Investing is for everyone

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net

How do you teach your children or even yourself to be financially prepared for life?  Can you count on social security or pensions to carry you through your golden years?  Unfortunately, no one has a crystal ball to see into the future, but historically speaking there have only been decreases in the amount of support from these sources.  So how do you ensure a secure financial future?  Make your money work for you by investing.

It does not matter if it is individual stocks, mutual funds, options, REITs, ETFs, IRA, ROTH, 401k, TSP, etc.  Each person should have a portion of their portfolio invested in the stock market and discover the amazing effects of compound interest.  At today’s interest rates at the bank with money markets hovering at 1%, it is an impossibility to get your money to grow.

If you aren’t investing yet, get curious, start learning about the stock market, and teach your children to ensure both your futures.  Of course, make sure you are debt free except for your home loan before you start investing.  Then learn all you can and reap the rewards!

Click like if you are currently investing in the stock market.

Give yourself a raise!

“Hand Puts A Penny To A Heap Of British Coins” by Serge Bertasius Photography from freedigitalphotos.net

“Hand Puts A Penny To A Heap Of British Coins” by Serge Bertasius Photography from freedigitalphotos.net

Does your employer offer a matching contribution pension plan?  If so, give yourself a raise!  It is a guaranteed return.  Consider even contributing beyond the amount your employer will match but ALWAYS contribute to maximize the match.  The IRS has rules and yearly contribution limits.  Check them out at http://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/401(k)-Plans.

Very carefully review your investing options inside the plan and select the appropriate mix of investments to make it grow!  With generous donations and good management your account should keep growing. It will eventually become a large part of your financial support when you retire.

If your company has a retirement plan what is the matching contribution rate?  Please comment.