More than one-third of adults say they plan to make changes to their investment strategy in 2025. And nearly 9 in 10 are planning to invest the same or more than they did in 2024.¹

This signals a shift. Investors are ready to take action with their money.

But making smart moves starts with having the right strategy. Whether you’re investing more, shifting your portfolio, or just getting serious about your future, the key is knowing which approach matches your mindset and goals.

There’s no one-size-fits-all investment strategy. But by identifying the approach that aligns with your goals, time horizon, and mindset, you can feel more confident about your financial future.

Whether you’re just getting started or refining a long-term plan, here are five strategies to help you discover your investment mindset and make your money work smarter.

Buy and hold is one of the most time-tested strategies in investing. It’s simple: you invest in quality assets like stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds and hold onto them for the long term, regardless of short-term market noise.

This strategy avoids emotional reactions and market timing, which can lead to costly mistakes. Historically, markets have shown periods of growth over time, and a patient, consistent approach helps you benefit from that compounding.

If you believe in the power of long-term growth and want to avoid the stress of chasing trends, this mindset may be your match.

Not too risky, not too conservative, just right.

Asset allocation is about dividing your investments among different asset classes like stocks, bonds, and cash to match your personal risk tolerance and financial goals.

A younger investor might lean more heavily into stocks for growth, while someone nearing retirement might shift toward bonds and more stable assets. The goal is to balance risk and reward across your portfolio in a way that fits your life stage and outlook.

This strategy helps reduce volatility and keeps you grounded, even when markets get choppy.

Markets go up and down, but that doesn’t mean your investment habits should.

Dollar cost averaging is a strategy where you invest the same amount on a regular schedule, regardless of market conditions. This smooths out the cost of your investments over time and helps remove the temptation to time the market.

You might not buy at the perfect moment, but you’ll avoid buying only when prices are high. It’s a great way to build discipline and stay focused on the big picture.

If you’re focused on building wealth and willing to embrace more risk, growth investing may be your strategy.

Growth investors seek out companies or sectors expected to grow faster than the market, often in tech, healthcare, or innovation-driven industries. While these investments can be more volatile, they may offer long-term growth opportunities.

This strategy requires conviction, research, and the patience to ride out ups and downs for a bigger payoff down the road.

Not every investor is chasing growth. Some are focused on generating steady, reliable income, especially in retirement or during periods of low market confidence.

Income investing involves building a portfolio of assets that pay you regularly, such as dividend-paying stocks, bonds, or real estate investment trusts (REITs). It’s a strategy designed to provide stability and financial flexibility without needing to sell off assets to access cash.

If peace of mind and predictable returns matter more than aggressive growth, this might be your investing mindset.

Which of these strategies feels most aligned with how you think about money?

Which ones challenged the way you’ve approached investing in the past?

Investing without a strategy is like setting out on a road trip without a map. You might make some progress, but you’ll waste time, miss turns, and probably end up frustrated. That’s why having a clear, personalized investment plan is essential, not just for growing wealth, but for keeping your confidence when the markets test you.

Whether you’re just starting out, shifting gears, or looking to refine your long-term plan, there’s a strategy that fits your goals, your mindset, and your timeline.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Working with a financial advisor can help you clarify your strategy, make smart adjustments, and stay focused.

Let’s take the guesswork out of investing and replace it with a strategy that aligns with your goals.

Risk Disclosure: Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

This material is for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information; no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision. For illustrative use only.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax professional.

Advisory services offered through NewEdge Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor.

1. New York Life, 2025 [URL: https://www.newyorklife.com/newsroom/2025/wealth-watch-2025-outlook]