Investing While Black
Growing up, I was told financial freedom is what makes me an adult and I find this statement to be very true. Many of us, black people, were not taught how to handle money and invest correctly because our parents weren’t taught and this stems back into generations. Studies have shown that black people are less likely to invest in the stock market and save for retirement, than white people of similar means. Saving for retirement and investing in one's future is why there's a vast disparity in the wealth gap between black and white Americans.
Homeownership and entrepreneurship are some ways to begin the production of wealth but we should also focus on portfolio diversification for long-term wealth building. Working with a financial planner can help you determine a productive mix of assets that allows you to maximize your investments for the future, allowing for generational wealth.
What does a portfolio diversification look like:
Cash (savings account)
Stocks
Bonds
Mutual funds
Real estate
Entrepreneurship
Roth IRA
401K
The stock market should be a long-term play which requires trust, engagement and patience. Entrepreneurship holds great importance for historically disenfranchised communities seeking greater access to goods, services and sustainable income. Business investment as a stockholder expands opportunities to join other stakeholders in the quest for profitability and returns, as well as sharing risks.
Ways you can Invest:
Work with a financial advisor
Online Brokerage Accounts
c. Robinhood (https://robinhood.com/us/en/about#our-products
d. Acorns (https://www.acorns.com/invite/?code=F863GQ
Ways to protect your Investments:
A Will
A Trust
Life Insurance
Updating your beneficiaries as you have life changing events (divorce/ birth of a new child/ death)