When you opt for a plan that allows you to invest in a fund*, you benefit from the expertise of a fund manager. An experienced investment professional who makes decisions based on in-depth research and analysis. This gives you peace of mind, so you don't have to spend too much time and energy managing your portfolio.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"2/ Combat inflation"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"In times of inflation (rising prices for goods and services), the value of money - and therefore your savings - decreases. So you lose purchasing power. For example, the consumer price index - the key indicator for general price trends in Belgium - has risen by more than 16% since the beginning of 2021. This means that the €1,000 you had in 2021 will only provide you with purchasing power of €861 at the beginning of 2023.
By investing part of your capital, you could obtain a potential long-term return that would help offset this inflation.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"3/ Better average yields"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Investment plans are designed for the long term, i.e. at least five years. Why? Firstly, because your investment must have time to recover if the stock markets fall at some point. Secondly, because a longer term offers better return prospects. The regularity of an investment plan allows you to focus on long-term goals rather than trying to time the market or speculate on short-term gains. Long-term investment can generate more stable returns and limits unnecessary risk-taking.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"4/ Flexibility"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"With an investment plan, you decide how much you want to invest in one go and/or monthly in a specific investment fund. Beginner investors with a limited budget can invest as little as €10 a month. Depending on how your financial situation develops, you can increase your monthly payments to increase your investments. Of course, you can also decide to reduce or temporarily stop your monthly payments if you have to deal with unforeseen expenses. Experienced investors and investors with substantial assets can also opt for this approach. An investment plan offers the flexibility to adapt to changes in your objectives and financial situation.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"5/ Spreading the risk"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"You determine the level of risk you are prepared to take. You can choose from a range of risk levels and find a fund to match. Broad diversification in a fund allows you to limit potential losses if one or more shares, bonds or other underlying assets do not perform satisfactorily.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"6/ Average purchase prices"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"As stock markets fluctuate up and down, you buy at different prices, maximising your chances of paying a lower average purchase price over the long term.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"7/ Regular and automatic investments"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"One of the great advantages of an investment plan is that you can invest regularly and automatically. By investing a fixed amount each month, you make investing a habit. In this way, you remain consistent and disciplined, which is essential to protect the long-term future of your investment. Because you invest automatically thanks to a standing order, you won't forget to invest and won't be tempted to spend your money on other things.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"How do I get started?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":""},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/individuals/investing/easy-invest","text":"Invest in an investment plan from as little as 10 euros a month"}]}]},"complementaryZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Also interesting!"},{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"5 myths about investing","body":"We're debunking them for you","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/e649c5d5-6e70-4b29-add0-f590045365ea/five-myths-1920","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/179791f44c6ebda6/original/five-myths-1920.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2023-03-09","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/managing-my-assets/investment-academy/5-myths-investment"}},{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Investing on your own","body":"Where to start?","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/6e983dd2-1430-404c-8e45-0ec2c5f54f6d/Worker-in-rubber-boots-seen-through-hole-in-metal-wall","type":"image","width":4256,"altTextEN":"\"","altTextNL":"\"","altTextFR":"\"","altTextDE":"\"","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/39c1d6034a820424/original/Worker-in-rubber-boots-seen-through-hole-in-metal-wall.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2021-11-05","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/managing-my-assets/investment-academy/5-steps-to-start-self-investing"}}]}]},"legalZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"*The term "fund" refers to an "Undertaking for Collective Investment" (= UCI). UCI is a general term for organisations that collect funds from the public and manage a portfolio of financial instruments. The term "fund" therefore refers to both investment companies (sicav or sicaf) and mutual funds, as well as their sub-funds.
"}}]}}}