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.
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 you invest in Wells Fargo? ›
A company's earnings performance is important for value investors as well. For fiscal 2023, seven analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for WFC, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.19 to $4.84 per share. WFC also holds an average earnings surprise of 10.3%.
What are the benefits of investment? ›
An investment portfolio can help you achieve your long-term financial dreams. For example, build a nest egg for your retirement, repay your mortgage early, or pay university fees for your children. While savings accounts offer easy access and the security of guaranteed capital, the returns can be small.
What is the idea of investing consistently Why is this important? ›
Investing regularly allows you to invest smaller amounts on an ongoing basis, which is easier on the wallet compared to the alternative of coming up with a large lump-sum investment at some later date.
What are the three main reasons for investing? ›
Why Consider Investing?
- Make Money on Your Money. You might not have a hundred million dollars to invest, but that doesn't mean your money can't share in the same opportunities available to others. ...
- Achieve Self-Determination and Independence. ...
- Leave a Legacy to Your Heirs. ...
- Support Causes Important to You.
Even if you suffer losses in the short-term, you have more flexibility to recover and benefit from the positive effects of long-term investing. In other words, by investing early and regularly, you can take advantage of the power of compounding, which means your money can grow exponentially over time.
Is it safe to 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.
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.
Why is it good to invest in banks? ›
Pros of bank stocks
Most banks pay dividends: Dividends are seen as an important signal of financial health for banks, and so the vast majority of bank stocks do pay dividends consistently.
Investing in stocks offers the potential for substantial returns, income through dividends and portfolio diversification. However, it also comes with risks, including market volatility, tax bills as well as the need for time and expertise.
What is the most important factor in investing? ›
A long horizon and consistency are keys to healthy investment returns. I will start off by saying there's no magic bullet. The two things that separate successful investors from losers is 1) a long horizon and 2) consistency.
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.
Why is investing early and often important? ›
It allows money to grow exponentially over time and can help savers and investors to turn small capital sums into large cash piles over many years. Referring to it as one of the greatest “miracles” known to man, Albert Einstein described compound interest as “the most powerful force in the universe”.
Why is it so important to save and invest your money? ›
Through saving money, your money is kept safe, and easy to access should you need it. By investing early over time, your money grows in value, benefiting from the magic of compounding. Remember that investing early, along with compound interest, can result in higher investment amounts versus a late investment start.
