Zielonka Financial Services LLC

(888) 967-1040

Investment Read Time: 2 min

Risk Perspective

Risk is a factor in any investment decision that you make. Your tolerance for risk is something that you will want to consider when you make decisions alongside your trusted financial professional. Your risk tolerance is balanced against your time horizon, meaning the time between now and when you anticipate needing your money.

But is it possible to avoid a loss? No, not completely, but you can take steps to manage that risk when investing. This is where conversations about your risk tolerance are critical.

What would you rather have, $500 right now or a 50% chance at $2,000? Many people go for the $2,000 and rightfully so. Since you have a 50/50 chance, a decision tree shows the $2,000 answer carries a potential value of $1,000.

But let’s add a few zeros and see if that changes your perspective.

What would you rather have, $50,000 right now or a 50% chance at $200,000? The decision tree says the opportunity to win $200,000 has the highest potential value. But in reality, many people second-guess that decision because $50,000 is a lot of money.

Remember, there is no correct answer to these questions. They simply help you better understand the concept of risk.

Investment risk can be managed, but it can’t be eliminated entirely. All investments carry some level of risk. And in general, the greater the risk an investment carries, the higher its potential return.

Risk happens, but don’t let it get in the way of your dreams. Ultimately, these concerns should only serve to inform you and the questions that you ask the financial professional you are working with. The conversation should include your questions about the risks for each strategy presented as well as questions from your professional about the investment goals you want and the aspirations you hope to realize.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

Capital Gains Tax When Selling Your Home

Capital Gains Tax When Selling Your Home

If your clients are buying or selling a home, use this to help them determine if they qualify for capital gains taxes.

Starting a Roth IRA for a Teen

Starting a Roth IRA for a Teen

This early financial decision could prove helpful over time.

Bursting the Bubble

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

Fallen Tree Damage—Who Pays?

Your liability for damages that occur when a tree on your property falls on your neighbor’s property is not clear cut.

Insurance Needs Assessment: When You're Young and Single

Even if you’re young and single, you should still consider protecting yourself.

View all articles

Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?

This calculator compares the financial impact of leasing versus buying an automobile.

How Compound Interest Works

Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.

Federal Income Tax

Use this calculator to estimate your income tax liability along with average and marginal tax rates.

View all calculators

An Inside Look at Retirement Living

A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.

Investment Strategies for Retirement

Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

View all presentations

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

Charitable Giving: Smart from the Heart

Do you have causes that you want to support with donations?

The Fed and How It Got That Way

Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

View all videos