Investing is one of the most important things you can do to secure your financial future, but it can be intimidating if you’re just starting. With plenty of planning and research, you’ll soon learn that investing doesn’t have to be reserved for the ultra-wealthy and can even be fun if you do your research.
What if you aren’t rich? What if you don’t have thousands of dollars to invest in the stock market? Don’t worry; you can still make the most of your money by putting it into things that are likely to appreciate over time. You just need to have patience and know how to pick the right kinds of investments. If you haven’t started investing yet or are looking to expand your portfolio, here are great ways to start.
The Importance of Investing at an Early Age
Investing is one of those things people say they want to do. Then, when they get older, they find excuses not to. If you want more control over your financial future, start investing now. The earlier you begin investing, the more time your money has to grow. That means potentially doubling or tripling your nest egg in only a decade or two!
Check If You Meet the Requirements to Invest
Before you dive into researching specific stocks, ETFs, or other investment vehicles, it helps assess your situation. To invest in almost anything, you need a substantial amount of money and need to meet a minimum income threshold. If you don’t meet those requirements (say, because you are still paying off student loans), starting with a Robo-advisor can help get your portfolio off on a good start for as little as $100.
Compile a List of Investment Options
People looking to start investing but can’t afford to jump in with both feet often start by building a portfolio of treasury bonds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It is an excellent strategy for beginners; these investment vehicles aren’t very risky, and lower fees are involved. Plus, you don’t have to buy several of them to diversify your holdings. It’s also easy to do research on individual securities before buying—and it’s always important to know what you own before you invest in anything.
You can also invest in real estate, which can be a good investment, depending on the property and what you do with it. Before diving into real estate, remember that it requires more cash upfront and requires ongoing management than most other types of investments. Because commercial properties tend to require more money upfront than residential properties, we suggest starting with residential like townhomes. There are townhouses for sale that you can turn into rentals. Look around your city and inquire about how much they earn with rentals or consider making one into an Airbnb.
Choose the Right Time for Your Investment
Timing your investments appropriately is essential. Some products are meant for long-term investment, while others are meant for shorter periods. Similarly, some assets fluctuate more than others. If you want to learn how to start investing, you should consider your long-term goals, short-term goals, and expectations. One way to do that is by speaking with a financial advisor, who can help set realistic goals based on your current situation. There are no guarantees when it comes to investing—but there are ways to help you avoid any unnecessary losses down the road.
Stay Within Limits
The most important rule of investing is to stay within your limits. It’s not how much you have to invest but how much you can afford to lose. Don’t put any more money into your investment than you can afford to lose without it being a major setback. The best investors are those who are fearless in their approach but cautious with their capital.
Diversify Your Investments
Don’t let your investments skew too heavily toward one type. By diversifying, you will have better returns on investment and be less susceptible to market volatility. Diversification is vital for all investors, but it’s especially vital if you aren’t yet ready to invest a great deal of money into financial products. Instead of putting everything into stocks, invest in mutual funds that include stocks and bonds. Some ETFs give you exposure to multiple sectors at once.
Don’t Trade Often; Don’t Bet on Only One Horse
The best way to win at investing is to take things seriously and not play. It sounds obvious, but many novice investors often trade, usually with disastrous results. The most important thing you can do when starting is avoiding to take too much risk on a single investment. Instead, pick many small investments you like and watch them grow over time. Remember: slow and steady wins the race.
The best time to start investing is now. Investing today will likely be easier and more beneficial than waiting until tomorrow. Even if you aren’t rich, you should still give it a shot. There are many easy ways to invest without a lot of money, just like there are many good stocks to buy with less than ten dollars. With patience and determination, you can make your dreams come true through investing.
