When it comes to investing your hard-earned dollars, there is no tried-and-true formula. Any financial advisor will tell you that. But most will also agree that investing in 2019 is a far different game than it was 10 or 20 years ago. Today’s investors are faced with a dizzying array of options and a multitude of headlines regarding everything from floundering tech IPOs to trade with China.

With the complexity of modern investing being so…complex…it’s more important than ever to heed advice from experts. Those who choose to go it alone—or keep their money parked, due to lack of knowledge about investing—face an uphill battle.

“Let’s face it, investing can be stressful and, at times, even painful,” says Chord McLaughlin, CFA, portfolio manager at Legacy Trust Family Wealth Offices. “Stress can cloud judgement, and the instinct to avoid pain can lead to reactionary, emotionally fueled decisions that may bring feelings of relief in the short-term but carry unintended negative consequences over the long term.”

That’s where financial advisors, wealth managers and the like come in. They can custom-design an investment program to suit a range of incomes, short- and long-term needs and financial goals. Of course, the broker or advisor one trusts with their finances should be reputable, with a proven track record and a litany of qualifications. “To help ensure investment success in today’s environment, it remains critical to have a steady hand, a long-term perspective, and a well-diversified portfolio,” says McLaughlin.

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