Common Questions About Investing and Credit Union Benefits

To get the most from your money, you need to be an informed investor. When evaluating credit union benefits, look for a credit union that helps you develop a better understanding of your finances. A credit union that offers ample resources, such as an investment center, will assist you with learning how to better manage your money. Investing is a confusing part of money management for many individuals; here are a few of the most common questions investment experts receive.

Questions Investment Experts Are Commonly Asked

1. Why should I invest in stocks?
   If you watch the stock market on a day-to-day basis, the fluctuations are discouraging for even the seasoned investor. However, stocks are one of the most effective investment options to help your money outpace inflation and experience substantial growth. Though short-term returns for popular funds in the stock market may vary, over the long term, returns tend to be higher than other alternatives.
2. How do I know what stocks to invest in?
   To decide what stocks to invest in, consider a few different details, like when you'll need your money, your personal comfort level and what investments you already hold. If you have a relatively short investment horizon (less than 10 years or so), you'll want to stick with safer options (like mutual funds or dividend-paying stocks) that are less likely to experience massive fluctuations. When you have a longer investment time frame, you can explore riskier investments, like small cap stocks (stocks for small companies that may be relatively new) or international funds.
   
   If your portfolio already includes some high-risk funds, you might prefer to add lower risk funds so that you can diversify your stock holdings. Convenient credit union benefits include access to an experienced investment professional who can help you with determining what funds are best for your needs and what changes you should make to your portfolio.
3. What should I do when the stock market drops?
   If you find your account losing value, you might be tempted to sell your remaining stocks to prevent further loss. However, this is the last thing you should do. Remember, you don't realize investment losses until you sell the funds. A better course of action is to stay calm and remember that you're invested for the long-term. When you use your credit union benefits and meet with a financial advisor, they can help you understand the importance of riding out the market's fluctuations.

Discover More Clark County Credit Union Benefits

Clark County Credit Union offers financial resources, savings accounts, retirement accounts, and more*. Contact us today at 702-228-2228 to learn about all of our credit union benefits.

* Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. The investment products sold through LPL Financial are not insured Clark County Credit Union deposits and are not NCUA insured. These products are not obligations of Clark County Credit Union and are not endorsed, recommended or guaranteed by Clark County Credit Union or any government agency. The value of the investment may fluctuate, the return on the investment is not guaranteed, and loss of principal is possible. Clark County Credit Union, Dixon Financial Group and the Investment Center at CCCU are not registered broker/dealers and are not affiliated with LPL Financial.