Why Investing is Important | Wells Fargo Advisors (2024)

Having a savings account isn’t enough

Saving money is important, but it’s only part of the story. Smart savers start by building sufficient emergency savings within a savings account or through investment in a money market account. But after building three to six months of easy-to-access savings, investing in the financial markets offers many potential advantages.

Why is investing important?

Investing is an effective way to put your money to work and potentially build wealth. Smart investing may allow your money to outpace inflation and increase in value.

The greater growth potential of investing is primarily due to the power of compounding and the risk-return tradeoff.

The power of compounding

Compounding occurs when an investment generates earnings or dividends which are then reinvested. These earnings or dividends then generate their own earnings. So, in other words, compounding is when your investments generate earnings from previous earnings.

If you invest in a dividend-paying stock, for example, you might consider taking advantage of the potential power of compounding by choosing to reinvest the dividends. To help increase the potential benefits of compounding, start investing as soon as possible and automatically reinvest your dividends and other distributions. Read about the power of compounding and the cost of waiting.

The risk-return tradeoff

Different investments offer varying levels of potential return and market risk.

  • Risk is an investment’s chance of producing a lower-than-expected return or even losing value.
  • Return is the amount of money you earn on the assets you’ve invested, or the investment’s overall increase in value.

Investing in stocks, for example, has the potential to provide higher returns. In contrast, investing in a money market or a savings account likely won’t offer the same return potential but is considered less risky than investing in stocks.

The amount of risk you carry depends on your appetite — or tolerance — for risk. Only you can decide how much risk you’re willing to take for the potential of higher returns. But if you’re seeking to outpace inflation, taking on some risk may be necessary. An increase in risk may provide more potential for your money to grow.

Diversification can reduce risk

Diversification can help mitigate investment risk by choosing different investments and types of investments. See why diversification is important.

Learn the basic investing types

When it comes to investing, you have many options. Before deciding which investment vehicles are appropriate for you, it'll help if you know what they are, how they work, and why they may be a good fit for your needs.

Learn about investment types >

Stocks are subject to market risk, which means their value may fluctuate in response to general economic and market conditions, the prospects of individual companies, and industry sectors. Investments in equity securities are generally more volatile than other types of securities.

Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal.

Dividends are not guaranteed and are subject to change or elimination.

Investment and Insurance Products are:

  • Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency
  • Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate
  • Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested

Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC (WFCS) and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company.

Retirement Professionals are registered representatives of and offer brokerage products through Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC (WFCS). Discussions with Retirement Professionals may lead to a referral to affiliates including Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. WFCS and its associates may receive a financial or other benefit for this referral. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is a banking affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

Insurance products are offered through non-bank insurance agency affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company and are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is a bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

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Why Investing is Important | Wells Fargo Advisors (2024)

FAQs

Why Investing is Important | Wells Fargo Advisors? ›

Why is investing important? Investing is an effective way to put your money to work and potentially build wealth. Smart investing may allow your money to outpace inflation and increase in value. The greater growth potential of investing is primarily due to the power of compounding and the risk-return tradeoff.

Why invest with a financial advisor? ›

A financial advisor can help you cut through the clutter by: Identifying quality, diversified investment products. Building a customized financial strategy that works for your goals and comfort with risk. Providing the knowledge and guidance you need to feel confident, informed and in control of your future.

Why should you invest in Wells Fargo stock? ›

The current dividend yield of Wells Fargo is 1.24%. The credit risk and commercial loan activity are improving in 2021, combating the negative impact of COVID-19 on stocks. Investing in Wells Fargo seems like a beneficial investment because it has excellent credit quality and net charge-offs.

What are 5 benefits to investing? ›

Benefits of Investing
  • Potential for long-term returns. While cash is undoubtedly safer than shares, it's unlikely to grow much, or find opportunities to grow, in the long run. ...
  • Outperform inflation. ...
  • Provide a regular income. ...
  • Tailor to your changing needs. ...
  • Invest to fit your financial circ*mstances.

Is Wells Fargo a good place to invest money? ›

Wells Fargo Advisors insurance and investment products aren't backed by the FDIC or other government agencies. That said, you're always taking some amount of risk when you invest your money. Ultimately, Wells Fargo Advisors is a good option for investment services and other financial products.

Should I invest on my own or get a financial advisor? ›

Those who use financial advisors typically get higher returns and more integrated planning, including tax management, retirement planning and estate planning. Self-investors, on the other hand, save on advisor fees and get the self-satisfaction of learning about investing and making their own decisions.

Should I invest on my own or with a financial advisor? ›

The Bottom Line

Anyone can manage their own assets, but that doesn't mean you should. Most people will benefit from the knowledge and experience of a professional financial advisor, especially if they have a substantial amount of assets.

