"You don't need to be a rocket scientist. Investing is not a game where the guy with the 160 IQ beats the guy with 130 IQ."
- Warren Buffet

Investing may seem complicated. But really, you don’t need to memorize financial tricks and terms to grow your money. Here are nine investment hacks you should learn by heart. 

1) Start early and invest for the long term 

The earlier you invest, the more your money will grow, especially when you invest for the long term. Besides, starting early allows you to develop good money habits that will last you a lifetime. 

2) Automate your money management system

Once you’ve decided how much you’d want to save or invest every month, set up automatic transfer in your bank account so a portion of your money will go to investments. This is more convenient and effective.

3) Every amount matters

Don’t wait to accumulate a big amount to start investing. A small amount can be invested, too. Start with the required minimum, then just add in the succeeding months. 

4) Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify 

This may be one of the oldest investment tips of all, but it still remains a wise strategy. Do not put all your money in one investment fund. Invest in different funds from different companies.

5) Buy blue chips

If you want to invest in the stock market, invest in a blue chip stock. Blue chips are shares from large, well-established, and financially sound companies that have operated for many years. Since these companies are considered “giants,” they are more stable and are not likely to go bust. 

6) Consider index funds 

If you’re still learning the ropes of stock market investing, consider Index Funds. Indexing mirrors the performance of the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi), Philequity PSE Index Fund.

7) Invest in variable life insurance

You can also grow your money while getting lifestyle protection. Popularly known as variable life insurance, these innovative products provide you with both a life insurance and investment option. FWD Philippines Life’s products  offer lifelong protection earnings through an investment fund of your choice. 

8) Pay attention to fees and commissions

Actively managed funds have higher expense ratios than index funds. The lower the fees, the more investment you’ll make. 

9) Assess your investment portfolio annually

Be aggressive when you’re younger, more conservative when you’re older. You can hold more stocks at the beginning and then rebalance your portfolio with Balanced or Bond Fund afterward.