Things to consider
Where to start
Set Your Goals!
Why do you want to invest? (e.g., retirement, buying a home, financial independence)
What’s your time line? (Short-term: 3 years, Medium: 3–10 years, Long: 10+ years)
What’s your risk tolerance? (Comfort level with ups and downs)
What to know
Before investing!
Pay off high-interest debt (like credit card balances)
Create an emergency fund (3–6 months of expenses)
Have stable income and a budget in place
The choice
The choice
Choose an Approach!
Passive investing is usually best for beginners:
Index funds or ETFs that track the S&P 500 or total market
Robo-advisors (like Betterment or Wealthfront) manage your portfolio automatically
Active investing requires more time and research.
Terms
Small timer
The choice
The Basics!
Understand the main types of investments:
Stocks – ownership in companies; high growth potential, higher risk
Bonds – lending money to entities; more stable, lower returns
ETFs/Mutual Funds – baskets of investments; good for diversification
Real Estate – property investments; can generate rental income
Small timer
Small timer
Small timer
Start small!
Start with a small amount but consistently invest —start $50–100/month
Use dollar-cost averaging (investing a fixed amount regularly)
Stay invested long-term — time in the market beats timing the market
What's next
Small timer
Small timer
Open an Account!
Common options:
Brokerage Account – flexible, taxable
Retirement Accounts (U.S. examples):
Roth IRA – after-tax money, tax-free growth
Traditional IRA / 401(k) – pre-tax, tax-deferred
Popular platforms: Vanguard, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Robinhood, E*TRADE
Don't Stop
Don't Stop
Don't Stop
"Investing is a lifelong journey, so keep learning, stay curious, and adapt as your goals and the markets evolve."