I have $50000, how to invest?

Question

I am a 28 year old student with 2 more years to earn B.S. in Civil Engineering. I don't work, no professional experience, been at home mom going through a divorce. Will be full time student with maybe some part time @ school. Money from sale of our home. As of now, income will be child support and alimony around $2000. I have 2 children under the age of 7. Currently renting and no assets and no debts. Would love to travel. Simple, nature lover and have passion for learning and experience. Future is uncertain, not set on any specific goals. Kind of on the whim type of person.

What advise can you give me?

Answer 1

send me the cash, i'll take care of it for you

Answer 2

First. You are already making the best investment you can. Your education.

If your child support and alimony are enough to pay for the next 2 years, then congratulations!

Decide how long and what you are investing for. There is a huge difference between 1 year and 10 or more.

Best is to see a local "fee only" financial advisor, and spend $100 for an hour or two of time.

If you plan on staying where you are long term, consider looking for a home to buy. (if so, find a great deal too)

< 3 years should be cash investments (CD, money market) giving about 5%.

5 year range depends on what you need if for and if you can cover a potential loss in value.

10 years, a diversified stock or stock index fund (S&P 500) is appropriate.

If you don't understand these terms, get an advisor, or keep it in cash at 5% until you do.

Answer 3

While you've provided some details, this is far from enough to begin to build a lifetime financial plan.

Sure, you might end up marrying again and to someone who has all that stuff handled. Sounds like a long shot to me, though.

So I think you'd best plan as if you'll not be married for a while and/or won't marry a financial genius.

That means you prepare at least the outline of a plan that'll take you out through your career, retirement, and into far old age.

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That said, it is generally wise to have some means of handling a financial emergency should one arise. Alas, the risks, while individually remote, are quite real and accumulate to a fair chance that something bad and expensive might happen. [Example: what happens if your ex- dies in a plane crash or is severely injured and can't work any more.]

You have to be able to get beyond the hump of the possible financial disaster in the next few weeks/months into the time when you'll be working full time as a civil engineer [my grandson just started in that line, so I know there are plenty of job openings for new grads].

After that, your financial picture will change significantly because of employer paid benefits [I assume].

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For most peope, what they'd do with any part of that $50 they think won't be serving as their temporary safety net is putting it aside toward buying a house.

Over the long run, buying a house has been a good to great investment -- in most areas and if you aren't buying near the peak of the market. To do this efficiently, you'll want to be established in your career at least a year, perhaps more [ask a mortgage broker about this -- short employment doesn't look too stable to lenders and thus they charge higher rates.]

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That doesn't mean that you shouldn't consider some longer term form of investment that'll at least grow with the general economy. And, you have to come to an internal gut balance between investing for the far future and buying a house.

Speculative investments? I don't recommend doing any at all until after your current and retirement financial needs are under control.


GL

Answer 4

Congrats on continuing your education with all that is going on in your life. As far as what to do I would not buy a house yet until you know where you want to live, where you can find a job in your chosen field, I would invest in a high yield savings account, at least 3 months worth of living expenses. also I would check into a VUL policy and a Disability policy, as you never know what is going to happen in life, For extra quick income I would invest at least $10,000.00 top $20,000.00 with an investment club as there are no fees to join and the risk of losing your money through investments is greatly reduced versus you striking out on your own. I am in a club and I receive an average of 5.3 % monthly. If you need more info you can write me at [e-mail]

Answer 5

Studying the market will save you from the potential pitfalls in your investments as now you will be more aware of the principles of investing. To understand the market, read everything about process, find out how to judge the worth of the good stock etc. The more aware you become, it is possible for you to make smart investments and earn a profit. It will also allow you to design an investment plan for both the short term and for the long term.

Answer 6

I'd say to buy a mutual fund with with high-rated corporate bonds or dividend-paying stocks. This is an income portfolio, to bring in more current income for you. If not, you can have the earnings reinvested in the fund, growing in value.

Should you need to relocate after finishing school, it is still around to provide a downpayment for a home.

The biggest thing is that to know is not to invest in anything you don't understand, and secondly, be aware that stock brokers generally make money by doing transactions. You don't want that. I am a Vanguard investor, and think that one of its selection of no-load funds would fulfill your needs well.

Answer 7

I think the key word in everything you said was "passion". If you have a passion, hobby, skill, or any of a number of things that many do less well than you, then you have a basis to exploit your interests while holding on to your money.

There are simpler ways to explain this all, but I could only screw it up. Go and see what Canadian medical doctor , Dr. Ken Evoy has to say on holding on to your cash while you exploit your talents.

Answer 8

Definately invest in a house. Why should you rent? How much do you pay, $700 a month. You can sometimes get a loan with $700 payments. Then in ten years you can sell the house, which it will most likely go up in value. And a lot of states won't tax you on a big chunk of profit. Land is a good investment too.

Answer 9

Diversification is key. Mutual funds are always a good choice. Don't be afraid to invest in foreign markets also. Usually when th e us market struggles, you can compensate for loses by your investments overseas as it is usually an inverse relationship.

How do you plan on investing? Starting an account and doing your own research online? Or eventually hiring someone to help you along the way?

If your doing research on your own i recommend being very thorough and checking the company history.

Just remember not to put all your egg's in one basket.

Answer 10

Dont put all into one investment. you should actually keep some in a high interest saving account and some in investments if that is what you want. Read tips on Investing, stocks and much more on this site to help you better

Answer 11

Low to medium risk mutual funds always make the most money in an investment.