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Investor Profile Survey

This survey will help you determine if your investing style is Conservative, Moderate or Aggressive.

*Please Note: Survey results are to be used as a guideline ONLY and I encourage you to retake the survey on a yearly basis to reassess your investor type.

1. I do not need a high level of current income from my investments. I am more interested in their long-term growth potential.

1- Strongly Disagree
2- Disagree
3- Undecided
4- Agree
5- Strongly Agree

2. I am concerned about the effects of inflation on my investments.

1- Strongly Agree
2- Agree
3- Undecided
4- Disagree
5- Strongly Disagree

3. I am comfortable holding onto an investment when it drops sharply in value.

1- Strongly Disagree
2- Disagree
3- Undecided
4- Agree
5- Strongly Agree

4. I am willing to accept a lower return on my investments if I can avoid significant volatility.

1- Strongly Agree
2- Agree
3- Undecided
4- Disagree
5- Strongly Disagree

5. I plan on using the money I am investing:

1- Within 6 months
2- Within 3 years
3- Between 3 and 5 years
4- Between 7 to 10 years
5- More than 10 years from now

6. My investments make up this share of assets (excluding my home):

1- Less than 25%
2- 25% or more but less than 50%
3- 50% or more but less than 75%
4- More than 75%

7. My most important investment goal is to:

1- Preserve my original investment
2- Receive some growth and provide income
3- Grow faster than inflation but still provide some income
4- Grow as fast as possible. Income is not important today

8. My primary source of income is:

1- Retirement pension and/or social security
2- Earnings from my investment portfolio
3- Salary and other earnings from my primary occupation

9. The worst loss I would be comfortable accepting on my investment is:

1- Less than 10%. Stability of principal is very important to me
2- 10%–20%. Modest periodic declines are acceptable
3- 20%–30%. I understand that there may be losses in the short run but over the long term, higher risk investments will offer highest returns
4- Over 30%. You don’t get high returns without taking risk. I’m looking for maximum capital gains and understand that my investment can substantially decline.

10. If the stock market were to suddenly decline by 15%, my reaction would most likely be:

1- I should have left the market long ago at the first sign of trouble
2- I should have substantially exited the stock market by now to limit my exposure
3- I’m still in the stock market but I’ve got my finger on the trigger
4- I’m staying fully invested so I’ll be ready for the next bull market

11. I expect to retire in:

1- 5 years or less
2- 5 to 10 years
3- 10 to 15 years
4- 15 to 25 years
5- More than 25 years

Possible Conclusions:

11-27: Conservative – As a conservative investor, you are less willing to accept market swings and significant changes in the value of your portfolio in the short- or long-term. Capital preservation is your primary goal and you may plan on using the principal from your investments in the near-term, preferably as a steady income stream. The average level of return you expect to see is 5%-10%, annually.

28-40: Moderate – As a moderate investor, you seek longer-term investment gains. You are comfortable with some swings in your portfolio’s performance, but generally seek to invest in more conservative stocks that build wealth over a substantial period of time. The average level of return you expect to see is 10%-25% annually.

+40: Aggressive – As an aggressive investor, you primarily seek capital appreciation and are open to more risk. Swings in the market, whether short term or long term do not impact your investment decisions and you have confidence that volatility is necessary to achieve the high return-on-investment you are looking for. You typically expect a 25%+ return, annually, though you do not need your principal investment immediately.

Nancy Zambell has spent 30 years educating and helping individual investors navigate the minefields of the financial industry. She has created and/or written numerous investment publications, including UnDiscovered Stocks, UnTapped Opportunities, and Nancy Zambell’s Buried Treasures under $10. Nancy has worked with MoneyShow.com for many years as an editor and interviewer for their on-site video studios.