Financial Advisor-Alphonse Destro BA, BEd, CIFC, LLQP

Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) vs. Lump-Sum investing...Which one is the better choice? What is Dollar-cost averaging? These are some of the most common questions that I receive from my investment clients. Dollar-cost averaging means investing a certain fixed amount each month, regardless of what’s happening in the stock market. By doing that, your dollar cost averages out over time. You never pay the highest or lowest price. For example, instead of investing $5,000 in a lump ...sum, you could contribute $416.66 each month into your investment account. Or even split it up into weekly, bi-weekly contributions etc. You can practice by investing a consistent dollar amount in the same investment over a period of time. How you decide to invest these funds over time is up to you! ** The pros of dollar-cost averaging include: reducing your emotional reaction to investing and avoiding bad timing of purchases. **The cons of dollar-cost averaging- is that the market tends to go up over time. If you invested a lump sum earlier, it is likely to do better than small amount invested over a period of time (DCA). So the question is Are you more concerned about achieving higher returns/having your money work harder or about market volatility/fluctuations in your investment accounts? That answer will ultimately help decide which choice is right for you! Feel free to contact myself or one of our Monarch Wealth Advisors for more information!

Starting 2021 on a positive note!! Another happy and satisfied client!! Such an amazing feeling being able to have a positive impact on someone’s Financial future and well-being. My goal is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their hard earned money. Contact myself or one of our Monarch Wealth Advisors to start your Financial game plan today!

The New Year is a great time to set some solid Financial goals. But don’t go crazy! Be sure to set small realistic goals that will keep you on track to reach your larger goals. Consider some of the following Financial goals to take on in the New Year. 1) Assess where you ARE and what NEEDS to change- how much money comes in and out every month? 2) Set a Budget-set up a monthly budget and try your best to stick to it all year long! Just cutting back on a couple Starbucks visit...s a week can make a big difference! 3) Pay off your debt-set up a debt payment plan, sell items to pay off debt, reduce spending or even look at getting a side hustle to increase income to pay off debt! 4) Plan for Retirement- start to think about how much you can put away each month to prepare for the big day! You will also need to think about how much money you’ll need for retirement. 5) Learn about money and how it works- become Financially literate by reading Finance books on how to successfully manage your money! 6) Establish an Emergency Fund- have 3 to 6 months of salary put away in cash for a rainy day! 7) Begin Investing- Mutual Funds, Stocks, Bonds, ETF’s etc. 8) Review your Investments- Ensure your money is working hard for you. This can be done by looking at the fees you’re paying, your rate of return, risk you’re taking in the portfolio, asset allocation etc. After you’ve set your goals and decided where you want to go, you will need a roadmap to lead you there! Contact myself or one of our Monarch Wealth Advisors to start your plan today! Working with an advisor has many benefits, such as keeping you on track to reach your financial goals and dreams!

Wishing everyone a safe and blessed Christmas!! Better times ahead...stay positive! Thank you for all your support!

The old saying is buy low and sell high, but many investors do the exact opposite! Motivated by excitement and overconfidence, they often buy at the top of a bull market, just in time to see their investments decline. The greatest opportunity for gain is when there is fear and panic in the financial markets! Unfortunately, fear and panic cause many equity investors to sell at the bottom of a bear market. However, this point in the equity market cycle actually provides inves...tors with the highest growth potential over time. ***5 ways to keep your emotions in check when investing*** 1. Develop a plan and stick to the plan. 2. Choose an asset allocation and rebalance according to a regular schedule. 3. Don’t check your portfolio on a daily basis unless you want to take a roller coaster ride. 4. Keep cash on hand to take advantage of the opportunities that arise or set aside cash so you’re not tempted to pull out of your investments if an unexpected expense comes up! 5. Give day-to-day control of investment decisions to a third-party to prevent you from making rash and unwise decisions. > Working with an advisor has many benefits, such as keeping you on track to reach your short and long-term Financial goals!!