Let's start by demystifying liquidity and what it means for investors. Basically, liquidity is the efficiency or ease with which an asset or security can be converted into cash without affecting its market price. Imagine a vast spectrum, stretching from easily convertible cash on one end to more challenging, not easily converted into cash opportunities on the other. In the middle, there’s passive income. When looking at your investment strategies, if it’s important to maintain a liquid position, you’ll probably invest in the public markets.
The Public Stock Exchange is the biggest example of this. On the other end of the spectrum, we have private equity investments. That means the company would have to be sold in order to receive your investments, which takes some time. Then, in the middle, there’s a happy medium called private debt investments. This is what some people invest in for passive income. As we traverse this spectrum, we encounter a colorful array of investment options that differ in their liquidity quotient.
Public Markets: The Oasis of Opportunity
Picture standing amidst the bustling energy of a public stock exchange. Here, you can access the world of stocks—a realm brimming with liquidity. With just a few clicks, you can buy and sell stocks on any given day, allowing you to swiftly realize your cash. If maintaining a liquid position is your top priority, then the public markets might be a good fit.
Private Equity Investments: Nurturing Potential, Though Illusive
Now, let's journey to the opposite end of the spectrum, where your investment ideas intertwine with private equity. Here, we venture into the realm of private companies, purchasing shares or investing through a SAFE (Simple Agreement For Future Equity). Just know this path is not for the impatient. Private equity investments are known for their illiquidity. The path to retrieving your cash heavily relies on the sale of the company, with timelines often beyond your control. Sometimes, the company doesn’t sell at all.
Private Debt Investments: The Golden Middle Ground
In the heart of the liquidity spectrum lies a hidden gem—the realm of private debt investments. These include revenue share agreements (RSAs) and small business bonds, which can offer balanced liquidity and earning potential. Here, the companies we invest in hold genuine obligations to repay us over time, fueled by their operational proceeds. This offers a steady stream of passive income, where you see investment returns gradually. It's a harmonious blend of liquidity and financial growth for investors.
Mastering the Liquidity Scale and What It Means For Investors
When charting your investment strategy, consider your personal liquidity preferences. What does liquidity mean for you and your investment strategy? Are you a thrill-seeker, craving the nimble accessibility of the public markets? Or are you in it for the long game, willing to patiently champion the illiquid potential of private equity? Perhaps your heart lies in the golden middle ground of private debt investments, where steady growth and liquidity intertwine. It all depends on how liquid you want your investments to be. We hope this was helpful!
Remember, every investment carries its share of risk, whether it's in the private or public sectors. It's essential to approach your investment journey with due diligence and careful consideration. Before taking the leap, take the time to assess the information presented by the company. By fully understanding and evaluating the breadth and quality of these details, you are better equipped to make informed investment decisions.
To learn more about which investment strategy might be right for you, download our whitepaper, “Alternative Investments For The Rest Of US.”
