Everyone likes to feel like they’re in control of a situation. Even if they don’t like to be “in charge” per se, there isn’t a person alive who doesn’t at least want control over their own lives. When it comes to money, there’s no more important area to have control.
For many of us, we look to find ways beyond the norm to gain this control over our financial future. We don’t just rely on disciplined saving plans and frugal living. No, we turn to investing to create the financial future that we really want.
Truth be told, even taking the initiative to invest in something can only give the illusion of the control. Here’s how you can tell whether or not you’re truly in control of your financial future and your investments.
5 Questions to Evaluate Whether or Not You Have Control Over Your Investments
Do I know where my money is going?
Some investments, whether they are stocks or REITs, have you throwing your money into a pool along with everyone else’s in the hopes that you’ll see it pay off in the end. In reality, you don’t have any real breakdown of where your money is going in these sorts of investments. They could disappear in an instant or you can find yourself with very meager returns.
At times, certain kinds of investments can feel like gambling. If you don’t know where your money is really going, you don’t have control and it’s likely not the best investment for building long-term success. Stocks and investments like them can be great, but the experience they demand is just not something most people have.
Are the factors that affect my profits unpredictable?
Some investments just seem out of your hands. Stocks, for example, can be affected by so many different factors that it can be impossible to predict the turns they can take. A valuable stock can drop on a dime and in an instant of bad press or geopolitical turmoil. That makes it risky and it certainly doesn’t put you in control. It’s better for investors to focus on investments that have fewer variables affecting their cash flow.
Am I up at night worrying about my investments?
You should not have to worry about your investment future. We said it. You shouldn’t have to lie up awake at night in fear for your financial future. Whether it’s because of your own inexperience or because you don’t trust the people you’re working with, if you find yourself unable to rest because of your investments, you’re not in control—even if you are.
Regardless of your investment strategy, if you’re stressed and worrying, something has to give. The extra cash flow isn’t worth a heap of stress and anxiety. You can find a team to trust. You can invest without stress. Take control back!
Do I feel out of the loop?
By the same token, do you feel out of control because you don’t have all of the information? Maybe you’re investing in real estate without being an expert. And that’s fine, few investors are when they start. The question is, are you making the effort to learn? Are you in open communication with your team, or do you feel left in the dark? Remember, at the end of the day, you’re the owner. You should be informed.
Related Article: 'How To' Keep Your Real Estate Investment Team on the Same Page
Am I spending time doing things I don’t really want to be doing?
Maybe you do have the freedom to invest how you want to invest. You’re in the real estate investment business, you’re buying properties, striking out on your own, and taking charge. You’re making money on your own terms. But ask yourself, are you really spending your time the way you want to be spending it, or have your investments taken over your life?
You see, even if you’re in charge, you can also lose control of your life. Taking on landlord responsibilities when you don’t really want them, for example, is a quick way to lose control. You have to decide what you actually want to be doing. Choose what matters to you and seek balance.
Ultimately, it’s tough to have full control over every aspect of our financial future. When it comes to real estate investment, however, you can strike a balance between a self-directed passive strategy through turnkey real estate. Memphis Invest is the team you can trust to build your best financial future.
Why don't you start by talking to an adviser today?
