Find Your Groove: The Investment Style that Suits You Best

Ready to find your investment groove? Just like dancing, investing takes confidence, practice, and finding a style that suits you best. In the fourth episode of The Flex Series, let dance teacher Michelle help you and financial rookie Issa master the moves in investing. 
 

We also talked to experts Jerick Olpindo and Jay Rempola from BPI Wealth for tips they want to share for first-time investors. Jerick and Jay say that a strong investment journey starts with knowing your risk profile. This will help you find your ideal investment balance and stay committed even when the market fluctuates. 
 
Think of your risk profile as your training plan — it’s your ticket to opening an investment account and finding out where you stand! Take the questionnaire, and you’ll discover how you handle ups and downs, plus the time you’re willing to let your money grow before you need it back. 

Whether you’re conservative, moderate, or aggressive, each style has pros and cons that will help you to gauge how you want to invest.  
 
Here’s a quick rundown of these profiles, as shared by dance teacher Michelle: 
 

1. Conservative Ballet 🩰: A Delicate First Step

If you’re a conservative investor, you like to play it cool and steady, tiptoeing carefully around risks. You’re all about keeping your money safe, even if it means growing your investments nice and slow. Think of this style as building a solid base — one steady step at a time! 
 
If you’re just starting to learn the moves of investing, being conservative is usually a safe bet. Even if you develop a bigger appetite for risk later on, these investments are a good foundation to stand on. 
 
Examples:

🩰 Savings accounts are the go-to for quick access and steady interest, perfect for an emergency stash. 
🩰 Treasury bills are short-term, low-risk government securities. They are a safe way to earn interest with a set maturity date. 
🩰 Money market funds are a balanced, low-risk option for short-term gains, pooling funds into high-quality, liquid assets.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you might feel ready to pick up the pace — and that’s where a moderately aggressive style comes in. 

2. Moderately Aggressive Salsa 💃: Striking a Confident Balance

Moderately aggressive investors go for that perfect blend of growth and steady income. They’re not afraid to take a few bigger steps if it means reaching new heights — like the back-and-forth of salsa. They keep it exciting but with just enough balance to keep the beat going!

Examples:  

💃 Bond funds are a diverse mix of bonds for regular income with lower risk than stocks. 
💃 Medium-term government and corporate bonds are investments with moderate risk and returns, ideal for those willing to wait a few years for growth. 

With some experience under your belt, you may feel ready for a faster tempo, finding balance in a moderately aggressive style. 

3. Aggressive Freestyle 🕺: Taking Bold Risks for Big Rewards

Aggressive investors are all about big, bold moves! They’re out there taking risks that could lead to serious rewards — it’s freestyle with all the ups and downs. Once you find your groove with these investments, you’ll be primed for some of the biggest gains out there! 
 
Examples: 

🕺 Stocks are high-risk, high-reward investments that offer growth potential through company ownership. 
🕺 Long-term government and corporate bonds are bonds with longer maturities, offering stable returns for patient investors seeking income over time. 
🕺 Preferred shares are a blend of bonds and stocks; pays steady dividends, with less risk than common shares but more than bonds. 
 

For more information on investment styles, BPI has resources on investing for beginners. You may also answer the risk profile questionnaire regularly to help you track changes in your behavior towards investments, which can be brought about by changes in priorities, or sudden increase in income.  
 
Once you know your investment style, it’s game on! Jerick and Jay suggest crafting a portfolio that feels just right — one that matches your risk vibe and financial goals. It’s your financial playbook to success! 
 
“Think of it as a mix of money market, bonds, and equity funds to help your wealth grow while you live your best life,” they said.  
 
The best part? There are a lot of providers that allow you to easily open an investment account online. This journey is yours, but remember — you don’t have to go it alone! Take your time, get advice from the pros, and make it your own. Every move counts, so keep learning and growing.

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Flex Series and read more financial education content at The Program by NEXT!