SIX INVESTMENT GOALS

Any experienced investment professional will tell you: There's no quick way to achieve financial success, but there are certain rules we believe may make you a better investor. Here are six you may want to consider.

1. Know your objective. You wouldn't go on a long trip without taking a map. So why would you embark on an investment program without knowing where you want to wind up?
   
   
   Establish a goal. Maybe it's a comfortable retirement—or a college education for a child or grandchild. Whatever it is, make sure you're clear about what you want to accomplish. And know how much time you have to reach the goal. Only then can you truly take steps toward where you want to be.
   
   
2. Set up a regular investment plan.* Investing regularly toward your financial goal puts a flow of assets to work for you. The sooner you begin contributing money toward your goal, the longer your money has time to potentially compound.
   
   
3. Create a diversified portfolio. Diversification means putting your assets in a variety of investments.
   
   
   By diversifying, you can reduce risk—because no two investments are likely to go up and down in price at the same time, all the time. Some may be up while others are down. Those that rise in value will help offset the losses of those that decline. Diversification does not eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns.
   
   
4. Rebalance periodically. Investing is not a one-time event. As your needs change, so should your investment strategy. Moving assets from one investment to another to meet changing conditions is called rebalancing. It's as essential to investment success as knowing your financial goal.
   
   
   For example, if you're interested in securing a comfortable retirement, you would make investments designed to help you achieve that goal. But after retiring, if you need current cash flow, you'll want to select investments that have the potential to generate income.
   
   
5. Think long-term. Don't let the market's daily ups and downs scare you into selling a fundamentally sound investment when you're investing for a long-term financial goal. That's a mistake many individuals unfortunately make. In fact, if you've got an appropriate investment, consider market downturns as opportunities to purchase more shares at lower prices. When investing long-term, think long-term.
   
   
6. Rely on a professional. In today's fast-paced financial world, it's difficult for casual investors to monitor the markets and stay on top of emerging investment opportunities. That's why it can be wise to establish a relationship with a Financial Advisor who will take the time to understand your needs.

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Wachovia Securities is the trade name used by two separate, registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wachovia Corporation providing certain retail securities brokerage services: Wachovia Securities, LLC, Member NYSE/SIPC, and Wachovia Securities Financial Network, LLC, Member FINRA /SIPC.