When your hands are full, having systems in place can make life a little bit easier. Here are some tools that helped me on my journey.
Subscribe To Company’s Investor Relations Page
Every public company has an investor relations page. At the bottom of the page is a form to subscribe to their newsletter, events, annual reports and more. I usually click everything except the end-of-day stock price update.
Set Up Google Alerts
For secondary information (info from outsiders talking about the company) I have subscribed to google alerts. This gives me insight on the company’s reputation and external feedback from customers. You have the option to get daily or weekly updates. While I no longer use google alerts for my stock portfolio, I still think it’s a neat tool for a truly customized news feed.
Read Annual Reports
These hundred page documents provide so much information on the direction of the company.
Since I use stocks as educational tools, I prefer to invest in companies with exciting futures that I can learn from and grow with.
If this is your first time reading one, know that the language of business takes some time getting used to. If you have an iPhone, simply double click on the word you don’t know and select “lookup.” It will define the word without you having to switch screens. This way you can familiarize yourself with financial concepts as you go.
Attend Quarterly Earning Calls
Many public companies hold teleconferences detailing their financial results. They're scheduled in advance, and often have a link for you to save the date in your personal/business calendar.
Hearing the voice of the CEO and CFO gives a sneak-peek into the tone and culture of the company. If you’re unable to attend the live call, you can find previously recorded webcasts on some company’s investor pages.
Research Key Players
I’m a heart-led girl, so I research key players (like videoed interviews of the CEOs) to build a better rapport with the company’s execs. This is to make sure I feel comfortable and confident being a shareholder under their leadership.
Vote
As a shareholder, you have a voice. Some brokerages send alerts about upcoming votes. The ballots may include approving board members and company direction. The company’s proxy arrives days before the voting deadline, giving you some time to review the material before casting your vote.
Subscribe to Blog
Company blogs definitely have a different readership than the annual reports. For example, Roblox's blog seems to target the parents of its users and coders who create the metaverse. Again, staying current on this content gives you a well-rounded view of the company's engagement with its community, conditions and plans moving forward.
Weigh Brokerage Insights
Robinhood provides brief synopses for and against the stock. Schwab provides a detailed equity ratings report with business summaries, descriptions, metrics, grades and forecasts.
While these tools serve as excellent insights from financial experts, always listen to your maternal instincts, gut feelings and feedback from family discussions before you make adjustments.
Seek Natural Inspiration
Similar to everything else in your nursing journey, your portfolio should really be filled with stocks you absolutely love and are excited to learn more about.
In addition to building a portfolio I am obsessed with, the tips above helped me create an info-rich inbox full of investments I’m super proud of. My hope is that it helps you too.
How do you stay updated on your stocks? Which tools are your favorite? Need to schedule a one-on-one? Use code: HEART2HEART.
Until next time...
Love The Journey,
