7 Questions to Ask Before You Invest

An investment can be a way to help you reach goals you want to achieve in the long term.

7 Questions to Ask Before You Invest

An investment can be a way to help you reach goals you want to achieve in the long term. But just buying an investment because it is popular or because someone you know recommends it may result in poor investment choices. It is advisable to ask the right questions and understand what you are investing in before committing your money.

This is more significant for Singapore expats as investments can be in other currencies, countries and financial regulations. Before making an investment decision, here are seven important factors to consider.

1.       What Is Your Investment Objective?

Always determine your investment goals first. Do you have a retirement savings plan, a plan for your kids' schooling, a plan for your property fund, or a wealth-building plan?

2.       How Long Do You Plan to Keep Your Investment?

There are some investments are better for short-term investing, while others work best for long term investing. However, if you are planning to use the funds in the next few years, you might not want to have the same investment in mind as someone who plans on holding for decades.

3.        What's my Risk Tolerance?

All investment entails some level of risk. It is possible for higher potential returns to come with more volatility and/or the risk of losing capital.

4.       What is the actual cost of the total?

Do not judge the return rate on the advertised return. You must inquire about management fees, charges for using the platform, transaction fees, fees paid to the adviser, and any exit charges.

Even a small amount of money invested annually can make a big impact on investment returns over time.

5.        Where to fit this investment into your current portfolio?

An investment should not necessarily be assessed on its own. You can ask yourself if it provides beneficial diversification or if it just gives you a lot more of a similar type of asset.

6.       What are the tax and regulatory implications?

This is especially relevant for those who are investment adviser Singapore expats. The investment reporting and potential taxation may be affected by tax residency, citizenship and the location of an investment.

7.       What if your circumstances change?

Your life changes may occur as a result of relocation, marriage, career changes, retirement or significant life change.

Working with an International financial adviser Singapore can also help you understand the implications of your local and international investments as part of a wider investment plan when you're an expat in Singapore.