5 Ways to Truly Understand What You Own as an Investor

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Many investors aren’t fully aware of what’s in their portfolio, whether they work with an advisor or handle investments themselves. Knowing exactly what you own helps you make informed decisions, align with your financial goals, and avoid unnecessary risks. Here are 5 key ways to dig deeper into understanding your investments.


1. Review Your Portfolio Regularly

Start by looking at your entire portfolio at least quarterly to see where your money is allocated.

  • Check Asset Classes: Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, etc.
  • Analyze Weighting: How much is in each sector, like technology, healthcare, or finance.

Regular reviews keep you aware of your holdings and help you spot any imbalances or overexposures.


2. Understand the Purpose of Each Investment

Every investment should have a clear purpose aligned with your financial goals. Ask yourself:

  • Is this for growth, income, or diversification?
  • Does it fit my risk tolerance and time horizon?

Knowing the role each investment plays ensures your portfolio remains balanced and strategic.


3. Check Performance Against Benchmarks

Evaluate your investments by comparing them to relevant benchmarks (like the S&P 500 for stocks).

  • Look at Performance Over Time: Short-term volatility is common, so focus on long-term returns.
  • Ask if Each Investment is Meeting Expectations: If not, it may be time to reassess or replace it.

Consistently underperforming investments may need a closer look or reallocation.


4. Examine Fees and Expenses

High fees can eat into returns over time, especially with actively managed funds or high-fee advisors.

  • Know the Expense Ratios of Funds and ETFs.
  • Review Advisor Fees: If you’re paying an advisor, make sure they’re providing clear value in terms of performance and guidance.

Low-cost options, like index funds, can keep more money working for you.


5. Identify Potential Risks and Overlaps

Understand the risks in your portfolio—sector concentrations, overlapping holdings, or foreign vs. domestic exposure.

  • Review for Overlap in Funds and ETFs: Many funds may hold similar stocks, leading to overexposure.
  • Assess Market and Economic Risks: Different assets react differently to market shifts, so diversify accordingly.

Balancing risk is essential for creating a resilient portfolio that aligns with your risk tolerance.


Final Thoughts

Taking an active role in understanding your investments helps you stay informed, reduce risks, and build wealth more effectively. If you find it overwhelming or realize you’re unsure about what you own, it may be time to consult a knowledgeable advisor. And if you already have one but lack clarity on your holdings, consider finding someone who will guide you transparently.


Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

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Investment advisory services provided by Arkfeld Wealth Strategies, L.L.C. All content on this site is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.  Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to another party’s informational accuracy or completeness.  Arkfeld Wealth Strategies, L.L.C. and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice and nothing herein should be construed as such.  Always consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding your specific circumstances. 

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