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Six Keys to More Successful InvestingSix Keys to More Successful Investing

February 10, 2024 admin 0 Comments

A successful investor maximizes gain and minimizes loss. Though there can be no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful and all investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, here are six basic principles that may help you invest more successfully.

Long-term compounding can help your nest egg grow

Compound growth turbocharges your savings over time. The longer your money works for you, the more impressive the results. For instance, a $10, 000 investment at an 8% annual return would balloon to $46, 610 in 20 years and $68, 485 in 25 years – a 47% increase. After 30 years, it would reach $100, 627. This assumes no withdrawals and no taxes paid along the way, as in a tax-deferred retirement account. Maximizing contributions to such accounts is crucial for harnessing the power of compounding. While regular portfolio reviews are advised, letting your investment sit can yield substantial returns, eliminating the need for risky “home run” investments.

Endure short-term pain for long-term gain

Endure short-term market fluctuations for long-term gains. While market volatility can be unsettling, remember two key principles. Firstly, the longer you stick with a diversified investment portfolio, the more you reduce risk and enhance potential gains. Consider your time horizon when planning investments – shorter-term goals may require more cautious strategies. Secondly, diversification across different asset classes and types can mitigate risk during economic turbulence. Though not foolproof, this approach helps navigate market ups and downs while aiming for long-term success.

Spread your wealth through asset allocation

Diversify your investments through asset allocation, which involves spreading your money across various asset classes such as stocks, bonds, and cash. Asset allocation considers subcategories like aggressive growth stocks, long-term growth stocks, and government bonds. This strategy is crucial for two reasons: it significantly influences your overall portfolio performance, and by investing in assets that respond differently to market forces, it helps minimize the impact of market volatility while enhancing long-term returns.

Consider your time horizon in your investment choices

Choose your asset allocation based on the timeframe for needing cash. If you anticipate needing money within one to three years, opt for stable investments like a money market fund, prioritizing the preservation of your initial investment. Though the returns may be lower than riskier options, the assurance of quick access to your funds outweighs daily market fluctuations. Conversely, for longer-term goals like retirement, you can afford to allocate a higher percentage to potentially more volatile yet growth-oriented investments. Before investing, carefully assess the mutual fund’s objectives, risks, charges, and expenses outlined in the prospectus. Keep in mind that money market funds are not insured, and while they aim to maintain a $1 per share value, losses are still possible.

Dollar-cost averaging: investing consistently and often

Embrace dollar cost averaging for consistent and frequent investing. This method involves purchasing a fixed dollar amount of an investment at regular intervals, regardless of market fluctuations. In high markets, your fixed investment buys fewer shares, and in low markets, it buys more. This strategy aims for a lower average price per share over time compared to fixed share purchases. Popular examples include workplace savings plans like 401(k)s, deducting a consistent amount from each paycheck.

While dollar cost averaging can’t guarantee profits or protect against losses during market declines, its potential benefits are maximized by maintaining regular investments even in downturns. Avoid the speculative nature of trying to “time the market, ” which involves predicting the lowest point for share prices. Regular investing is a more manageable and automated approach, offering a disciplined strategy for long-term gains.

Buy and hold, don’t buy and forget

Practice “buy and hold, ” not “buy and forget” for long-term portfolio success. Regularly review your portfolio as economic conditions and personal circumstances evolve. Adjust your asset allocation accordingly, considering factors like nearing retirement, which may warrant a shift to less volatile or income-generating investments.

Periodic reviews are crucial as different investments appreciate at varying rates, altering your asset allocation over time. For instance, an 80-20 stock-to-bond ratio may shift to 88-12 after several years. Rebalance your portfolio by buying more of the underrepresented asset class or redirecting proceeds from the overrepresented one. Without periodic reviews, you risk deviating from your original allocation.

Choose a specific date each year for an annual review to ensure your portfolio aligns with your evolving goals and market conditions.

Our vision at Canopy Credit Union is to provide our members with superior financial solutions, comprehensive products, and unparalleled service experience.

Whether it’s developing sound solutions for your retirement, generating income, or protecting your assets through insurance, CFS* Financial Advisor, Brendan is here to listen, provide impartial feedback and help you plan for your retirement. Contact Brendan today via email bmcmurtrie@cusonet.com or give him a call at 858.805.7935. If you’d like more details, simply follow the link below.

Canopy CU | Keys to Success

*Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (CFS), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. The Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members.

outdoors

Holidays Tips If You Have a Disabled Dog (Part II)Holidays Tips If You Have a Disabled Dog (Part II)

January 3, 2024 admin 0 Comments

The holidays are here, and it’s often taxing for anyone, including dogs. Here are quick tips to make the holidays as happy and stress-free as possible.

