fear of the Markets
This is a bit of a carry-over from #1. The fear of stock market volatility may be a rational fear. However, it may be counterproductive; erring on the side of stability and it may prevent Millennials from creating a robust retirement fund. While a short-term hiccup can cause havoc with an investment portfolio, stocks can produce a good return over the long-term if the investor has a goal in mind and a plan to reach that goal.
3. Blind Investing
Other research from financial services companies shows that Millennials are less likely to review investment portfolios or their 401(k) after they’ve initiated them. They don’t look to review and readjust portfolios for market changes. While they are relatively young, Millennials have the time to do more with their money. Tiny changes now to help optimize their investments can mean major differences down the road. They can reallocate funds annually or when they start to earn more money. A diverse portfolio can help mitigate risk so that one wrong move won’t ruin plans. The relative youth of Millennials also gives them time to make a plan and invest towards a goal, whether it’s college or retirement. A plan is something that someone who does blind investment hasn’t created.
4. Getting the Full Benefit
If you’re not part of the freelance economy as many Millennials are, you likely have an employer who will contribute to your 401(k), matching your contribution up to a preset maximum. Some employers will match your entire contribution or just a percentage of it. However, some Millennials aren’t taking full advantage of the employer’s matching contribution. If the employer matches your contribution to your retirement account at 100% and you aren’t contributing as much as possible, you could be missing out on thousands of dollars over time.
5. Strategize with a Financial Advisor
Over a short period of time, the Millennial generation has seen great turmoil in the economy and in the world. They have seen more changes than their boomer predecessors have, and they continue to experience some uncertainty. Having a sound financial plan for retirement may help ease some concerns. Whether you’re starting out in the job market or have a strong career going full steam, it helps to discuss investment strategies and retirement plans with a financial advisor. It's hard, however, to find objective advice and many advisors have large minimums (short-sighted). Find an advisor like Fourth Point Wealth that focuses on working with great people with big goals, no matter where you are now.
1 http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/03/01/defining-generations-where-millennials-end-and-post-millennials-begin/
2 https://www.bankrate.com/investing/financial-security-july-2018/
This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
