“Some things are up to us and some things are not up to us.” (Epictetus)
Investing can often feel hard. The keys to success may seem daunting.
Is your fund manager making the right decisions? Is the market going up or down? Is the rand strong or weak? These things often play on our thoughts and cause us to worry about our investment plan, particularly because they’re not things we can do anything about (and they’re often the same for everyone).
But the truth is that success in investing doesn’t really rest on any of them. What really matters in the long run are three simple things that are actually in your control – how much you’re paying in fees, how much you invest, and how long you stay invested.
These are far more significant than the worries that tend to grab our attention as investors, and here’s why:
1. Control costs: Small savings add up
Investment costs are one of the few predictable aspects of investing, making them an easy win. Whether you’re investing in a retirement annuity, a unit trust, or a tax-free savings account, every fee that you pay effectively comes out of your return, reducing the effect of compounding. And while fees might seem negligible on a yearly basis, they add up significantly.
Take, for example, two investors, both of whom invest R100,000 for 20 years. One investor pays annual fees of 2%, while the other finds a lower-cost option charging just 0.5%. At an average annual growth rate of 8%, the low-cost investment grows to R466,000, while the higher-fee investment only reaches around R377,000. The extra 1.5% in fees ends up costing over R90,000 – nearly the initial investment amount!
Simply put: by keeping your costs low, you keep a more significant share of your returns, which is crucial for long-term growth.
2. How much you invest: Build wealth through consistency
Another major factor within your control is the amount you save and invest. It’s simple: the more you invest, the more capital you have working for you, compounding over time. Regular contributions, even during market downturns, help you capitalise on periods when asset prices are low, giving you better returns in the long run.
Consider the experience of two investors over a 20-year period. The first invests R1,000 every month, and the second R1,200. This may sound like a small difference, but if both investors receive the same 8% annual return, the first will reach R589,000. The second will have R707,000 – over R100,000 more!
For South Africans, starting early and saving regularly is particularly important given our relatively high inflation rate. The power of a disciplined saving habit helps counteract the effects of inflation, ensuring you’re steadily building wealth.
3. Time: The magic ingredient for compounding
The single most powerful force in investing is time. The longer you stay invested, the more your returns can compound, creating exponential growth. Even modest returns grow substantially when given enough time.
Let’s look at the case of two investors, each investing R50,000. Investor A leaves their money invested for 10 years at an average annual growth rate of 7%, while Investor B stays invested for 20 years. Investor A’s money grows to R111,000, while Investor B’s grows to more than double that – R246,000. By simply remaining invested longer, Investor B achieves significantly better returns.
In the South African context, where markets can be volatile, committing to a long-term view is even more crucial. Short-term currency fluctuations and economic shifts may tempt investors to pull out during rough patches. However, staying invested allows time for the market to recover, smooth out short-term losses, and capitalise on periods of growth.
The benefits of focusing on what you can control
By concentrating on costs, savings, and time, you avoid the distractions of market predictions and news cycles. Trying to time the market can lead to missed opportunities and losses. A consistent strategy is far more reliable, as it is built around principles that remain effective even as conditions change.
Consider the tumultuous year of 2020, when markets initially plummeted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but rebounded within months. Investors who tried to “time the bottom” often missed the rapid recovery that followed, while those who simply continued their regular contributions benefited from the rebound.
Focusing on costs, savings, and time helps you build resilience into your investment strategy, setting you up for consistent growth rather than reactive decisions. While it’s normal to feel anxious about market movements, focusing on these factors that are within your control provides a much more stable foundation for building wealth.
To discuss your investment plan, speak to us.
Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact us for specific and detailed advice.
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