Is Your Investment Strategy Working for You or Against You?

Ari Baum, CFP®

WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IF YOU HAD FULL CONFIDENCE IN YOUR INVESTMENT PLAN? WOULD YOU INVEST MORE? STAY CALM DURING MARKET DIPS? STOP SECOND-GUESSING EVERY MOVE? These questions get to the heart of something many investors quietly struggle with: uncertainty.
Some aren’t sure if they have the right strategy. Others don’t have a strategy at all. In a world overwhelmed by breaking news, market noise, and well-meaning advice from friends, staying focused has never been more difficult.

The strongest investment plans are not necessarily the most complex, they’re the most purposeful. They’re designed to support your goals, your timeline, and your comfort level with risk. Whether you’re just getting started or refining a plan you’ve had for years, the key is choosing an approach that aligns with your life—not just the markets.

Buy and Hold — For the Patient Investor
If you’re someone who values simplicity and believes in long-term growth, the “buy and hold” strategy might be your sweet spot. This approach involves investing in high-quality assets—like stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds—and holding them through market ups and downs.
The goal is to avoid emotional decisions, ignore short-term noise, and let compounding do the heavy lifting over time. For investors who are in it for the long haul, this strategy offers calm in a sea of market turbulence.
Asset Allocation — For the Balanced Investor
This strategy is about building a mix of investments that reflect your unique balance of risk and reward. By spreading your assets across stocks, bonds, and cash, you create a diversified portfolio that adapts as your life evolves.
Younger investors may tilt toward stocks for growth, while those nearing retirement might shift to bonds for income and stability. Asset allocation is flexible by design, helping smooth out volatility while keeping you aligned with your long-term goals.

Dollar Cost Averaging — For the Consistent Investor
This strategy is all about discipline. With dollar cost averaging, you invest a set amount of money at regular intervals—monthly, for example—regardless of market conditions.
This strategy reduces the risk of bad timing, removes emotion from the process, and takes advantage of market dips by buying more shares when prices are low. Over time, it builds momentum—and confidence—without the pressure of guessing when to jump in.

Growth Investing — For the Ambitious Investor
Growth investing is for those who are comfortable with a little more volatility in exchange for potentially greater returns. This strategy focuses on companies and sectors with strong future potential—like tech, clean energy, or healthcare innovation.
Yes, growth investing may involve sharper ups and downs. But for long-term investors who believe in the future of innovation, the rewards can be worth the ride. The key is staying focused on your end goal and not panicking during the bumps.

Income Investing — For the Cash-Flow-Focused Investor
Sometimes the goal isn’t growth—it’s income.
Income investing prioritizes regular, reliable payouts from sources like dividend-paying stocks, municipal or government bonds, annuities or REITs (real estate investment trusts).
It’s often the go-to strategy for retirees or those wanting financial flexibility without selling off assets. If peace of mind and predictable income are high on your list, this may be the path forward.

Bonus Insight: Tax-Efficient Investing — For the Strategic Investor
No matter which strategy you choose, smart tax planning is essential. Without it, taxes can quietly chip away at your returns.
Strategies like using tax-advantaged accounts (think Roth IRAs or 401k’s), harvesting investment losses, or making well-timed Roth conversions can help you keep more of what you earn. It’s not about avoiding taxes—it’s about managing them intentionally.

From Uncertainty to Clarity
Investing without a plan is like setting off on a road trip without a map, you might eventually get somewhere, but it will likely take longer and cause more stress. A clear strategy helps you stay grounded during uncertainty, filter out distractions, and move forward with purpose.
Whether you’re planning to invest more this year, rebalance your portfolio, or simply feel more in control of your financial future, the first step is aligning your investments with your goals and mindset.
Your investments should support your life—not the other way around. When you invest with purpose, the results go far beyond your portfolio. q

The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult with a financial professional regarding your specific situation.

Ari Baum, CFP® is the Founder and CEO of Endurance Wealth Partners, with over 25 years of experience in the Financial Services industry. He brings his in-depth experience to Conceive. Believe. Achieve. for his clients. Securities and Advisory services offered through Prospera Financial Services Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Brokerage and Advisory accounts carried by Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC.