As we move from summer to autumn, temperatures are dropping and days are getting shorter.
But you can also experience different “seasons” in various aspects of your life — including when you invest.
The first such season may happen when you’re starting out in the working world.
At this stage, you may need short-term investments to save for a down payment on your home while still putting away something for retirement.
During your middle years, you’ll have other goals, such as saving for college for your children.
For this goal, you might want to consider a tax-advantaged 529 education savings plan.
But you may also be able to ramp up your retirement savings in your IRA and 401(k).
And you need to invest for growth.
As you enter retirement, you’ll still need growth potential to help stay ahead of inflation, but you may also need to add more income-producing opportunities.
And you should hold a few years’ worth of living expenses in short-term, fixed-income investments to help avoid having to sell assets in a down market.
The seasons of your life may come and go quickly — but you can be prepared for them by making the appropriate investment moves.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor John Dickerson and Hawes Dickerson. Members SIPC.
