# FAQ Quick answers to the most common questions about using Manifest Investing, from Quality Ratings to portfolio tracking. Find immediate solutions to platform q... Canonical: https://www.manifestinvesting.com/guide/reference/faq # FAQ ## Getting Started \*\*Q: What is the Quality Rating and why does it matter?\*\* A: Quality Rating (0-100) measures a company's financial strength, earnings predictability, growth, and profitability. Companies with 80+ ratings (Excellent) historically provide more consistent returns with lower risk. Focus on companies rated 65+ for your core holdings. \*\*Q: What's the difference between PAR and MIPAR?\*\* A: PAR is a stock's Projected Annual Return over 5 years. MIPAR is the median PAR of all tracked stocks, essentially the market baseline. When MIPAR is 8%, stocks with 13%+ PAR are in the Sweet Spot (MIPAR+5% to MIPAR+10%). \*\*Q: How do I know when to buy a stock?\*\* A: Look for stocks in the Sweet Spot with Quality Ratings of 65+. The Sweet Spot represents stocks expected to outperform the market by 5-10% annually while maintaining reasonable valuations. ## Using the Platform \*\*Q: What's a Dashboard and do I need one?\*\* A: Dashboards are portfolio tracking workspaces where you monitor your holdings and watchlists. Yes, create at least one; it's essential for tracking your investments and seeing how they perform against benchmarks. \*\*Q: How often should I check my portfolio?\*\* A: Monthly reviews are sufficient for long-term investing. Check Quality Ratings quarterly and PAR changes when market conditions shift significantly. Avoid daily monitoring; it encourages emotional decisions. \*\*Q: Can I import my existing portfolio?\*\* A: Yes, you can manually add your current holdings to a Dashboard. Enter your shares and purchase prices to track performance and see current Quality Ratings and PAR values. ## Investment Strategy \*\*Q: How many stocks should I own?\*\* A: 10-20 individual stocks provide adequate diversification for most investors. Fewer than 10 increases risk; more than 20 becomes difficult to monitor effectively. Focus on quality over quantity. \*\*Q: Should I only buy stocks with 80+ Quality Ratings?\*\* A: Not necessarily. While 80+ stocks (Excellent) are safest, Good quality stocks (65-80) in the Sweet Spot often provide better returns. Avoid stocks below 65 unless you understand the specific risks. \*\*Q: What if a stock I own drops below 65 Quality Rating?\*\* A: Review why the rating dropped. If it's temporary (one bad quarter), consider holding. If it reflects fundamental deterioration (declining margins, increasing debt), consider selling and reinvesting in higher-quality alternatives. \*\*Q: How do I handle dividends in my analysis?\*\* A: PAR includes expected dividend payments over 5 years. Dividend-paying stocks often show lower price appreciation because total return includes dividend income. Don't ignore dividend stocks; they're often quality companies. ## Technical Questions \*\*Q: Why don't I see options/ETFs/bonds on the platform?\*\* A: Manifest Investing focuses on individual stock analysis using proven investment club methodology. This approach works best for companies with predictable earnings and growth patterns, not complex securities or broad market funds. \*\*Q: How current is the financial data?\*\* A: Data updates regularly from company filings. Quality Ratings and PAR calculations refresh as new quarterly results are reported. Some metrics may lag 1-3 months depending on filing schedules. \*\*Q: Can I download my portfolio data?\*\* A: Yes, most Dashboard views include export options for further analysis in spreadsheets or other tools. ## Learn More - [Understanding Quality Rating](/guide/core-concepts/quality-rating) - Deep dive into company evaluation - [PAR Analysis](/guide/core-concepts/par) - Learn projected return calculations - [Sweet Spot Strategy](/guide/core-concepts/sweet-spot) - Master the optimal buying zone - [Dashboard Setup](/guide/using-the-platform/dashboards) - Create your portfolio workspace