Balance 2020: Investing and Eating – Portion Control

So, let’s get it out there.  I’m not the best eater in the world.  I really like a good hamburger.  I’m even considered the “hamburger connoisseur” in our office, and I have a top 5 hamburger list for our area.  Suffice it to say, I’m working on my eating habits and even tried using Noom (an App that helps adjust your eating habits through psychological exercises).  I will say that Noom helped me in one major eating area … Portion Control.  I learned that I don’t have to eat perfect all the time.  I need to eat well most of the time, but I can also use Portion Control to get me the rest of the way there.  A little of this, a little of that, pay attention, stay balanced, remember your goals.

Surprise, surprise … Portion Control applies to investing too!  Over investing in any one area, just like over-eating hamburgers, can wreak a havoc on your portfolio.  It may seem okay at the time, but it can sneak up and get you in the end!  Portion Control is a key component to your investment strategy.

First, you need to know the time-frame and purpose of your money so you can invest accordingly.  The time-frame determines the portions of investments that go on that plate.

• Is it emergency funds – use liquid, easily accessible, principle protection vehicles
• Is it short-term – use conservative investment vehicles
• Is it mid-term – use a portion of each of the above and add a portion of quality equity positions.
• Is it long-term – use a portion of each of the above and add a portion of growth oriented equity positions.

Next, understand that it requires a variety of investments and food types to build a balanced portfolio and diet to reach your goals.  You can even incorporate “cheat” meals by using a sensible portion of recreational money to play the market with investments that have higher risk/reward potential.

Finally, re-evaluate your portions as your investment goals change and as you age through life.  Retirement will be here before you know it, and the mix of the portions on your plate will need to change as you get closer and closer to it.  Just like you can’t eat like you did in your 20’s in your 50’s!  Portion control!

As you can see, Portion Control applies to eating and investing.  If you understand how it works and incorporate it into your strategy, you can have your cake (aka hamburger) and eat it too!

The information provided here is for general information only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. There can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful and no guarantee of positive results.