Investing is not as complex as it may seem, emphasizing the importance of taking action and a bit of luck.
The three fund method (Boglehead method) is recommended for beginners, involving a diversified portfolio through investing in a broad market fund, global index fund, and bond fund.
Deep dives
Simran Kaur's Journey from Novice to Expert Investor
Simran Kaur, founder of Girls That Invest, shares her journey from having little understanding of the financial world to becoming an investing expert. She emphasizes that investing is not as complex as it may seem, stating that taking action and a bit of luck are key. Kaur's mission with Girls That Invest is to make financial literacy and investment education accessible and easy to understand. She offers resources such as a podcast, social media content, workshops, and a book to help individuals, especially women, gain knowledge and confidence in investing. Her top tips include setting clear investment goals, understanding your risk profile, and avoiding fear of missing out (FOMO) investing. Kaur encourages individuals to start investing early and consistently, emphasizing the power of compound interest over the long term.
The Three Fund Method for Investing
Kaur recommends the three fund method, also known as the Boglehead method, for beginners. This approach involves investing in three different funds: a broad market fund, a global index fund, and a bond fund. By allocating percentages to each fund based on personal goals and risk tolerance, investors can create a diversified portfolio. Kaur emphasizes the simplicity of this approach and cautions against unnecessarily complicating investment strategies. She highlights the importance of aligning investment choices with individual values and encourages regular portfolio reviews to ensure investments remain in line with goals and risk profiles.
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Unlearning Money Taboos
Kaur discusses the importance of unlearning limiting beliefs and challenging negative perceptions about money. She shares her own experience of initially believing that money was either evil or not meant for her. Kaur emphasizes that money itself is not inherently good or bad, but rather how it is used that shapes its impact. She encourages individuals to reject self-imposed limitations and instead prioritize financial education and empowerment. Kaur emphasizes the positive impact of financial gain, such as increased charitable contributions, and highlights the importance of asking for what one deserves, whether it's a raise or an investment opportunity.
Simran Kaur thinks the stock market is a lot more straightforward than it is made out to be. The 26-year-old is the founder of Girls That Invest, an investing community and podcast that she set up with her best friend Sonya Gupthan when they realised that, as women of colour, there were not many people who looked like them in the financial world.
Presenter Claer Barrett sources her tips on getting started as an investor, how to balance your portfolio and when to have a portfolio review.
If you would like to talk to Claer about a future episode, please email the Money Clinic team at money@ft.com with a short description of your problem, and how you would like us to help.
You can follow Claer on Twitter and Instagram @Claerb
Presented by Claer Barrett. Produced by Persis Love. Our executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design is by Jake Fielding and Breen Turner, with original music from Metaphor Music.