Začínáme s investováním
How to make an investment plan on a napkin (in 10 minutes)
Key takeaways
- An investment plan doesn't have to be complicated — the key elements are: goal, time horizon, amount, fund, and regularity.
- A written plan protects you from emotional decisions when markets fall.
- Revise the plan at most once a year — frequent changes do more harm than good.
- The simpler the plan, the easier it is to stick to — complex plans never get followed.
The best investment plan is the one you actually follow — and it tends to be surprisingly simple.
Why you need a plan at all
Without a plan you invest based on your mood, the news, or tips from friends. With a plan you have a clear direction and a reason to stick to it even when markets do things you don't like. A plan protects you from yourself.
Five questions that make up your plan
Grab a pen and paper. Answer these questions:
- What is my goal? For example: a financial buffer, a pension supplement, a home in 15 years.
- How long will I invest? What is the minimum number of years I won't need the money? 5, 10, 20 years?
- How much can I invest regularly? A realistic amount you won't miss.
- What will I invest in? For beginners: one global ETF. More in the article how to build your first portfolio.
- What will I do if the portfolio falls? Answer in advance: "I will continue investing regularly." Writing it down keeps you on track.
How to maintain the plan
Once a year check whether your circumstances have changed — income level, goals, or time horizon. If not, change nothing. If yes, update the plan and stick to the new version. Don't react to what markets are doing — react only to what is happening in your life. For more context read what long-term investing is.
FAQ
Do I need a financial advisor to put together a plan?
For a simple long-term ETF plan you don't. If your situation is complex (inheritance, business, divorce), a professional view helps. In general: the simpler the strategy, the less an advisor is needed.
What if my financial situation changes and the plan no longer fits?
Adapt the plan to reality — that's its purpose. A new income, a change of goal, family circumstances: those are reasons to adjust. A market decline or bad news in the media are not reasons to change the plan.
How exactly do I write down "what I will do in a decline"?
Simply: "If my portfolio falls by more than 20% I will continue investing regularly and will not sell anything." Read that sentence whenever emotions tempt you to react. A written decision is stronger than one that exists only in your head.