The Fundamentals of Investing

Do you know what your financial goals are?  Are they to save for retirement?  Pay college tuition for your children?  Buy a house?  Plan an extraordinary vacation?  It is important to get into the habit of saving – whether for the long term or short term – to secure a successful financial future.  Prioritizing your goals, developing a time frame and understanding basic investment concepts can help you determine the best way to meet your financial objectives.   

Keep in mind that the earlier you can start investing, the easier it will be to reach your goal.  Let’s say, for example, you are considering how much you should save monthly to achieve a retirement goal of $1 million by age 65.  The graph below illustrates the amount of monthly savings at various ages needed to reach your goal using a 7% hypothetical rate of return.  Remember that results may vary as investing involves risk, fluctuating returns, and the possibility of loss.

 
Monthly Savings Needed to accumulate $1 million by age 65
The earlier you start investing, the easier it is to reach your goals.

Determining your financial goals
Below are some basic education materials that may assist you in determining your financial goals.

		View & Print
	Total Investment Planning Newsletter - Fall 2008 This quarterly newsletter provides Allegiant Fund’s shareholders with informative and easy to read articles regarding Allegiant products and other basic investment information.
	China:  Olympic Effects and Post-Olympic Opportunities An interview with Martin Schulz, the Allegiant Funds Managing Director of International Equity.
	Understanding the Basics of Investing Understanding basic investment concepts can help you make educated investment decisions. Learn fundamental principles of investing here.
	Asset Allocation Brochure Having a time-tested investment strategy, such as asset allocation, is key to planning for retirement. Learn why asset allocation matters.
	The Mutual Fund Prospectus Reading a mutual fund prospectus can be a daunting task. Use these simple steps to help make it easier.
	How to read a Morningstar Fact Sheet Ever wonder what those little details mean on a Morningstar fact sheet? Here is your key to understanding.