Investments – It’s Time in the Market, Not Timing the Market

At GNEC, we believe access to capital is only part of the picture. Long-term success also requires the right knowledge, habits, and tools.

As part of our Blueprints to Black Wealth initiative, GNEC partnered with Prudential Financial to host a webinar focused on investing. The session was led by George R. Barnes, President and CEO of George R. Barnes & Associates, Financial Planner, and Worksite Education Program Speaker with The Prudential Insurance Company of America.

Below are some key takeaways on why, with investments, it’s time in the market, not timing the market, that matters most.

Start with the Basics Before You Invest

Whether you are just starting your business or planning for retirement, your financial decisions should be based on your own goals, not trends, social media, or what others are doing.

Before diving into investments, focus on building a strong financial foundation:

• Create an emergency fund
• Understand your cash flow
• Track and manage your spending

For entrepreneurs, personal financial discipline directly affects business sustainability. A solid foundation makes it easier and safer to start investing.

Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market

Successful investing is about staying invested over time, not trying to predict every high and low.

Many investors make emotional decisions, such as pulling money out during market downturns. This often locks in losses and makes it harder to benefit when the market recovers.

Instead, a disciplined, long-term strategy allows investments to grow through both ups and downs. A diverse portfolio helps reduce risk, especially during volatility. Diversification can include:

• Stocks
• Bonds
• Cash or cash equivalents

Common investment tools include:

• Mutual funds and ETFs
• IRAs and other tax-advantaged accounts
• Annuities

The goal is not to eliminate risk completely, but to choose the right level of risk based on your goals, time horizon, and comfort level.

Protect What You’re Building

Investing is one part of your financial plan. Protection is another.

As a business owner, you are the engine behind your income. That means you need to protect:

• Your health
• Your income
• Your assets
• Your family

Your protection needs change as you move through life stages such as marriage, having children, growing a business, and preparing for retirement.

Life insurance, in its many forms, can be an important tool at every stage. It can help protect your family, your income, and the investments you are working hard to build.

Don’t Try to Do Everything at Once

Learning about investing and financial planning can feel overwhelming. You do not need to do everything at the same time.

George recommended starting with just one or two small actions, such as:

• Reviewing your monthly expenses
• Setting up or adding to your emergency fund
• Researching the type of insurance that might benefit you
• Scheduling a conversation with a financial professional

Small, consistent steps can lead to long-term financial stability for you and your business.

Tools, Training, and Support

GNEC’s Track One program is designed to help business owners stay ahead. It includes 55 hours of QuickBooks training and support over 12 months, teaching you how to manage your day-to-day ledger entries. It doesn’t include tax preparation, but it prepares you for it.

On the software side, Taherra recommends QuickBooks Online for most small businesses. It’s simple, accessible, and effective, while allowing you to grow with additional tools and services as your business grows. 

For owners who need more hands-on help, Bee Administrative Solutions offers full bookkeeping, payroll, tax strategy, filing, and MWBE/DBE compliance services. They operate year-round and provide upfront pricing so you know what to expect.

Continuing the Conversation

This session is part of GNEC’s ongoing commitment to support entrepreneurs beyond funding through education, guidance, and community.

Our next webinar in the series will take place on May 6, with a focus on retirement planning. To learn more and register, visit: https://gnec.tfaforms.net/f/BlueprintsForBusinessPersonalFinancialGrowth

Stay connected with GNEC for upcoming sessions, resources, and opportunities to strengthen your financial future.