To reach financial goals, many investors focus on their rate of return. But more important than the portfolio’s rate of return is the amount contributed by the investor. If an investor can save and invest more, it takes the pressure off the portfolio to do the work. That means, the portfolio can take less risk to reach the investor’s goal.
If an investor has extra savings, perhaps they should consider taking a class, developing a skill, getting certified, hiring a career coach, or going back to school. It may make more sense to invest in themselves. And the employer may even chip in to offset the costs.