This article first appeared on the RBC Inspired Investor content hub on September 9, 2020.
Facing unknowns is something investors know well. With the new, not-quite-the-norm, school year underway, here’s a cheat sheet of tips for back-to-schoolers borrowed from the investing classroom.
1. Knowledge is power
Education, of course, is all about learning — it just usually centres on things like science, math, languages and the arts. This school year, much of the learning so far is focused on the logistics of how education will work amid the pandemic-related restrictions. What will classrooms look like? How will everyone remain safe?
While there may be no concrete answers, arming yourself with as much information as possible can help you prepare for what lies ahead. For many self-directed investors, continual learning is ingrained — whether it’s researching new investing concepts, new strategies or gathering as much information as possible to make the best decisions for you. In both situations, finding sources you trust is key.
Check out A Fact Checker’s Guide to Misinformation for tips on how to find what you need.
2. It’s going to be emotional
Uncertainty often leads to emotional reactions, ones like anticipation, fear, surprise, anger or joy come to mind. With all the unknowns surrounding this year’s school environment, it’s no surprise those emotions are quick to surface when the back-to-school topic arises. You’d be hard pressed to find an investor who hasn’t been on the same emotional roller coaster thanks to the ups and downs of the market. Keeping the big picture in mind, understanding that emotions will be at play, and arming yourself with as much information as possible (see #1) can help keep emotions in check.
Read David Chilton’s take on emotions in How the Wealthy Barber Manages Emotions.
3. There’s no one-size-fits-all
As far as back to school is concerned, especially this year, what works for one family or teacher may be totally different from what works for others. The same goes for schools, or even entire school boards. A big part of figuring out what’s right for individuals comes down to risk assessment, which may help determine, for example, the choice between online learning, in-class learning or a hybrid model — or, in the case of investors, which investments are right for you. Understanding that there’s no one-size-fits-all model can help when making decisions of any kind. Most important is doing what’s right for you.
4. Embrace technology
On top of the new supplies added to the traditional back-to-school list — think masks and hand sanitizer — technology is set to play an increased role for many in the education system. Whether it’s helping facilitate remote learning, keeping teachers in touch with parents (hello Zoom parent-teacher interviews!) or limiting the back-and-forth of physical homework sheets or workbooks, expect some type of technology to be involved. It may be a different way of doing things, but as many do-it-yourself investors will attest, technology can make things so much easier. Having resources at your fingertips can save time, bring peace of mind and ultimately help make decisions that are best for you.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
