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Ready to Invest Next Year? Here’s How to Prepare

October 15, 2025
Investment , Lifestyle
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End of Year Reflections

The end of the year often comes with reflection on goals achieved, lessons learned, and opportunities missed. It’s also the perfect time to plan, especially if investing is part of your financial goals for the coming year. However, before committing funds to the capital market, preparation is crucial. Investing without a plan is like setting sail without a compass.

Successful investing begins long before you make your first trade for the year. It starts with clarity, structure, and discipline. These qualities help you make informed decisions and build wealth that lasts.

Step 1: Review your current financial situation

Before investing in 2026, take stock of your current financial situation. What are your income sources? How much do you save monthly? Do you have outstanding debts or an emergency fund in place?

These questions matter because your financial health determines the level of risk you can take. For instance, investing borrowed money or funds meant for short-term needs can expose you to unnecessary pressure if the market fluctuates. Aim to have at least three to six months’ worth of expenses saved in an emergency fund before you invest. This safety net allows your investments the time they need to grow.

Step 2: Why have you decided to invest?

Every investment decision should have a purpose. Are you investing to grow wealth, save for an education, a holiday trip, buy a property/a car, or plan for retirement? Knowing your “why” helps determine your “how”. Which is the type of investments to choose, the duration to hold them, and the level of risk you can take.

  • Long-term goals (5+ years): Look into growth assets like stocks or mutual funds that can outperform inflation over time.

Step 3: Educate yourself about investment options

Investment success doesn’t come from guesswork. It comes from understanding. Take time to learn about the different investment products available in Nigeria: equities, bonds, mutual funds, and other alternatives.

Step 4: Create a diversified portfolio

Diversification is your best defense against uncertainty. By spreading your investments across different asset classes, you reduce the impact of market volatility on your overall returns.

Step 5: Set up an investment plan

Consistency is the bridge between goals and results. Once your portfolio structure is in place, create an investment plan that supports it, whether that means making monthly contributions to a mutual fund or purchasing government bonds on a quarterly basis.

You can also automate your investments, removing the temptation to time the market or skip a contribution. Over time, disciplined investing through both rising and falling markets helps you build resilience and steady growth.

Step 6: Stay informed and review regularly

Financial markets evolve and so should your strategy. Review your portfolio before we enter the year 2026 to ensure it still aligns with your objectives and current realities. If your income, expenses, or financial priorities change, adjust accordingly.

Are you ready for 2026?

Preparing to invest is more than just saving money. You have to set a foundation for long-term success. The earlier you start planning, the better positioned you’ll be to take advantage of opportunities when they come.

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