Scared of Losing Money Investing? 3 Ways to Soothe Your Fears

Don’t want to lose money investing? Look long term and invest in companies like Suncor stock and TD stock.

A person suffering

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn moresdf

Saving precedes investing, although the latter is the only route to attain your long-term financial goals and not the former. You go into investing to multiply your money and be secure financially in your later years.

Losing money, however, is scary; investing can become mental stress. You can overcome fear and be stress-free by adopting three helpful tips.

Understand your investment prospect

Learn about bonds, stocks, mutual funds, and other methods before parting ways with your money. Of all the investment options available, stocks offer the highest returns over the long term.

When investing in the stock market, don’t invest in companies whose business you don’t know or much less understand. Once you’ve done your due diligence, you can invest with confidence.

Banks like Toronto-Dominion Bank are not complicated prospects. Banking operations are not as intricate as the operations in the energy or technology sectors. TD is known all over North America as the bedrock of stability.

Besides, paying dividends is a 162-year-old tradition at TD. It’s phenomenal. You can grow your capital significantly over the long term with its 3.85% yield. The bank also raises its dividend once a year. TD has proven its resiliency to endure the severest financial crisis in history.

Don’t be tempted by high rewards

Another way to combat your fear of losing money is to contain your greed and avoid tempting offers. Keep in mind that the higher the reward, the higher is the risk. Protect your capital by investing in low-risk business models.

Suncor is the fountain of wealth for risk-averse investors. The company is the second-largest energy company in Canada with 17 consecutive years of annual dividend increases. This energy stock is also one of only two stocks Warren Buffett is exposed to in the oil industry.

The billionaire’s investing strategy is successful because of value stocks. Among all energy companies, Suncor is a value stock with the most significant upside potential. It has yet to achieve its full potential, despite operating for 66 years.

Suncor stands out as a viable investment, because its operations encompass the entire value chain of the oil and gas integrated industry. The company owns the pipelines where the products are transported. Its refineries are also counter-cyclical, so it can counter the volatility of oil prices.

Commit to your long-term objectives

Patience is also a virtue in the investing world. If you have TD and Suncor in your portfolio, be patient. Don’t be distracted by the higher-yielding dividend stocks. The excellent track records of the banking giant and energy forerunner speak for themselves.

With the two high-quality stocks averaging a 3.9% dividend yield, you’ll receive stable income as you sail towards your retirement goals. You don’t even have to sell the stocks at any point during your journey.

Earning opportunities

The fear of losing money is sometimes an excuse for not investing. Idle money, however, brings no long-term benefits. Let your money work and grow through low-risk stocks like TD and Suncor. You’re not taking a scary leap, as both can survive a volatile market.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

growing plant shoots on stacked coins
Dividend Stocks

5 Dividend Stocks to Buy With Yields Upwards of 5%

These five companies all earn tonnes of cash flow, making them some of the best long-term dividend stocks you can…

Read more »

funds, money, nest egg
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Stocks to Start Building an Influx of Passive Income

A TFSA is the ideal registered account for passive income, as it doesn't weigh down your tax bill, and any…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

3 of the Safest Dividend Stocks in Canada

Royal Bank of Canada stock is one of the safest TSX dividend stocks to buy. So is CT REIT and…

Read more »

Growing plant shoots on coins
Dividend Stocks

1 of the Top Canadian Growth Stocks to Buy in February 2023

Many top Canadian growth stocks represent strong underlying businesses, healthy financials, and organic growth opportunities.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Wherever the Market Goes, I’m Buying These 3 TSX Stocks

Here are three TSX stocks that could outperform irrespective of the market direction.

Read more »

woman data analyze
Dividend Stocks

1 Oversold Dividend Stock (Yielding 6.5%) to Buy This Month

Here's why SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN) is one top dividend stock that long-term investors should consider in this current market.

Read more »

IMAGE OF A NOTEBOOK WITH TFSA WRITTEN ON IT
Dividend Stocks

Better TFSA Buy: Enbridge Stock or Bank of Nova Scotia

Enbridge and Bank of Nova Scotia offer high yields for TFSA investors seeking passive income. Is one stock now undervalued?

Read more »

Golden crown on a red velvet background
Dividend Stocks

2 Top Stocks Just Became Canadian Dividend Aristocrats

These two top Canadian Dividend Aristocrats stocks are reliable companies with impressive long-term growth potential.

Read more »