(Tom: There are some good tips below but I will trump them with this one.
I worked as an insurance agent for AMP for 12 years. THE most important investing tip I learned from my time there was, “Invest in your own income earning potential.”
You can only ever invest a portion of what you earn. If you earn 4 times as much you have a LOT more to invest!)
Josh Gwin writes:
in 2013 I had my money with a financial advisor.
The market went up 27%.
My investments went up 0%.
I asked my guy why and he said, “You said you didn’t want to lose money so I put you in very conservative investments.”
I started learning to manage my own investments the next day.
Here’s what’s worked for me:
Spend less than you earn.
Invest the difference in S&P 500 index funds. I use VTSAX primarily.
Keep expenses ratio low (easy if you invest in index funds with no financial advisor).
Automate your investing.
I have a percentage of every check I get automatically go to buy index funds.
Avoid any financial advisor that charges by assets under management (AUM).
Read Jim Collins stock series.
Marry the right person.
