Jarrod Null, M.S., CFP®, ABFP®, CRPC® · Confidently Retired Financial Planning
Ready to Grow Your Wealth?
Discover Your Investment Mindset
More than one-third of adults say they plan to make changes to their investment strategy in 2025. And nearly 9 in 10 are planning to invest the same or more than they did in 2024.1
This signals a shift. Investors are ready to take action with their money.
But making savvy moves starts with having the right strategy. Whether you're investing more, shifting your portfolio, or just getting serious about your future, the key is knowing which approach matches your mindset and goals.
There's no one-size-fits-all investment strategy. But by identifying the approach that aligns with your goals, time horizon, and mindset, you can feel more confident about your financial future.
Whether you're just getting started or refining a long-term plan, here are five strategies to help you discover your investment mindset and make your money work savvier.
Not receiving our newsletter?
Get insightful info on finances and more in your inbox every month with the
VISUAL INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER
We never spam. By clicking this button, you consent to be contacted by a financial professional, by phone, email, and/or automated SMS regarding your financial strategy. You may unsubscribe at any time. Consent is not a condition of receiving services.
What's Your Investment Mindset?
Buy and Hold: For the Patient Investor
Buy and hold is one of the most time-tested strategies in investing. It's simple: you invest in quality assets like stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds and hold onto them for the long term, regardless of short-term market noise.
This strategy avoids emotional reactions and market timing, which can lead to costly mistakes. Historically, markets have shown periods of growth over time, and a patient, consistent approach helps you benefit from that compounding.
If you believe in the power of long-term growth and want to avoid the stress of chasing trends, this mindset may be your match.
Asset Allocation: For the Balanced Investor
Not too risky, not too conservative, just right.
Asset allocation is about dividing your investments among different asset classes like stocks, bonds, and cash to match your personal risk tolerance and financial goals.
A younger investor might lean more heavily into stocks for growth, while someone nearing retirement might shift toward bonds and more stable assets. The goal is to balance risk and reward across your portfolio in a way that fits your life stage and outlook.
This strategy helps reduce volatility and keeps you grounded, even when markets get choppy.
Dollar Cost Averaging: For the Consistent Investor
Markets go up and down, but that doesn't mean your investment habits should.
Dollar cost averaging is a strategy where you invest the same amount on a regular schedule, regardless of market conditions. This smooths out the cost of your investments over time and helps remove the temptation to time the market.
You might not buy at the perfect moment, but you'll avoid buying only when prices are high. It's a great way to build discipline and stay focused on the big picture.
Growth Investing: For the Ambitious Investor
If you're focused on building wealth and willing to embrace more risk, growth investing may be your strategy.
Growth investors seek out companies or sectors expected to grow faster than the market, often in tech, healthcare, or innovation-driven industries. While these investments can be more volatile, they may offer long-term growth opportunities.
This strategy requires conviction, research, and the patience to ride out ups and downs for a bigger payoff down the road.
Income Investing: For the Cash-Flow-Focused Investor
Not every investor is chasing growth. Some are focused on generating steady, reliable income, especially in retirement or during periods of low market confidence.
Income investing involves building a portfolio of assets that pay you regularly, such as dividend-paying stocks, bonds, or real estate investment trusts (REITs). It's a strategy designed to provide stability and financial flexibility without needing to sell off assets to access cash.
If confidence and predictable returns matter more than aggressive growth, this might be your investing mindset.
Bonus Insight: Tax-Efficient Investing For the Strategic Investor
No matter which strategy you lean into, taxes can eat away at your returns if you're not careful.
That's why tax-efficient investing, like holding certain assets in tax-advantaged accounts, using tax-loss harvesting, or converting to Roth accounts at strategic times, is a key layer of a smart plan.
It's not about avoiding taxes, it's about managing them intentionally so more of your money works for you over time. A financial professional can help you identify the right moves for your situation.
Please remember that converting an employer plan account to a Roth IRA is a taxable event. Increased taxable income from the Roth IRA conversion may have several consequences. Be sure to consult with a qualified tax advisor before making any decisions regarding your IRA.
There's no perfect time to start investing, but choosing a strategy aligned with your goals can make a meaningful difference.
