My overall aim from entering the stock market is quite obvious and what it probably is for most other people and that is simple - to make money.
Money, money, money! If I could make money by spending money on clothes, trips, food, and etc I would. But alas the market doesn't work that way. So, investment for me is all about making money off of the money you have sitting around. I'd rather make more money than spend more money on trivial things.
I would invest in the stock market so that my money will continue to grow. I want to see a profit. I want to have enough money so that my kids are happy and can be prosperous in their future.
Like someone else said, I don't like seeing my money in the bank just lose it's value every year. I understand it is not guaranteed that I won't lose more than the year inflation spike, but I feel confident to invest wise, and don't invest what you can't afford to lose. The good thing is I live a simple live, and don't have the urge to keep buying more "stuff". So mostly, I invest for the future. Whatever that may hold.
My goal is a strong and stable income, mainly from dividends and interests from bonds. Basically financial independence, so I can work as little or as much as I want to when I'm older.
Long-term success. Not really caring about short-term gains, but being able to a long-term winner is most important to me. Other than making money though, another big aim is to just gain more knowledge about what's going on in the world, which is a nice by-product when you're researching into different companies. It's also a good way to get the competitive streak going for me; looking to beat the market and find the "hidden" company that will make you a success.
I'm a long-term investor. I don't need to see returns tomorrow (although it's always nice). I just want to grow my assets at a more than 'above inflation' rate. I would love to say double digits per year, but I'd be happy with a consistent amount of below that year on year.
Since I worked abroad, I have learned to save and along the way, I realize that since I am saving, I can make it work for me. I understand there are risks involved, but financial education come very handy with the internet. I have started 2 years ago and I have gained a lot compared to if I just left it sleeping in a savings or time deposit. Investing is exciting when you know what you are doing. And by the way, to answer this thread - my over all aim is to earn passive income through dividends and valuations.
#1 - Never loose money. #2 - Make as much as possible. #3 - Always keep learning. #4 - Keep calm and don't forget to be awesome.
#1 will never work, especially when #2 implies taking big risks. #3 and #4 are very good goals though!