Friday, October 30, 2009

Easy Investment Strategies For Everyone

By Gladys C. Walker

Think it's too early for you to start planning your retirement? Think again. It's never too early to start saving, and oftentimes people can wait too long to have a healthy nest egg. Although there are several different ways to being saving, there are a few easy investment strategies for everyone to follow.

Take advantage of your company's 401K plan. Participating in your employer sponsored 401K plan is perhaps the easiest (and smartest) thing you can do to start saving for your retirement. Many workplaces will match a portion of your contributions. Figure out how much they will match, to what percentage, and begin contributing the maximum that your work will match. Because the money is taken pre-tax, it will not affect your wallet much.

Open a savings account. In addition to your 401K, you should have a savings account that you regularly deposit money into. As little as $10 a week adds up to over $500 a year. The more you can save a week, the better.

Stop renting and buy a house. When you rent, you are giving your money to someone else to pay for their mortgage. So stop renting and pay for your own mortgage! When you decide to sell the property you'll be amazed by how much money you'll walk away with.

Have an emergency fund. In addition to your savings account, you should have another savings account that you will not touch, unless it is an emergency. You should have save enough money to cover three months worth of bills. Should you or your loved one lose your job, having an emergency fund will ensure that you will be able to cover your mortgage each month.

Don't waste your money. People like to buy things, however they don't always purchase smartly. Use coupons and only buy clothes when they are sale. A $40 shirt will often be reduced to $8 two months later. Do not go out to eat as often. Any way that you can find to not spend as much money as you are spending right now will be a way for you to save.

Time is your ally. The more money you save, and the earlier you start saving, then the more you will have when you finally retire. That's due to compounding interest. You will earn money on the money that you earn. Although at first the amount will be small, as time goes on the balance will significantly grow. - 23204

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