Investing Advice: Start Now

Dude, you don't need a lot of money to start

Once you have your emergency fund of $1,000 -- and I prefer and recommend $2,000 -- it's time to think about investing long-term for the future. And of course, you've gotten rid of your consumer debt: credit cards, shopping store installments (furniture, etc), and that  pesky car loan.

But you can start small even as you're working on those goals. The sooner your start, the more wealth for retirement you'll have. 

For example, if you're now the young age of 25 and invested $5,000 a year for 10 years, and then stopped, based on an 8% annual return, you'd have $615,000. If you wait until you're 35, and invest keep investing each year until you're 60, you'll have $431,000. (There are plenty of retirement calculators on Google search).

If you're just now getting started, and don't have much -- or any -- money in your investment account, there are tools to help you out. Don't worry about how old you are now. 

The key is to get started. Now. 

Phil Town explains some apps that will help you get started in just seven minutes. (Note: I don't use his brokerages. I have used Schwab for 25 years and have been happy with them.) But the video will give you ideas. Also check out Mint, instead of Penny.

What are you waiting for? 

Here's a free course: Learning How to Invest