Tips for protecting your investments

Investments come in many forms.That means that there are many ways to protect those investments.Having the right protection on the right investment will help you in feeling secure.Here are some tips for protecting some of the investments many people make every day.

Home or office
- It can't be stressed enough, have insurance.Be protected for flood, fire, theft, and all of the other calamities that seem to sneak up on home owners.
- Have a financial plan.Know your money, let it work for you.When you are prepared for what you know is coming, and the unexpected, you know that you won't be worried about making your house payment.
- Treat your home like a stock investment.You should do regular maintenance, know when to remodel, and if you know you are going to move know when the best time to sell is.
- Do little things around your yard to prevent big things from happening.Such as, avoid a broken window and a damaged roof by trimming trees regularly.
- Regular pool maintenance can prevent high cost repair bills.
- Have and maintain smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and a fire extinguisher.
- Prepare instead of repair.

Automobile
- Choose the right insurance for your auto.Be sure you are well covered and that you know your policy.It's good to know your agent well too.
- Regular maintenance. Check ups are as good for your car as they are for your kids.And your dad was just looking out for your (or his) investment when he told you every three months to change your oil.
- Know where your next month's payment is coming from.Have some money saved just in case of emergency.
- Check your tires before any major trip.If you don't vacation much, have them checked regularly and keep an eye on them yourself, sometimes you can see a problem coming and avoid it.
- Know how well your wiper blades are before the storm.Don't get caught in a blinding storm unprepared.
- If your automotive investment is a classic car and not an every day driver, consider the garage and a car cover.Your automobile has the potential to gain value for you every day, but it will take some care on your part to maximize that potential.
- Fluid is related to every part of your car.Be sure that if you don't know where there should be fluid that you take it to someone who does.And belts hold up your pants, but they also hold your car together.Check on your belts regularly.

Money
- When investing in stocks, make a thorough assessment of the market.Know what risks you are taking and know how you will react to either outcome.
- For big portfolio investors, be covered by insurance.Know what your coverage is and how it is working for you.
- Be very skeptical where you put your money.It is alright to question the investment and know of its legality.There are a lot or scams around, and you don't have to be their next victim.
- Read the fine print.When you read it, it should make sense.If you are having trouble understanding it, get someone else involved, they just might know what it says.
- Be a good bookkeeper.Have records of anything that you do with your money.Keeping an eye on how you are doing and where your money is headed.