It’s easy to assume that investing is only for those who already have plenty of money saved. While it’s true that investing can be a great choice for those who have been saving money and are ready to grow that money further, people are often surprised to learn that investing is for everyone.

For the team at 1st Franklin Financials’ Investment Center, some of the best days involve conversations with first-time investors who thought this experience was out of reach. It’s always a great moment when they discover that it’s possible to start small.

With our Debentures, the minimum investment is $500 with as short of term as 1 to 3 months. This makes the opportunity to invest, available to anyone living in Georgia or South Carolina. The advantage of investing with us is higher earnings and the fact that your money is always available when you need it.

If you’re new to investing and aren’t sure where to begin, your timing is perfect. April is Financial Literacy Month, and there are many resources available for learning more about how to invest and what kinds of possibilities it can offer.

Growing Your Financial Literacy

The U.S. Security and Exchange Commission offers this valuable advice for first-time investors: “Many successful investors follow this rule of thumb: Never invest in something you don’t understand,” says the SEC’s guide at investor.gov. “If you can’t understand the investment and how it will help you make money, ask a trusted financial professional for help.”

So, step one for growing your financial literacy is gathering clear information about what kinds of investments are available to you. Although it’s possible for a person to invest on their own using an online service, that can lead to making choices without fully understanding the details and the risks. Sitting down in person or talking by phone with a real person, rather than interacting with a website, can help you navigate the world of investing.

 Tama: 1^st Franklin is a family-owned company, and we know our Investors by name. Our investors enjoy our one-on-one service. We discuss what they want from their investments to help them find a product that is right for them. We want our Investors to know how important they are to us.

Investment Options – Finding the Right Fit:

There are a great many investment options available, so it’s important to choose ones that meet your needs. Some investments offer the potential for high return, but they also come with more risks. Others have a more modest return, but far less risk.

Investing is a personal endeavor, meaning what’s right for you and your family might not be right for others.

The team at 1st Franklin currently offers three different options for investors:

Senior Demand Notes are a flexible savings option that can begin with an amount as small as $25. With this type of investing, your money is always available to you anytime you need it without a penalty.

Variable Rate Subordinated Debentures offer daily compounded interest at competitive rates over a set period of time. This type of investment is available to you four years from the date of issue, and the interest paid to you is compounded daily during that time. The minimum investment is just $500.

Commercial Paper is the third option offered at 1st Franklin. This shorter-term investment requires a minimum of $50,000. While it is a short-term investment, it offers significant possibilities thanks to attractive interest rates.

Invest with Confidence:

Even if you’re starting with a very small investment, it’s important to have confidence in the people handling your money. As you seek someone who will partner with you and help look out for your financial goals, ask questions like these:

• How long have they been in business?
• What is their history in delivering on investment growth promises in the past?

Shannon: 1^st Franklin has experienced a conservative, steady growth over many decades. Many of our investors are generational customers, demonstrating the sense of trust our Investors feel. And the fact that many of our greatest referrals come from within our Investment family. We enjoy taking the time to establish our Investor’s needs, rather than what may be best for the company. Our philosophy of being the Friendly Franklin Folks continues today, just as it did when Ben F. Cheek established it in 1941.

Investment Growth Over Time:

Investing is all about patience. Even if a person begins with just a $500 investment, that sum can grow considerably over time thanks to compounding interest.

Imagine a person who starts with that $500 investment. If they make wise spending choices and keep on investing an additional $500 each year, where might they be in 10 years?

Tama: If you invest $500.00 per year at 3.50% interest rate you will have $6,087.85 at the end of ten years. Initial investment over the ten years being $5,000.00 and earning over the ten years $1,087.85 in interest.

When customers discover the possibilities of investing and how easy the process can be, they often find that knowledge motivating. Soon, they’re on a financial path toward saving for their future.

Whether you have $50 saved or have $50,000 set aside, investing the money you earn today can grow into something powerful for tomorrow.

Financial literacy is something we are very passionate about! Interested in talking to an experienced member of our 1st Franklin Financial Investment Center team? Click here to visit our website or give us a call at (800) 282-0709.