Investing Plan of Attack

In times of war, you have no time to spare. Spending less time (and effort) on investing than you do stalking your next boo, will get you well on your way to winning the Battle for Profits (and said boo). Create your Battle Plan of Attack with these 5 steps and prepare to now be known as the Rebel Investor.

1. Sharpen your most valuable weapon: Your Mind

When you are on the battlefield of the share market, what it truly comes down to is your knowledge. The most important part in your lengthy battle on War Street is learning about investing. Firstly, make learning the basics of investing your number one priority. Much like in any confrontation, you and learning investing may may find yourselves in a battle dance of trial and struggle. However, once you understand the stock market basics and how to invest in stocks, investing becomes relatively simple. I know Gen Z is not particularly fond of reading (Instagram captions being the exception). But, to become a rebel investor, you will have to see those investing books pile up as through these resources you will learn what mistakes to avoid, and the best practices to follow.

2. Pick your Battlefield

To ensure the success of your Plan of Attack, you must pick your battlefield.

To decipher your battlefield, there are a few things you must consider:

Are you a risk-taker?

The Growth Investing battlefield awaits you.

Do you like getting paid (yes, duh)?

Your prize awaits on the Income Stocks Battlefield.

Do you love a great deal?

Value Investing battlefield in the near future will be your territory.

As you learn more about investing, you’ll likely choose one of two major battle-grounds: Active or passive investing.

If actively researching and investing isn’t your thing, do not give up, and instead take the time to investigate passive investing options (if you are in it for the long haul, the profits could be immense)! Remember, there is no shame if you do not desire to be actively fighting in the Battle for Profits, and instead decide to invest in a top index fund (to be fair, warren buffet loves this method, and if warren buffet loves it, I do too)!

3. Are you a Rebel investor?

“As young investors, we have the luxury of time...”

Now this is when you discover if you are a Rebel Investor. The Battle for Profits is fast approaching, and now it is time you start researching and deciding what will ultimately be your prize. Start learning how to research stocks, then pick stocks that perhaps align with your interests (investing and otherwise) and start STALKING everything about the company. I am serious, there are NO BOUNDARIES. (I have gone as far as talking to the CFO of a renewable company, so if you think you are stepping over the line, you aren't :)). Learn how it makes money, how much it can grow, and where else it might expand in the future.

As a Rebel Investor (self classified lol), I enjoy taking risks and investing in riskier industries and stocks. As young investors, we have the luxury of time, and hence can generally take more risk in the Battle of Profit. Industries I am currently investing in include: Crypto Currency, Renewables, RegTech, BioMed and FinTech.

4. Preparing your Artillery

Once you have checked off the steps on your plan of attack, it is time to open and fund a brokerage account. An adult (18+ years old) can open an online brokerage account. But those younger rebel investors out their will need to seek an alliance with a guardian.

Guardians can either open a brokerage account on their teen's behalf or set up a trust/minor account. The process is relatively simple and usually takes less than 15 minutes.

5. And the Battle for Profit begins…

Once the funds clear in your brokerage account, it is now time to make your first official move in the Battle for Profits. Decide which of the stocks on your list you want to buy and set up the order.

When you're ready, fire the order during market hours. Before you know it, you will have secured your holdings on war street.

Now continue making strategic battle moves and strengthening your artillery with a diversified portfolio. Continue adding funds to your brokerage account and buying more shares of the companies or index funds you want to own to take even greater advantage of compound interest over time!