Why is investing important? ›

Why is investing important? Investing is an effective way to put your money to work and potentially build wealth. Smart investing may allow your money to outpace inflation and increase in value. The greater growth potential of investing is primarily due to the power of compounding and the risk-return tradeoff.

Why do people choose Wells Fargo? ›

Wells Fargo offers options that may help you reach your financial goals. With more than 150 years of experience, we're focused on helping you figure out the financial solutions for every stage of your life. We offer convenient ways to help you manage your money, protect your finances, and reach your financial goals.

What are the advantages of Wells Fargo? ›

Wells Fargo Bank discounts & benefits 1,2,10
  • No ATM fees worldwide4,5 and no wire transfer fees for incoming or outgoing wire transfers4,6,7
  • Discount on jumbo mortgage. rates, based on eligible assets with Wells Fargo8
  • Relationship Interest Rates. on eligible linked CDs and savings accounts11

What are 3 reasons to invest? ›

Why Consider Investing?
  • Make Money on Your Money. You might not have a hundred million dollars to invest, but that doesn't mean your money can't share in the same opportunities available to others. ...
  • Achieve Self-Determination and Independence. ...
  • Leave a Legacy to Your Heirs. ...
  • Support Causes Important to You.

What is the #1 rule of investing? ›

1 – Never lose money. Let's kick it off with some timeless advice from legendary investor Warren Buffett, who said “Rule No. 1 is never lose money.

What are 3 benefits of stock investing? ›

The advantages of the stock market include capital appreciation, dividend payouts, portfolio diversification, liquidity, and co-ownership in companies. The stock market also has disadvantages, including high risk, volatility, high brokerage on trading, companies going bankrupt, etc.

How does Wells Fargo investing work? ›

Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor offers nine model portfolios, stocked with up to 11 ETFs each. The portfolios range from conservative to aggressive—conservative options allocate a greater proportion of your balance to bond funds and cash while aggressive portfolios put more of your money in stock funds.

How does Wells Fargo Advisors make money? ›

Our financial advisors' compensation may be based on a combination of commissions and fees (cost) generated from a variety of products. These include stocks, bonds, derivatives, investment-company products, and insurance products (if they hold the appropriate state insurance licenses).

Is my money safe with Wells Fargo Advisors? ›

At Wells Fargo Advisors, cash deposits are covered by FDIC insurance for a total of at least , if you are enrolled in our Bank Deposit Sweep Program. * Through this program, uninvested cash balances (principal and interest) are automatically deposited, or “swept,” into three affiliate banks.

Is investing with an advisor worth it? ›

Ultimately, whether or not a financial advisor will be worth your money depends on your specific situation and the financial advisor you choose to team up with. If they align with your goals, listen to your needs and act in your best interests, they will most likely be a good financial investment.

Is a financial advisor worth 1%? ›

While 1.5% is on the higher end for financial advisor services, if that's what it takes to get the returns you want then it's not overpaying, so to speak. Staying around 1% for your fee may be standard but it certainly isn't the high end. You need to decide what you're willing to pay for what you're receiving.

What is the average return from a financial advisor? ›

Industry studies estimate that professional financial advice can add between 1.5% and 4% to portfolio returns over the long term, depending on the time period and how returns are calculated.

How much should you invest with a financial advisor? ›

The right amount of money you'll need will depend on what you're looking for a financial advisor to do as well as how much you'll have to pay in fees. Generally, having between $50,000 and $500,000 of liquid assets to invest can be a good point to start looking at hiring a financial advisor.

What is the disadvantage of having financial advisor? ›

Disadvantages of a Certified Financial Adviser

Perhaps the most significant concern of hiring a financial adviser is that they don't always have your best interests in mind. Despite many advisers making decisions that will benefit the client, it is not unusual for conflicts of interest to arise.

At what net worth do you need a financial advisor? ›

Depending on the net worth advisor you choose, you generally should consider hiring an advisor when you have between $50,000 - $1,000,000, but most prefer to start working with clients when they have between $100,000 - $500,000 in liquid assets.

Why investing is important at every age? ›

Setting aside money every month for investing will keep you from spending that money on unnecessary expenditures. Investing your money demonstrates a concern for the future and a discipline that could make a difference during your retirement years. Many people think investing is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

When should I start investing? ›

Start investing as early as possible

Investing when you're young is one of the best ways to see solid returns on your money. That's thanks to compound earnings, which means your investment returns start earning their own return. Compounding allows your account balance to snowball over time.

Why is Wells Fargo Bank in trouble? ›

Warren's report focused on Wells Fargo as a bank where fraud involving Zelle was particularly prevalent, as the number of fraudulent transfers rose 2.5 times between 2019 and 2022. The senator further said that the bank "attempted to mislead" by capping the data it provided in 2021.

