Alex Benz can assess the risk and actively invests his money

“Sometimes you have to take risks,” says Alex Benz. The 31-year-old says that in relation to his spectacular hobby, freeskiing. But the self-employed entrepreneur does not shy away from risk when investing money. He invests his savings independently. To do this, he must also be familiar with the various investment options and be able to weigh up opportunities and risks. “The more factors you know, the smaller the risk,” says Alex Benz. This applies to skiing and when docking.

The example of Alex Benz shows that you can invest in systems even as a young person. He has opted for e-trading and is actively looking after his securities. This is just one of several possibilities. Anyone who prefers to rely on experts when investing will find the right solution with the appropriate services at PostFinance. The following points answer the most important questions on the subject.

Save or invest?

On average, around 20 percent of income is saved in this country. In view of this savings rate, considerable amounts are accumulated. If you are saving for a specific goal, for example a major purchase, you are well advised to use a savings account. Also because any amount can be deducted at any time. Due to the currently low interest rates, however, the savings amount will hardly increase. That’s why it can be a good alternative to invest part of the money in the medium to long term.

What percentage should I invest?

That depends on personal requirements. Basically, expenses for fixed costs such as rent, car, insurance and variable costs such as daily needs, restaurant visits, etc. should be taken into account in the budget. In addition, reserves should be set aside for the unforeseen, but also for extra expenses such as vacations or major purchases. The rest can be created. This is already possible with small amounts.

Invest money as needed

PostFinance offers various investment products. Depending on your needs, you can make your investment decisions yourself, get advice or delegate the investment decisions to the PostFinance experts.

PostFinance offers various investment products. Depending on your needs, you can make your investment decisions yourself, get advice or delegate the investment decisions to the PostFinance experts.

Do I have to be rich to become an investor?

No! You can invest from as little as 20 francs a month – for example by making regular payments into a fund savings plan. This results in long-term opportunities for wealth accumulation. The amount of the deposits can be adjusted at any time.

How big is the risk of investing?

Securities such as shares are subject to price fluctuations. Equities, bonds, precious metals, commodities and other types of investments can be pooled in a fund. This means that there is also a chance of capital growth with funds, but there is also the risk of price losses. Alex Benz currently also relies on cryptocurrencies. If that is too cryptic and does not trust digital money, you have the option of making lower-risk investments or diversifying your investments, i.e. betting on several titles or financial products. This also reduces the risk of price losses.

What is the return on investments?

Returns are often used to compare different investment categories. Because in the case of equities, the distribution of profits is called a dividend, interest is paid on bonds, and income from funds is either distributed – or immediately reinvested in other fund units. In addition, share prices or the value of a fund can rise and thus increase the assets. But of course, prices can also fall, and thus the assets decrease. A return is therefore not guaranteed – even the positive price development in the past is no guarantee for the future.

What if I need money at short notice?

If you value high liquidity, you should leave an amount in the savings account. In addition, a reserve of around three months’ wages for the unforeseen is recommended. If you absolutely have to sell, the moment may not be ideal because you’re still at a loss. In other words, the risk is that you have to sell at the worst possible time. If you want opportunities to accumulate wealth, you should invest for the long term.

Do I need to know about stocks, bonds and funds?

You don’t have to be a financial professional to invest money. But basic knowledge of stocks, funds and bonds is required. If you want, you can do your investments yourself like Alex Benz, get advice or delegate your investment to the professionals at PostFinance.

Experts for your financial questions

If you want to find out whether investing is an option for you, make an appointment for a consultation. In exchange with the financial professionals, you will find the right investment solution.

The PostFinance advisors look forward to your questions and are there for you – even in the evenings and on Saturdays.

If you want to find out whether investing is an option for you, make an appointment for a consultation. In exchange with the financial professionals, you will find the right investment solution.

The PostFinance advisors look forward to your questions and are there for you – even in the evenings and on Saturdays.

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