Say It with Presents

Consider getting your disabled dog a unique gift for their needs or interests. This could be a new toy, a cozy bed, or snazzy dog skates to help them get around. Here are some more gift ideas:

A fully adjustable dog wheelchair: If your pet has difficulty walking, a wheelchair can help them move around more efficiently and comfortably. Many companies offer adjustable pet wheelchairs, so you can find one that fits your pet perfectly.
A memory foam pet bed: Memory foam pet beds can help alleviate pressure points and support pets with mobility issues. They are also great for older pets who may have trouble getting comfortable.
An automatic feeder or waterer: An automatic feeder or waterer can make it easier for pets with mobility issues to access food and water. This is particularly helpful if you cannot always be home to feed or water your pet.
Heated pet pad: Heated pet pads can give warmth and comfort to dogs with mobility issues or tend to feel cold. You can put them in a pet’s bed or crate to keep them warm and comfortable.
Pet stroller – If your disabled pet enjoys walking but can’t go for long distances, a stroller can be a great idea. They can enjoy the outdoors’s smell, sights, and sounds without getting tired.
Ramps: If your pet is disabled, ramps or stairs can help them go to areas of your home that may be challenging for them to access.
Pet carrier: A pet carrier can help you convey your disabled dog to the vet or other places more easily.
Harness or lifting sling – A harness allows you to raise and aid your pet if they have mobility issues or cannot walk without help. A helping harness is handy when maneuvering larger dogs into cars or dog wheelchairs.
Puzzles and toys – Keep your disabled pet’s mind functioning with interactive puzzles and toys. These can stimulate their cognitive faculties and provide mental and physical stimulus. Many toys are designed for disabled pets, like balls with large holes they could grip more easily or textured chew toys to soothe painful gums.
A physical therapy or massage session – Massage and physical therapy can improve circulation, promote healing, and reduce muscle tension in disabled pets.

Feed Them

The holidays are incomplete without the eats. Sadly, many human foods harm dogs, and some are hazardous. Here are tips when giving your dog human stuff during the holidays:

Stay away from anything high in fat, as this can cause serious and potentially fatal pancreatitis.
Keep away foods that contain toxic ingredients to dogs, like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins.
Avoid giving them bones, as they can crack and damage your dog’s digestive system.
Avoid anything with spices or herbs, as these can irritate their digestive system.
Avoid giving them artificial sweeteners like xylitol, as these are toxic to dogs.

However, you don’t need to suffer through your dog’s accusing looks. You can give them some human foods in moderation, like the following:

Cooked, unseasoned vegetables like carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes
Cooked, unseasoned meat like chicken, turkey, and beef
Small amounts of unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin
Cooked grains such as rice and pasta

Most of what you stuff your face with is likely well-seasoned, so they are not recommended for your dogs. Treating them a little bit is probably safe but in small amounts.

Breaking: How To Use A Hose Reel Makes Unbelievable ComebackBreaking: How To Use A Hose Reel Makes Unbelievable Comeback

October 15, 2023 admin 0 Comments

A hose reel is created to keep the garden hose tightly coiled up and secured in the correct position. This helps reduce the risk of it getting strung up and makes it easier to access at any time. They are available in a variety of sizes and designs. Some even have useful features that can boost effectiveness. The type of hose that you use should also factor into the choice you make, as certain hoses are specifically designed for certain types of water pressure and flow.

There are many different types of metal vs plastic reels hose rewinders available, including manual and automatic models. Manual hose reels typically feature an engine that has to be manually turned to activate the reel’s rewinding mechanism. The hose reels that are automated have an internal motor that retracts the hose in a controlled manner when required. Metals are durable and robust to weather conditions for both types.

In order for a new hose be used on a reel, first, you need to remove it from its head. Then, unpack it and stretch it a bit so that it can be put onto the reel. Make sure you thread the hose through the opening on the reel, and after that, connect the male part of the hose to the fitting for coupling by twisting it firmly.

Before using the hose take care to wind it up the reel until the cylinder is filled about halfway, leaving about 2 feet of extra hose. When rolling up, create uniform and wide coils to avoid kinks and tangles. To get the best results, wrap your tube in a figure-8 configuration and then shift the direction of the coils each time you shift direction to reduce unevenness.

Hose reels are available in a variety of sizes and designs. They can be equipped with an easy to operate rewinding device. Additionally, there are models that have built-in nozzle holders. They are perfect for outdoor tasks like gardening or washing the car. Other models are designed to be wall-mounted or free standing, whereas others feature a compact, lightweight design to fit into restricted space.

Some hose reels have been designed specifically for specific uses for cleaning or firefighting. Choose a reel that is made from top quality materials that are weatherproof. It will make sure that the reel lasts for a long duration and is able to withstand the extreme chemicals.