If I am a college student and have a limited dispendable income,?

Question

how can I start saving my money for long-term interests (i.e. stock, mutual fund investments, etc.)

Answer 1

Make a budget for yourself and stick to it. Start with fixed expenses - housing, fixed loans (like a car loan), and tuition. After that, set aside amounts that can vary, like utilities, credit card debt and groceries. Make sure you give yourself a realistic amount to get by on. Leave some money for emergencies. Once you have paid everything that HAS to be paid, then you can set aside some of the leftover money for future investments before you give yourself discretionary spending money for movies, pizza, and beer.

If that all seems too complicated, take a simpler approach. Next time you go to spend money that you don't have to spend, ask yourself if you would rather have that pleasure right now, or is it something you can do without to put aside for future investing. Even just getting a tall latte instead of vente next time you go to Starbucks can give you a start toward investing.

Answer 2

Look into Dividend Reinvestment Plans. You can start by buying one share of stock in a company, reinvest the dividends, and then buy more stock over time. You can get in for less than $100 to start and perhaps $25 at a time after that, which is what a lot of college students spend on eating pizza out. So, learn to cook and save some money, and once you get into dividend reinvesting, you'll be hooked. You'll also be far ahead of the other people your age as well.

Try Chuck Carlson's book, "How to Buy Stocks Without a Broker" to start. Good luck!

Answer 3

im in the same situation. but i started late, but i put some money in a six month cd but it will only make me like $80. I should of done it 3 years ago.