Investing for beginners: the basics at a glance

Investing protects your money against inflation and allows you to grow it in the long term. Saving alone is not enough, as your money loses purchasing power every year it lies dormant in your account. 

The wealth pyramid shows the order of your financial priorities:

1. Ensure liquidity (fixed costs and emergency fund)
2. Cover retirement provision (e.g. pillar 3a)
3. Free funds for investing; money you won’t need in the next three years

The ideal time is as soon as possible. The compound interest effect allows your money to grow faster and faster over time – even with small amounts such as CHF 50 per month.

Perfect timing is virtually impossible. Regular investing helps to smooth out price fluctuations and achieve better average prices in the long term. Consistency is more important than timing.

There are three basic risk profiles:

1.       Conservative: security and minimal fluctuations

2.       Balanced: a mix of security and returns

3.       Dynamic: more risk for higher returns in the long run

The right type depends on your personality, goals and time horizon. Answer a few questions to determine your risk profile here.

The five golden rules:

1. Plan, don’t panic
2. The right strategy for your risk type
3. Diversification – spread the risk
4. Discipline – don’t be blown off course
5. Regularly review and adjust your strategy

1. Check your budget
2. Build up a nest egg
3. Set up a pension plan
4. Invest regularly – ideally by standing order

Investing is less complex than it seems: start early, diversify widely, stick with it and invest regularly. You don’t have to be a financial expert, but you do have to get started. Every franc counts.