FINANCIAL LESSON:
From Uncertainty to Clarity: Follow The Investment Strategy That Fits You
Which of these strategies feels most aligned with how you think about money?
Which ones challenged the way you've approached investing in the past?
Investing without a strategy is like setting out on a road trip without a map. You might make some progress, but you'll waste time, miss turns, and probably end up frustrated. That's why having a clear, personalized investment plan is essential, not just for growing wealth, but for keeping your confidence when the markets test you.
Whether you're just starting out, shifting gears, or looking to refine your long-term plan, there's a strategy that fits your goals, your mindset, and your timeline.
The good news? You don't have to figure it all out on your own.
Working with a financial advisor can help you clarify your strategy, make smart adjustments, and stay focused.
Let's take the guesswork out of investing and replace it with a strategy that aligns with your goals.
Sincerely,
Jarrod Null, M.S., CFP®, ABFP®, CRPC®
Confidently Retired Financial Planning
https://www.confidentlyretired.com/
P.S. Sign up for my emails. My subscribers get my ideal insights.
Jarrod Null, M.S., CFP®, ABFP®, CRPC®
Confidently Retired Financial Planning
.png)
.png)
.png)
Not receiving our newsletter?
Get insightful info on finances and more in your inbox every month with the
VISUAL INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER
We never spam. By clicking this button, you consent to be contacted by a financial professional, by phone, email, and/or automated SMS regarding your financial strategy. You may unsubscribe at any time. Consent is not a condition of receiving services.
Jarrod Null, M.S., CFP®, ABFP®, CRPC®
Confidently Retired Financial Planning
.png "An icon of a planet, referencing an internet link.")
.png "An icon of a letter, indicating an email address.")
- New York Life, 2025 [URL: https://www.newyorklife.com/newsroom/2025/wealth-watch-2025-outlook]
Content prepared by Snappy Kraken.
DISCLAIMER: Investment Advisory Services offered through SageGuard Financial Group, LLC, an SEC registered Investment Adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. All communications by SageGuard Financial Group, LLC or any of its managers, officers, employees, representatives, affiliates or agents (collectively "SageGuard") are subject to our Terms of Service . Please note that any written or oral communication, provided directly or indirectly to you by SageGuard is in no way to be considered or construed as a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended to be legal or tax advice. Do not use email to request, authorize or effect the purchase or sale of any security or insurance product or service, to send fund transfer instructions, or to effect any other transactions, as SageGuard is not authorized to accept these requests via email. Any such requests, orders or transactions sent via email will not be accepted and will not be processed. All SageGuard email communications are electronically recorded and archived, and are subject to review, monitoring and disclosure to someone other than the recipient. The transmission of information via email is not completely secure, and SageGuard cannot guarantee the security of personal information transmitted through email. This email and any attachments are intended only for the individual or company to whom it is addressed and may contain information which is privileged, confidential and prohibited from disclosure or unauthorized use under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient of the email, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, or duplication of this email or the information contained herein is strictly prohibited by the sender. If you have received this email in error, please inform the sender and immediately destroy all copies from your system.
It is important that you do not use email to request, authorize or effect the purchase or sale of any security, to send fund transfer instructions, or to effect any other transactions. Any such request, orders, or instructions that you send will not be accepted and will not be processed. The text of this communication is confidential, and use by any person who is not the intended recipient is prohibited. Any person who receives this communication in error is requested to immediately destroy the text of this communication without copying or further dissemination. Recipients should be aware that all emails exchanged with the sender are automatically archived and may be accessed at any time by duly authorized persons and may be produced to other parties, including public authorities, in compliance with applicable laws.
05/25-4461605
Become an Insider
Get insightful updates on markets and the world delivered straight to your inbox every month.
No thanks
We never spam. By clicking this button, you consent to be contacted by a financial professional, by phone, email, and/or automated SMS regarding your financial strategy. You may unsubscribe at any time. Consent is not a condition of receiving services.
You're Signed Up!
Jarrod Null, M.S., CFP®, ABFP®, CRPC®
Confidently Retired Financial Planning
Stay tuned — an email from me is on its way to your inbox right now.