Why invest… and where to start?
Why invest… and where to start?
What if your money is sitting idle while inflation attacks your future?
You have saved CHF 100,000. That’s a nice sum. But if you leave it simply in a bank account for ten years, it could be worth only CHF 85,000 in real value. Inflation acts like a quiet leak in the tank: slow, but continuous.
Investing is not gambling. It’s about protecting, growing, and giving direction to your money. It’s about moving from being a passive saver to being a builder of the future. The good news? It’s never too late to start.
Why invest?
1. Protect your purchasing power
Even moderate inflation erodes the value of your savings over the years. A regular, even modest, return can already neutralize this silent erosion. Investing means keeping control of your purchasing power over time.
2. Let time work for you
The effect of compound interest is often called the "eighth wonder of the world." It’s simple: the interest generated in one year produces interest in subsequent years. The result? Capital that grows exponentially over time.
3. Achieve your life goals
Preparing for your retirement. Financing your children's education. Buying a second home. Creating financial independence. All these projects require capital… which investment can help you build methodically.
Where to start when you don't know much?
1. Build an emergency reserve
Before any investment, start by building an emergency fund. Ideally? Between three and six months of living expenses. This protects you in case of unexpected events and prevents you from having to sell an investment under poor conditions.
2. Clarify your objectives
Why do you want to invest? For how long? For what amount? Clarity on your objectives is the basis of a coherent strategy. For example: “I want to invest CHF 50,000 to finance a project in 10 years.”
3. Define your risk tolerance
Investing is never without risk. But there’s a difference between investing cautiously and gambling. Some profiles will prioritize stability, while others will seek higher returns, even if it means accepting more fluctuations.
What strategy to adopt?
We generally distinguish three types of investors:
Conservative: prioritizes safety, low but stable returns.
Balanced: a combination of secure and dynamic assets, for a good compromise.
Dynamic: seeks performance, with more volatile investments.
Your age, family situation, investment horizon, and your psychology towards risk will naturally influence this choice.
What financial products to start with?
1. Investment funds
These are baskets of assets managed by professionals. Ideal for beginners, as they allow access to a wide diversification with a relatively low entry ticket.
Simple, transparent, low-cost: these products track the performance of an index (like the SMI or MSCI World). Perfect for long-term investment.
3. Stocks and bonds
These are the classic pillars of investing. Stocks are riskier but potentially more profitable. Bonds are more stable but often offer lower returns. Investing directly in these instruments requires a minimum level of oversight.
Should I seek guidance?
You don’t need a PhD in finance to invest well. But good advice can make all the difference. A good advisor helps you avoid pitfalls, build a personalized strategy, and adjust your choices over time.
In conclusion: don’t wait for the “right time” to start
Waiting for the right moment to invest often means waiting too long. Investing is not about perfect timing, but about discipline and consistency.
By investing wisely, you turn your money into leverage. Leverage for more freedom, more security, more future.
What if your money is sitting idle while inflation attacks your future?
You have saved CHF 100,000. That’s a nice sum. But if you leave it simply in a bank account for ten years, it could be worth only CHF 85,000 in real value. Inflation acts like a quiet leak in the tank: slow, but continuous.
Investing is not gambling. It’s about protecting, growing, and giving direction to your money. It’s about moving from being a passive saver to being a builder of the future. The good news? It’s never too late to start.
Why invest?
1. Protect your purchasing power
Even moderate inflation erodes the value of your savings over the years. A regular, even modest, return can already neutralize this silent erosion. Investing means keeping control of your purchasing power over time.
2. Let time work for you
The effect of compound interest is often called the "eighth wonder of the world." It’s simple: the interest generated in one year produces interest in subsequent years. The result? Capital that grows exponentially over time.
3. Achieve your life goals
Preparing for your retirement. Financing your children's education. Buying a second home. Creating financial independence. All these projects require capital… which investment can help you build methodically.
Where to start when you don't know much?
1. Build an emergency reserve
Before any investment, start by building an emergency fund. Ideally? Between three and six months of living expenses. This protects you in case of unexpected events and prevents you from having to sell an investment under poor conditions.
2. Clarify your objectives
Why do you want to invest? For how long? For what amount? Clarity on your objectives is the basis of a coherent strategy. For example: “I want to invest CHF 50,000 to finance a project in 10 years.”
3. Define your risk tolerance
Investing is never without risk. But there’s a difference between investing cautiously and gambling. Some profiles will prioritize stability, while others will seek higher returns, even if it means accepting more fluctuations.
What strategy to adopt?
We generally distinguish three types of investors:
Conservative: prioritizes safety, low but stable returns.
Balanced: a combination of secure and dynamic assets, for a good compromise.
Dynamic: seeks performance, with more volatile investments.
Your age, family situation, investment horizon, and your psychology towards risk will naturally influence this choice.
What financial products to start with?
1. Investment funds
These are baskets of assets managed by professionals. Ideal for beginners, as they allow access to a wide diversification with a relatively low entry ticket.
Simple, transparent, low-cost: these products track the performance of an index (like the SMI or MSCI World). Perfect for long-term investment.
3. Stocks and bonds
These are the classic pillars of investing. Stocks are riskier but potentially more profitable. Bonds are more stable but often offer lower returns. Investing directly in these instruments requires a minimum level of oversight.
Should I seek guidance?
You don’t need a PhD in finance to invest well. But good advice can make all the difference. A good advisor helps you avoid pitfalls, build a personalized strategy, and adjust your choices over time.
In conclusion: don’t wait for the “right time” to start
Waiting for the right moment to invest often means waiting too long. Investing is not about perfect timing, but about discipline and consistency.
By investing wisely, you turn your money into leverage. Leverage for more freedom, more security, more future.
Need an outside perspective on your situation?
Our team answers your questions for free.
Need an outside perspective on your situation?
Our team answers your questions for free.
International Center Cointrin
Route de Pré-Bois 20, CP 228,
1215 Geneva, Switzerland
+41 (0)78 327 46 28
Our Expertise
© 2025 RidgeRock Partners. All rights reserved.
© 2025 RidgeRock Partners. All rights reserved.
International Center Cointrin
Route de Pré-Bois 20, CP 228,
1215 Geneva, Switzerland
+41 (0)78 327 46 28
Our Expertise
© 2025 RidgeRock Partners. All rights reserved.