Why does Wells Fargo have a bad reputation? ›

The series of scandals it is trying to overcome kicked off in 2016, when it paid $185 million in fines for opening unauthorized deposit and credit card accounts in customers' names. Then came a $1 billion settlement with regulators in 2018 over improper auto-loan insurance and mortgage practices.

Is Chase or Wells Fargo better? ›

The bottom line: Chase is a better choice for CDs, but Wells Fargo has easily manageable checking options. When it comes to savings accounts, it could be a tight race between the two banks. Chase is on Insider's list of the best national banks. Wells Fargo and Chase are two of the biggest national banks in the US.

What are Wells Fargo key values? ›

vision and provide the foundation for everything we do:
  • • People as a competitive advantage.
  • • Ethics.
  • • What's right for customers.
  • • Diversity and inclusion.
  • • Leadership.

What are Wells Fargo core values? ›

We want to satisfy our customers' financial needs and help them succeed financially. This unites us around a simple premise: Customers can be better served when they have a relationship with a trusted provider that knows them well, provides reliable guidance, and can serve their full range of financial needs.

Who is the number 1 bank in America? ›

JPMorgan Chase

What makes the best investment? ›

Good investment ideas have a high probability of success. The level of risk for an investment should also be low. Periodic losses and volatility are a part of investing. With a good investment there should be very little chance of losing the total amount invested.

What are the 3 C's of investing? ›

Investors must know you, like you, and trust you before they will fund you. And they are looking for what I call the three Cs in a business founder: character, confidence, and coachability.

What are the three keys to successful investing? ›

Diversification, cost control and simplicity. Focus on those three things and you can't go too far wrong.

What are the 5 golden rules of investing? ›

The golden rules of investing
  • If you can't afford to invest yet, don't. It's true that starting to invest early can give your investments more time to grow over the long term. ...
  • Set your investment expectations. ...
  • Understand your investment. ...
  • Diversify. ...
  • Take a long-term view. ...
  • Keep on top of your investments.

What is 4% rule in investment? ›

What is the 4% rule for retirement? The 4% rule states that you should be able to comfortably live off of 4% of your money in investments in your first year of retirement, then slightly increase or decrease that amount to account for inflation each subsequent year.

How much should I be investing? ›

Most financial planners advise saving 10% to 15% of annual income. A savings goal of $500 a month amounts to 12% of your income, which is considered an appropriate amount for that income level. Assuming your income increases by an average of 4% per year, this automatically increases your savings amount by 4%.

Is it good to invest right now? ›

So, if you're asking yourself if now is a good time to buy stocks, advisors say the answer is simple, no matter what's happening in the markets: Yes, as long as you're planning to invest for the long-term, are starting with small amounts invested through dollar-cost averaging and you're investing in highly diversified ...

When should I invest in stocks? ›

Stock prices tend to fall in the middle of the month. So a trader might benefit from timing stock buys near a month's midpoint—the 10th to the 15th, for example. The best day to sell stocks would probably be within the five days around the turn of the month.

What are the cons of investing? ›

Cons of investing in stocks
  • Costs. Stock purchases typically involve commissions and fees, which can consume a large portion of your investment. ...
  • Volatility. Stock prices can fluctuate dramatically over short periods, sometimes within just minutes or hours. ...
  • Lack of control. ...
  • Information risk. ...
  • Liquidity risk. ...
  • Counterparty risk.
Oct 5, 2022

How to invest $500 dollars a month? ›

Here are 8 solid ways to get started with investing 500 dollars!
  1. Start contributing to a 401k or an IRA. ...
  2. Buy a certificate of deposit. ...
  3. Start a side hustle. ...
  4. Set up a DRIP (Dividend Reinvestment Plan) ...
  5. Buy savings bonds. ...
  6. Invest with a Robo-advisor. ...
  7. Pay your student loans or other high-interest debt.
May 7, 2023

How does investing pay you? ›

People invest money to make gains from their investments. Investors may earn income through dividend payments and/or through compound interest over a longer period of time. The increasing value of assets may also lead to earnings. Generating income from multiple sources is the best way to make financial gains.

Is Wells Fargo an investment advisor? ›

Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC (WFCS) and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company.

What is the minimum for Wells Fargo Advisors? ›

The minimum account size for this program is $500. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., member FDIC, is a bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC (WFCS), Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

What happened to Wells Fargo Advisors? ›

SEC Charges Wells Fargo Advisors With Anti-Money Laundering Related Violations. The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced charges against Wells Fargo Advisors for failing to file at least 34 Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in a timely manner between April 2017 and October 2021.

