A solid investment strategy is key if you want your money to work for you. Andy Garganta, SVP of Wealth Management at Amerant Bank, recently sat down with Fiona Daghir on Sunshine Spotlight West Palm Beach to share expert tips on navigating the stock market.
Andy discussed common misconceptions surrounding inflation.
“A lot of people think inflation means everything is getting more expensive, and yes, there’s truth to that—but it also means that every dollar you have to purchase is worth less,” explained Garganta.
He noted that while a little bit of inflation is healthy for the economy, the elevated levels we’re currently experiencing are putting significant stress on families.
Effective Strategies for Keeping Up With Inflation
To combat inflation’s effects on your finances, Andy recommends three key approaches:
• Develop a long-term investment plan that accounts for inflationary periods
• Stay consistently informed on current inflation rates to make timely adjustments
• Understand precisely how much you’re earning, whether it’s in the bank or an investment account
Investing for Beginners
When asked for recommendations for people just starting their investment journey, Andy emphasized several fundamental principles:
“Do your research. Take your time, be curious, and ask questions,” he advised. Appropriate time frames for your investments is also crucial to weathering market fluctuations.
The Magic of Compound Interest
One of the most potent concepts Andy highlighted was compound interest. During the interview, he posed an intriguing question to Fiona: “If you take a penny every day and double it, after 30 days how much will you have?”
This compelling illustration demonstrates how the power of compound interest over a long period can dramatically transform even modest investments. “The potential returns you can see in your investments over time are truly remarkable,” Andy noted.
Market Outlook: What to Expect
Looking ahead to the next six months, Andy offered a nuanced perspective. “As we start the year, we are seeing elevated levels of inflation which creates potential strain on returns in the stock market. However, we’re also observing a robust economy, and corporate earnings are coming in solidly.”
Expanding to Serve Palm Beach
Amerant Bank is to open its third banking center and first regional office in the Palm Beach market at 525 Okeechobee Boulevard in CityPlace. The office and banking center are expected to open in 2025, providing more accessible personal, private, business, commercial, and wealth management services to the community.
Looking to develop your investment strategy? Connect with Amerant Bank’s experts to create a personalized plan that helps you navigate today’s economic challenges.
Important Disclosures
Investment Products are offered through Amerant Investments Inc, a dually registered broker-dealer and investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and member of FINRA/SIPC. Amerant Investments is an affiliate of Amerant Bank N.A.
The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a customized recommendation, personalized investment advice offer, or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own situation before making any investment decision.
Presentation does not apply in jurisdictions where its use has not been approved. Some products or strategies may be complex or unusual. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the products before investing. Investments may have different tax consequences in different jurisdictions and will depend on the circumstances. AMTI does not offer legal or tax advice, please consult your legal, CPA, or other tax professional regarding your situation.
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