Why Diversify

Why Diversify?

Investing is a risky venture whether you are a seasoned pro or a rank novice. If this is your first turn around the dance floor you need to realize first and foremost that all investing is a risk of some sort. There is no such thing as risk free investing though certain types of investments certainly involve more risks than others. This is the main reason that it is so important to have a stock portfolio that is diversified enough to offer some insulation from devastation due to one stock, bond, or fund performing poorly while also making a noticeable difference when one performs extraordinarily well.

In other words, diversifying your portfolio tempers the risks you are taking by investing to some degree. You've heard the old saying "never put all your eggs in one basket" I am sure. Diversifying your portfolio moves your eggs around so that your nest egg has more than one layer or protection from the evils of the world and the fickle minds of men and the New York Stock Exchange.

You want to diversify your investment portfolio so that one sector or one stock does not have the power to sink your financial future in one fell swoop. You want to feel secure that your investments are secure to some degree despite the many risks you will face. In fact you need that sense of security in order to continue investing and building your financial future. You will find that it is nearly impossible to work on a financial future you do not believe in.

If that isn't enough however you want to diversify so that you have the opportunity to spread the wealth a bit too. You want to have a few opportunities to take the risks that make the real money in the stock market game. You cannot really do this if all your monies are tied up in ventures that are designed to play it safe and run the marathon. It's nice, on occasion to feel the wind in your hair as you sprint towards your financial goals rather than going at the snails pace in exchange for security. In other words, diversity brings a sense of balance to your portfolio too.

There are all kinds of investments. You will find many different companies, many different sectors, different types of stocks, bonds, funds, and all manner of investment opportunities that each bring to the table a different type of risk and a different type of security upon which you can feast while organizing your portfolio in a meal that should is meant to last a lifetime and keep your family fed, clothed, and happy for many years to come. In order to do all of these things your financial situation needs to be as well rounded as you are as a person and your stock portfolio needs that liberal arts education that includes a little bit of everything.

If you can accomplish this with your portfolio then your financial outlook should be much brighter and bolder than it would be if you left all your efforts in one basket and dined on one plate for the rest of your life. Take the time to check out your financial holdings and if you don't have a little bit of diversity on your plate it's time to add a little sprinkling of risk or conservation according to need.