New investment series to give first-time investors the edge

Thandi Ngwane, head of strategic markets at Allan Gray.

Investing is often an important first step towards financial freedom. Yet, with more than 1350 unit trusts to choose from, many first-time investors feel confused and, as a result, either delay starting their journey, or make the wrong choices. Thandi Ngwane, head of strategic markets at Allan Gray, discusses how to develop the confidence to invest with ease.

According to Allan Gray’s research, first-time investors often feel overwhelmed by the decisions they have to make, with many starting the process of investing only to give up along the way, because they don’t know which unit trusts to select. Meanwhile, one-third of investors do part or full withdrawals within two years of opening what are meant to be long-term investments.

“While of course there are many instances where clients need to unexpectedly access their investments, our research shows that many investors are unable to appropriately match their unit trust with their investment objective and time horizon. This is especially true of clients between the ages of 18 and 35,” explains Thandi Ngwane, head of strategic markets at Allan Gray.

Ngwane maintains that it is imperative that first-time investors do not lose sight of their objectives. To help this group of investors, Allan Gray has created an investing series for beginners.

“The Allan Gray Investing 101 series explains the basics of investing to give first-time investors the confidence to get started and remain committed. It will help them make clear decisions and equip them to ask the right questions of their independent financial advisers, if they feel they could benefit from advice,” says Ngwane.

The free eight-part email series will help first-time investors to understand why to invest, how to overcome the barriers and save money, when to start, what investment products to invest in, where to invest, how to make money from investing, and the role of financial advice in achieving investment success. Investors who sign up will receive weekly emails on set topics.

“Investing seems like something reserved for the sophisticated and wealthy, but in reality everyone can benefit from it,” concludes Ngwane.

To sign up to the Allan Gray Investing 101 series, visit https://www.allangray.co.za/investing-101/