Brackets to Portfolios: March Madness Lessons - 1st Source

Relating March Madness to long-term financial planning and investing

March Madness is upon us, and for basketball fans and investors alike, it’s the most exciting time of the year. As the top college basketball teams prepare to tip off the Sweet 16 and the Elite 8 at the NCAA Tournament this weekend, there are financial implications to consider.

First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize that betting on March Madness is not a sound investment strategy. While the allure of quick riches may be tempting, the odds of winning a perfect bracket are astronomical. According to the American Gaming Association, the odds of correctly picking all 63 games in the tournament are one in 9.2 quintillion.

Maybe instead, you should focus on long-term financial planning and spend time learning about investing. Here are a few strategies to consider.

  • Diversify your portfolio. Just like in basketball, diversification is key in investing. It’s essential to spread your investments across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. This strategy helps to mitigate risk and can provide better returns over the long term.
  • Focus on fundamentals. In basketball, teams with strong fundamentals, such as solid defense and efficient offense, tend to perform well. Similarly, companies with strong fundamentals, such as solid financials and a track record of growth, tend to perform well in the stock market.
  • By focusing on these fundamental factors, investors can make informed decisions about where to invest their money.
  • Stay the course. In basketball, the most successful teams often have a game plan and stick to it. Similarly, successful investors have a long-term strategy and stick to it through market fluctuations and economic downturns. The key is to remain patient and stay the course, even when the market is volatile.
  • Consider working with a financial professional. Just like a basketball coach, a financial professional can help you navigate the complexities of the investing world and work with you to develop a strategy that aligns with your goals and risk tolerance. A financial professional can also help provide guidance on how to allocate your investments and make informed decisions.

Investing is Not a Game

While March Madness may be a fun distraction, it’s essential to stay focused on long-term financial planning and investing strategies.

By following the tips above, you can work towards long-term financial confidence. For more information on developing a financial plan, contact Ben Finan by calling (574) 235-2618 or send an email to [email protected].

Check the background of investment professionals associated with this site on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.

 

1st Source Bank provides referrals to financial professionals of LPL Financial LLC (LPL) pursuant to an agreement that allows LPL to pay the Financial Institution for these referrals. This creates an incentive for 1st Source Asset Advisors to make these referrals, resulting in a conflict of interest. 1st Source Bank is not a current client of LPL for brokerage or advisory services. Please visit https://www.lpl.com/disclosures/is-lpl-relationship-disclosure.html for more detailed information.

 

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. 1st Source Bank and 1st Source Asset Advisors are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using 1st Source Asset Advisors, and may also be employees of 1st Source Bank. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, 1st Source Bank or 1st Source Asset Advisors. Securities and insurance offered through LPL, or its affiliates are:

 

Not Insured by FDIC or Any Other Government Agency Not Bank Guaranteed Not Bank Deposits or Other Obligations May Lose Value

 

The LPL Financial Registered Representatives associated with this site may only discuss and/or transact securities business with residents of the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY.

Important Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial professional prior to investing.

Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk in all market environments.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

This article was prepared by FMeX.

LPL Tracking #1-05365238