Who is the best financial advisor? ›

The Best Financial Advisors of 2022
  • Best Overall: Fidelity Investments. ...
  • Best for Mixing Robo-Advice with a Human Touch: Vanguard Personal Advisor Services. ...
  • Best for Commission-Free Advisors: Zoe Financial. ...
  • Best for Low-Cost Unlimited Access to Advisors: Betterment.

Can you withdraw from Wells Fargo Advisors? ›

Security and Privacy Questions

Only you can add or withdraw funds from your account, or request Wells Fargo Advisors to do so on your behalf. The one exception is the annual advisory fee of 0.35%, which is divided into a quarterly amount and subtracted from the cash portion of your account.

Who is buying Wells Fargo Advisors? ›

GTCR and Reverence Capital Partners agreed to acquire Wells Fargo Asset Management, which will become Allspring Global Investments. Wells Fargo Asset Management is set to rebrand as Allspring Global Investments under its new CEO upon closure of its acquisition by GTCR and Reverence Capital Partners.

What happens if you have more than 250 000 in bank? ›

Bottom line. Any individual or entity that has more than $250,000 in deposits at an FDIC-insured bank should see to it that all monies are federally insured. It's not only diligent savers and high-net-worth individuals who might need extra FDIC coverage.

Is it wise to use a financial advisor? ›

Here's what it comes down to: If you have money to invest, financial goals to pursue, but no definitive plan, it may be time to retain an advisor. The right one can reduce financial stress, streamline your decision-making, and guide you to a wealthier future.

How much money should you have before getting a financial advisor? ›

The right amount of money you'll need will depend on what you're looking for a financial advisor to do as well as how much you'll have to pay in fees. Generally, having between $50,000 and $500,000 of liquid assets to invest can be a good point to start looking at hiring a financial advisor.

What are the pros and cons of having a financial advisor? ›

  • Pro: time. Hiring an advisor can save you a significant amount of time spent on research and studying different investment strategies. ...
  • Pro: strategy. ...
  • Pro: peace of mind. ...
  • Con: peace of mind. ...
  • Con: conflict of interest. ...
  • Con: costs and fees.
Nov 29, 2021

Can I invest without a financial advisor? ›

Perhaps this myth has persisted for so long thanks to persistent marketing on behalf of financial advisory firms. However, the reality is that investors who manage their own money are often able to perform better than those who work with a financial advisor and without fees eating into their returns.

What is the disadvantage of financial advisor? ›

Cons of Being a Financial Advisor
  • Building an advisor practice and growing a client base may be challenging.
  • Completing the necessary requirements to get certified and licensed can be time-consuming and costly.
  • Working hours are often long, particularly in the early stages of growing an advisor business.
Mar 23, 2023

Does a financial advisor save you money? ›

Hiring a financial advisor can seem like an unnecessary expense but they often save you money in the long run. If you choose to hire a financial advisor, make sure all their fees are transparent before you sign. Usually, a financial advisor is recommended when their fee is less than what they can save for you.

How many times should you meet with your financial advisor? ›

Experts recommend that you meet at least once a year with a financial advisor to discuss your investment plan and review your risk tolerance and cash flow objectives.

Is 1.5 high for a financial advisor? ›

While 1.5% is on the higher end for financial advisor services, if that's what it takes to get the returns you want then it's not overpaying, so to speak. Staying around 1% for your fee may be standard but it certainly isn't the high end. You need to decide what you're willing to pay for what you're receiving.

How long should you stay with a financial advisor? ›

How long do clients stay with a financial advisor? The client churn for financial advisors is notoriously high. The average client lifespan for a financial advisor is between three and five years, with 45% of clients leaving in the first two years.

How do you know if a financial advisor is worth it? ›

Here are four traits you want to look for when gauging whether a Financial Advisor is suitable for you:
  1. They work with you. ...
  2. They take a holistic view of your finances. ...
  3. They develop and customize your investment strategy. ...
  4. They have the support of an investment team. ...
  5. There is a lack of transparency.

Should you put all your money with one financial advisor? ›

Key Takeaways. The main reason to find more than one financial advisor is if your current financial advisor is not meeting all of your needs. Your additional financial advisor should fill in the gaps of your current financial advisor.

Who benefits from a financial advisor? ›

A financial advisor helps people manage their money and map out a plan for the future, including retirement. Whether they focus on financial planning in a broader form or focus on niche topics, financial advisors draw up plans or recommend specific investment products and vehicles to meet the needs of their clients.

Is it smart to hire a financial advisor? ›

Some situations can benefit from having simultaneous professional guidance for investment decisions, risk management, creditor protection, legal and tax considerations. A financial advisor or wealth manager is able to bring together the appropriate professionals who are experienced in these situation-specific events.

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