Přehled trhů
January Annual Review: 12 Habits of an Investor
Key takeaways
- An annual review of goals matters more than following market forecasts.
- Automating contributions reduces dependence on your own discipline.
- Goals should change with life circumstances, not with market mood.
- A simple checklist at the start of the year saves unnecessary decisions for the rest of it.
- Setting up the system once a year is more efficient than monthly optimisation.
While yesterday was a time for calm and reflection, today is the time for action. Concrete, calm, systematic action.
Why the second of January
The start of the year is a natural turning point. The brain perceives it as a fresh start — and this psychology can be put to use. Instead of New Year's resolutions that last three weeks, set up a system that runs by itself.
Annual goal review — checklist
- Has your life situation changed (income, family, expenses, time horizon)?
- Does the amount of your regular contribution match your current income?
- Is your portfolio allocation still consistent with your risk tolerance?
- Does the portfolio need rebalancing after last year's market movements?
- Do you have an automatic contribution set up — or are you relying on a manual transfer?
Automating contributions step by step
Most brokers allow you to set up a recurring purchase order for an ETF on a fixed day of the month. The process varies from broker to broker, but the basic steps are the same:
- Log in to the platform and find the section for scheduled orders
- Choose the fund and the investment amount
- Set the day — ideally 1–3 days after your salary arrives
- Check the setup after the first execution
A year's goal, not a month's goal
Investing is a game played over years and decades. A review once a year is enough — and the second of January is the ideal moment for it. Let the system work for the rest of the year. More topics for investors can be found in the blog.
FAQ
How do I know if my portfolio needs rebalancing?
If the original allocation (for example 80% equities, 20% bonds) has shifted significantly due to different performance of components, it is time to correct it. A common rule is a deviation of five or more percentage points.
Do I have to change my goals every year?
Not necessarily. If your life situation has not changed, goals can stay. A review is a check, not a mandatory adjustment.
What if my broker does not offer an automatic purchase order?
Set up at least an automatic transfer of money to your investment account and a reminder in your calendar. A two-step system works well as a substitute.