Though most people would probably agree that investing is a smart move, not nearly enough are doing it. In 2011, the number of Americans with stock market investments hit a low not seen since 1999. If you’re struggling to start investing yourself, look through these common hurdles and see how you can leap over them and race on toward better financial health.
Investing Seems Too Difficult
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If you’ve never invested a penny before, getting started may simply seem too daunting. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you learn about the process. You don’t have to jump into stocks and bonds. Begin by setting aside as much as you can in a savings account. When you have a few thousand saved there, move it to a short-term CD where you’ll earn a higher interest rate. Take baby steps and diversify your portfolio with riskier investments gradually.
There’s Never Enough Money
If you’re struggling to make ends meet, investing probably seems impossible. It’s not easy to invest if you don’t have much money to spare, but every bit helps. Comb through your budget and look for creative ways to cut back. Walk to work a few days a week or organize a carpool and invest the amount that you save on gas. Switch soda for tap water from a reusable filtered bottle. You can find lots of ways to free up a little extra money when you put your mind to it.
The Timing Never Seems Right
Many people fall into the endless excuse of waiting till “later” to get more organized with their finances. Investing gives you the biggest return when done as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the less you can make. Though the state of the economy will impact which type of investment is wisest at any given moment, the best time to invest is always right now.
It’s Nerve-Wracking to Give up Immediate Access to Funds
When you invest your money, it’s not always accessible right away. There are penalties associated with accessing certain investments before they’ve matured. Most people feel most comfortable with their money close at hand. Keep some emergency funds in an accessible savings account so you have something to fall back on if you need it. Then bite the bullet and put what you don’t need into investments.
Investing Seems Too Risky
If you’ve experienced the struggle of going without, it’s not always easy to trust your money to an investment on the faith that your risk will pay off and you’ll end up with more. If you aren’t investing because you’re too afraid of losing your money, begin with something low-risk like a CD. Not all investments are as unpredictable as the stock market. Turn to experts with credentials like what you find on the Fisher Investments profile for advice on the best investments for your comfort level.
There are only two ways to make money – by working for it, or by making it work for you. Stop making excuses that force you to go through the daily grind year after year and start investing now.
I hesitate because I feel the market is rigged and too many crooks run it.
I just do not have enough money to invest being on a fixed income. But my sister invested and has made great money at it. I think more people should invest. I think they need someone to help them take out the scary factor, and then they probably would invest!
We aren’t investing our money because with everyday expenses including paying for college there just isn’t any money left. We hope to start when our children are out of college.
We invest a little each month. We hope that in the long run it really pays off. I would like us to have plenty of money when we retire.
The “there’s never enough money” is a big one for us
It can be really overwhelming for those who don’t understand the ins and outs of it. Plus, I think a lot of people think you need a huge amount to get started.
I’m sure these are all true!! I know for me that I’m just always hesitate and worry that it is too risky.
I guess we are in the same boat as a lot of other people…the money does not stretch far enough for investing. The one good thing is that both my husband has a 403b and I have a Roth IRA that was just moved over from an old 403b. I would love investing in my Roth IRA again though. I keep waiting for things to just get a little more stable. At some point I will just have to “do it”!