BEFORE YOU INVEST – INVESTIGATE

Before investing your funds in today’s market, whether it be in corporate stocks, bonds, mutual funds or any other form of securities. Make sure that your information is complete and accurate. So here are a few points to Investigate prior to investing.

• Think carefully before buying - what do you hope to accomplish.
• Always double check unknown people who offer securities over the phone.
• Walk away from high-pressure sales people.
• Take you time to understand all the written information and don’t hesitate to consult a professional.
• Don’t buy anything on a tip or a rumour. Check out the facts.
• When seeking referrals consult people you trust like experienced professionals, your banker or family and friends.
• When buying securities give it as much consideration as when buying anything else of great value.
• Promises of spectacular profits are a tell tale sign of danger.
• Be sceptical if you’re promised “quick profits”, “huge returns” “a sure thing”, or “double your money”.
• Investing requires taking a risk, so don’t invest until you are financially in a situation, where your home, your insurance and your saving are all secure.
• Get everything in writing. Legitimate securities salespeople will only be to happy to send you a “offering circular” or “prospectus” on the security you’re considering. And remember to retain all these documents.
• Record all conversations with your broker to include: time, date, the amount and the price of each security bought or sold, the availability of prospectus, and the trade date so that you can verify the statements the you receive from your broker every month.
• Stay up to date on what is happening and keep an eye on your investments.