What is the best way to start saving/investing?

Question

My wife and I are about to be through with all of our credit card and similar debt. We have a new mortgage, 2 years left on a car payment and some small student loans. We currently contribute to our companies 401K so that we can get the max match out of the company.

As of right now, we want to start with about $100/week towards our fututure. What are some of the more practical ways to start investing/saving?

I don't know if I have the risk tollerance to jump into the stock market. Should I go with a Roth IRA? If so, should I let a company manage the funds or would I be better of doing it myself?

Thanks,

Answer 1

The most simplistic way is just to throw the money into a savings account. But it will not accumulate much interest and it is liquid assests and easily withdrawn.

The second simplist way is to throw it into a CD. You can choose the length of the term and interest rates are usually better than savings. However, your money is tied up and if you get a special rate, if you don't withdraw the money when it matures, you tend to get a pretty weak rate afterward and then your money is tied up again for another term (however long you choose).

A Roth IRA is one of the best things to do but you are limited to $4000 a year (currently). I would recommend making monthly contributions to it because most financial institutions that manages Roth IRAs will not allow mere $100 contributions. A word of caution in regards to the monthly contribution is that you will need discipline and not touch that money you designated for savings for other things. With a Roth IRA, you cannot deduct your contributions from your taxes however any interest gained and dividends paid are not taxable when you withdraw in retirement.

However, there are other flexibilities that a Roth IRA has that a traditional IRA does not. You can use it as a part (or all) of your downpayment for a new house and you can use it for higher education.

Keep contributing that max that your companies will match on the 401K will also help with your retirement future.

Lastly, remember that time is on your side. The longer you invest, the better. Don't worry about the ups and downs of the market.

Answer 2

If you can't risk going into the stock market, invest into something safe, like the money market. Which is like a savings account but with higher interest. I think Capital One has about 5% on their accounts right now. Paypal has around 4% if you live in texas, there's also Texas bank that has 6%. Companies like Capital One, you can trust that they won't go down hill or anything. Their company is way to big for that. You won't risk the loss of money, you'll just leave it in there and gain more money. Honestly, letting a company manage your money is the better idea but they charge for those services. Managing it yourself wont' be as effective since you do got to go to work & have a life too. I don't know how to explain it fully, but a company would better manage your money than you can. Because well.... that's what they do for a living.

Answer 3

Congrats on paying most of your debt off!

The hardest part about saving and investing is starting. I don't mean who and where to invest, but be in the mentaliy to sock money away on a weekly or monthly basis.

That being said. The people on this board gave some good information. I may be bias because I am in the industry, but I would recommend working with a good financial advisor who can direct you to some really good investment choices that will fit into your personal and family goals and also keep them in line with your risk tolerance.

Can you do it yourself? You could, but most individual investors are too emotional when investing, and when they look at yahoo finance or the newspaper and see the rates, stocks, funds, etc go down in value, most panic and sell off. Or they will hear the next fund/stock tip and will invest huge money in something that has already appreciated. Or individuals do not have a correct allocation of funds that match their tolerance to risk. Usually on an annual basis you can review the account with the advisor and make changes as needed.

Now, as far as investment vehicles, Roth IRAs are VERY efficient at growing retirement income in the long run. You can max out at about $666/month ($333/month for you and $333/month for your wife) If you quallify for it -- it is definitely something to look into.

Answer 4

If you're looking to save for retirement, the Roth IRA is the way to go, as withdrawals are tax-free after 5 years. Have a company at least advise you on how to manage your funds, because you're usually worse off managing them on your own.

If you're squeamish about the stock market, you could try mutual funds; the people who manage mutual funds are well-versed in how the stock market works, and will do all the investing for you.

Answer 5

I think you should contribute the additional $100 to your company's 401k... IF they offer a lot of different funds and you can diversify.

Both my FI and I have all of our savings in our company's 401k plans. I have more of a high risk portfolio (I'm 25) and his is a little more moderate (he's 33).

That way, the additional $100 is being matched by your company.

That is, if you're saving for retirement.

Answer 6

You and your family should spend less than what you guy make, control the urge of buy new cars or fansy stuff, cut down on party, always set aside 10-15% of the gross pay to your 401k, learn nivest the right way. if I could do it, you could too.


Yes you could learn invest by yourself. it is your money, you should know how to do with it. for starter check this site out.

http://www.pathtoinvesting.org/index_fla...
http://www.stockcharts.com
http://www.streettalklive.com>... university. a lot amount of information. It will serve you well
I accumulate in good amount in 401k at the young age.I could share with you. when consider invest in stock market. you should consider basic 3 things:

fundamental analysis==(economic data,finincial health, management, business model, competetion)>>what to buy

technical analysis==(chart+indicator)>> when to buy

Sentiment/schycho analysis==>>mood of investor, Contrarian point of view.
Market cycle===>> check out book Trader Almanac by jeff hirsch will give you inside stuff
When you combine 3 thing, It is one of the powerful knowledge goinh with you for the rest of your live

At the age of 32. my 401k is amassed 12k in Roth IRA, 63000 in 401k, 30000 in cash for emergency. And I keep saving until one day I can go to work as an option not as an obligation

Answer 7

Since you are getting your credit inorder, it is time to get the capital markets on your side, in other words use other people's money to your advantage.
1. establish a saving account at your local bank/credit union
2. get acquainted with their loan officers and see what they recommend for investments.
3. take out some small loans(even if you do not need them), pay them back, you loan officers will note this
4. now look for investments for your nest egg and your new capital stream that you command via the bank
5. a good first investment is a rental duplex, live in one side, collect rent on the other, your loan officer will like this plan
6. keep on the look out for deeply discounted items, boats, cars etc that are ruining over extended debtors. Pounce on the good ones using the bank's money
7. absorb any losses, they are your fault and not the banks.

Answer 8

CD's, Less risk currently has good gains. 6% if you can find it. Just talk to your bank.

Any company or individual will be glad to take your money and do the same thing with it you can do yourself.

You have to keep an eye on your future if you want it to be there when you get there.

Answer 9

Go to www.sharebuilder.com and invest in stocks or ETF's. You can invest for as little as $4 a trade. They also have calculators & investment ideas.

Open a savings accounts with ING Direct (www.ingdirect.com) or HSBC Bank (www.hsbc.com). ING is currently paying a 4.35% on a NO minimum savings account. HSBC is paying 5.05% (also no minimum). Try getting those rates at your local bank!

Answer 10

Start with a Roth IRA -in a CD with the highest possible AYP.