The beginning investor might feel overwhelmed at first. Here are three keys to help you stay on track.
As I’ve mentioned before, one of the best ways to build wealth for the future is to invest. Investing is one of the ways that you can put your money to work for you, improving your situation over the long haul.
However, it can be overwhelming as a beginning investor. The good news is that it doesn’t have to that difficult. Make use of the following 3 keys, and you can improve your situation:
1. Start Simple
One of the reasons the beginning investor has difficulty is due to concerns about complexity. While investing?can be complex, it’s important to note that it doesn’t?have to be. Investing can be simple. There are a number of simple investments that you can start out with.
Many recommend that you begin with an index fund or ETF that is low cost. These investments are easy to understand, and you won’t find your returns as eroded by fees. While you can branch out to more complicated investments later, start simple. As long as you get started, you are on the right track. Start with the easy stuff, and while your money is growing in an index fund or ETF, you can start researching other investments.
2. Invest Consistently
Next, make sure you invest consistently. Even if you can only start with $50 a month, be consistent. Set up an automatic withdrawal, and an automatic investment plan. Most online brokers offer these opportunities to automatically invest each month. Take advantage of them, and you will be less likely to fail.
Plus, consistency allows you to keep compound interest and dollar cost averaging working on your behalf. Keep investing consistently, whether you are adding to your tax-advantaged retirement account, or whether you are using a taxable account. Create a plan that allows you to invest on a consistent basis, and then stick to that investment plan.
3. Increase Your Investment Amount
Finally, you need to plan to increase your investment amount over time. While there is a lot to be said for getting started early, and investing consistently, you also need to make sure that you are investing enough. Look for ways to increase your investment amount. If you are only investing $50 a month right now, consider how you can free up more money so that you are investing more.
Recently, I re-arranged my finances so that I could increase my monthly investment amount. Whether you find ways to earn more money, or save money on unnecessary expenses, chances are that you can find a little more room in your budget to invest a bit more each month.
Image Source: Agamitsuda via Wikimedia Commons
