Your Guide to Utilizing 13F Filings for Investing

Looking at how the best are investing can help you invest or teach the kids. Let’s dive in on how to do it.

Hey there, future financial wizards! Have you ever wondered how the world's greatest investors make their moves in the stock market?

Well, we've got some exciting news for you! There's a secret treasure trove of information available on the internet, and it's all about getting a sneak peek into the portfolios of your favorite investment gurus.

These magical documents are called "13F filings," and guess what? They're not just for the pros – you can access them too, and we'll show you how!

Whether you want to step up your investing game or try to teach the kids, getting involved on a 13F treasure hunt can be a great family activity to try and teach investing.

Let’s get started!

What are 13F Filings?

Picture this: you want to know what the smartest money minds are up to in the world of investing.

Well, 13F filings are like peeking over their shoulders and discovering their top-secret moves.

These filings are reports that big investment managers, who handle lots of money, have to send to the SEC (that's the Securities and Exchange Commission, the big boss of the financial world). Typically any asset manager with over $100 million invested has to file one within 45 days of a quarter end.

These reports spill the beans on what these smart investors are holding in their portfolios. Imagine finding out which stocks they're buying or selling – it's like having a backstage pass to their investment strategies!

How Do I Find 13F Filings?

Hold onto your hats, because we're about to take you on a treasure hunt! First, you need to figure out the name of the investment manager or their company. Let's say you're curious about Warren Buffett's moves. Type his name on Google and dig around until you find the right management company.

Next, visit the SEC's website – that's where the real magic happens. Enter the name of the company you're curious about, and voila! You'll be greeted with a list of forms and documents. Look for the special one called "13F-HR."

How to Read 13F Filings?

Congratulations, treasure hunter! You've located the golden ticket – the 13F filing.

Now, let's break it down. Imagine the filing is like a secret code that reveals the investments.

Below, focus on columns 1, 4, and 5. Column 1 lists the stocks they're dealing with. Column 4 shows the value of these stocks (don't worry, it's not as tricky as it sounds – just multiply by $1000).

But wait, there's more! Column 5 reveals how many shares of each stock they bought. Crunch some numbers, and you'll know the price they paid for each share.

It's like solving a puzzle to discover their investment secrets!

The Value of 13F Filings

You might wonder, why bother with all this detective work? Well, let us tell you – it's worth its weight in gold!

Studying 13F filings helps you learn from the best. You can watch how these investment gurus play their cards and see how their strategies change over time.

It's like having a front-row seat to a masterclass in investing.

Not only that, but 13F filings are a treasure chest of investment ideas.

Imagine getting inspiration for your own investments straight from the pros. But remember, these filings are like maps – they give you a direction, but you still need to explore and do your homework before making any moves.

So once you pick out your favorite investor, it’s time to start the digging to find out what they own (For more on how professional investors typically analyze a stock click here).

Final Thoughts…

You did it, treasure hunters! You've unlocked the power of 13F filings and discovered the secrets behind some of the greatest investors' moves.

Now you know how to find these magical documents and decode the hidden gems they hold. Just remember, while 13F filings are like a compass, guiding you towards potential riches, the real adventure lies in doing your research, understanding your investments, and making wise decisions.

So, grab your telescope, put on your explorer hat, and embark on your journey to uncover valuable insights from the investment world's brightest minds.

May your investments be as rewarding as a chest full of gold coins!