Do you need a ton of money to invest?

The holidays are a reminder that the New Year is approaching. 2023. Where did the time go? Most people reflect on their actions, accomplishments, shortcomings, and goals, especially money goals. Often, we allow limiting beliefs or false truths to keep us from achieving our goals and dreams. So before diving into how much money you need, let's learn more about investing. Investing is buying an asset or portion of an investment that will increase in value over time. According to Statista, 58 percent of adults in the United States invested in the stock market.

This blog post is not investment advice!

Here are some ways you can invest:

• real estate

• art

• education

• stock market

• ..and so much more

Investing aims to increase the value of your original investment, also known as return on investment. If you're just starting, then you're in the right place. The best time to enter the stock market is now. Just start. Before setting up accounts for your kids, ensure that you have accounts set up for yourself. 

Around 39 percent of kids have a savings account, but only 6 percent have an investment account where they hold stocks, mutual funds, or ETFs, according to a 2022 T. Rowe Price survey.

Economy

If you're reading this, then you are aware of the US economy. From record-high inflation, housing shortages, supply shortages, and so much more. Despite the economy, there couldn't be a better time to invest in the market. Why? Because time in the market is way better than timing the market. 

Please note you should do your research before you make any investments. 

If you're looking to get started today, this week, or this year, these investment accounts can be opened today.

Opening an Account

Opening a brokerage account is as easy as applying for a checking account. However, once you select a brokerage, you will choose a fund. This step is essential. If you don't accomplish this step, your money will sit in a money market account (and not actual investments; therefore, the return on investment will not be there). 

You will then have to consider what account you're interested in creating - 401K, Roth IRA, Individual Brokerage account, etc. 

I can't tell you where to invest your money or where, but you can start here. Here's a fund that you can begin with:

• S&P 500 Index Funds - These funds are comprised of the Standard and Poor's top 500 indexes of companies (averages about 7-9% yield - on a 10-year graph)

• Target Date Index Funds - These funds are targeted for your retirement date. Target-date funds for investors retiring in 2050 have returned 8.48 percent a year for the past five years. (Brown, 2018)

These funds can be obtained at most brokerages (the brokerage will have its namesake on the S&P 500). You can open most accounts with $0, and a direct deposit can be as low as $5.

Again do your research before purchasing funds. Also, the goal is not to set it and forget it, the goal is to become a more intentional and aware investor. If you created an account from this post, please let me know below. I want to hear more about your journey. Happy Investing!