Posted on July 30, 2014

Written By: Amy Gilmore

Big league investors dont want individuals, beginners, and small time investors to know that investing like a pro is not all that difficult. Investors have to anticipate the needs of their entire portfolio. An individual knows their own financial goals better than anyone else, which should make them the best person to manage their investment portfolio. Below, are some simple tips that will make investing like a professional easy, even for a novice investor.

Write down investment goals

Setting financial goals is extremely important when investing. Goals should be realistic and a date should be included for each goal. It is okay to strive for greatness, but setting realistic goals can prevent investors from making costly mistakes.

Make a plan and stick to the plan

An investment plan is like a road map to an investors desired goals. A clear plan will helps investors stay on track. The plan should be as detailed as possible. Investors should try to stick to their plan as closely as they possibly can.

Always investigate before making a purchase

Investors should research a companys management staff, previous earnings, past predictions, stalk evaluations and overall performance. It is equally important to research the industry or sector for each stock purchase made. If an investors long term goal and strategy is to purchase a stock and hold on to it until they retire, the investor needs to be sure the industry will stand the test of time and grow at a rate that will fulfill their investment goals.

Invest wisely and with confidence

It is imperative that investors remain confident even if stock prices drop a bit. Investors who become scared and sell a stock every time the stock drops will never get ahead. That does not mean investors should not sell a stock when the stock is down. It simply means investors should stick to their plan.

Be happy when a profit is made

A wise investor is pleased when they sell for a profit. If stock prices go up after they sell, they do not second guess their decision. Greed can cause a profitable investor to make detrimental decisions that are not in line with their financial goals. Many investors have bought back a stock expecting the price to keep rising, only to lose all they originally made when the market takes a turn for the worse.

A few extra pointers

Managing ones own investments can be a rewarding experience. Those new to investing should start out small. Buying into the market with a small investment and investing in solid companies, with lower share prices, is a good way to start out. Practice makes perfect, starting with a small investment will help investors make confident decisions and follow their plan. After a little practice, investors can add to their investment portfolio and in no time, they will be investing like a pro. Investors can find more tips on investing at Forbes.com. investopedia.com. and news.com .