“At StashAway, we believe in using data to take the guesswork (and unnecessary stress) out of investing. In my role, I oversee our overall investment strategy, monitor the latest developments in the global economy, and weigh the significance of such trends.
What I find most fulfilling about my work is the opportunity to talk to people about their financial goals and empower them to grow their wealth and achieve their aspirations. Our aim at StashAway is to democratize access to investing, not just via our platform but also through financial education initiatives.
Over the past decade, I have raced in marathons, ultra-marathons, and triathlons. Training in endurance sports has taught me a great deal about investing, including the value of setting achievable goals. Of course, we all have huge plans for our future – whether it is retiring by 40, buying a new house, or providing your children with the best education possible. But saving up for these long-term goals can sometimes be daunting.
Likewise, when you’re only a quarter way into a 42km marathon, the finish line may seem far away. To keep myself going, I would mentally break down the goal into smaller milestones and focus on achieving them one at the time. It’s the same when it comes to investing in your financial goals – setting attainable targets and savoring the sense of triumph that comes with each accomplishment is what will get you to the finish line.
The longest event I have taken part in is the Ultra-Trail Mt Fuji. Running through the hills and valleys of the mountainous terrain during the gruelling 45 hours was an unforgettable experience – one that has many parallels to the inevitable fluctuations in the economic cycle. As an investor, you must also learn to steel yourself and be financially and psychologically prepared for the ups and downs of your financial journey.
If I could give novice investors one piece of advice, it would be to determine their risk appetite. Ask yourself: Can you sleep soundly at night if your portfolio value falls by 5%? How about 10% or even 15%? Next, identify your investment time horizon. With a longer time horizon, you can afford to ride out short-term volatility in the market and therefore take on more risks.”
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