On investing

I think that investing is a basic piece of financial literacy that can make life significantly better. So, here I try to cover this topic.

Why do you should invest?

1. Mainly, in the long-run it can give you economic freedom and that's I guess will be the most important freedom in XXI or even XXII century. Because it lets you pursue your hobby or project regardless of any circumstances and the wish of your manager;
2. Investing gives you really understanding the economy which I think also is very important because we make economic decision every day and some of them are crucial for our life or even life of our country / planet;
3. Investing skills are linked to other also important life skills like patience, analytical thinking, controlling emotions and so, investing can be a great life coach);
4. It can give you new hobby, meanings and community which is also interesting by itself!

So, investing is important. But who should teach us how to invest? I see following actors: a) parents (if they understand investments by themselves); b) school (I guess in American schools there is a such subject, but in Russian schools there is not); c) university / college (in the framework of general developmental subjects); d) banks (we all have connection with banks so it's easiest source to reaching people and teach investing); e) fintech startups (and they do like this one); f) influencers.

Okay, actors seem to be clear. And last question: how should we invest? Here I share my experience.

Firstly, I make savings like 5-10% of my month income (ideally it should be always fixed like 10% each month) and spend these saving only in the investments. Secondly, I have a some strategy about the structure of my portfolio and goals - this I guess you can learn on some courses or just seeing the interviews with financiers / economists. Thirdly, I have a very diversified portfolio of actives - deposit, American currency, Russian bonds, Russian shares, American shares (major), gold. Forth, my portfolio includes untraditional investments like cryptocurrency (now I bought some great Web3 coins). Fifth, I choose middle and long run perspective, so I "forget" about the "sell" bottom (and actually rarely check the balances).

That's my five rules of investments. I should say that I started investing 1 year ago, so I am not a great investor (yet)! I am going to update this article in 4-5 years to tell you about my results. Now I wish you to choose own strategy and vision about your investments. Good luck!)