HN Explorer

How do I start investing?

7 points by amotinga ↗ HN
how does one in US go about building investment portfolio? I have about 30k now and making more than I spend on living so Id like to save save and invest some. do I just walk into chase and ask for help?

also, 401k - can I only change settings in certain period? confused.

also, is there any way I can invest pretax? and if I can should I?

please help.

edit: goal is passive investing for comfortable retirement at appropriate age.

im happy working 9-5, not planning on getting rich. jaust want to save some so that I dont have to think about it when I can no longer work.

15 comments

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aazaa
You've said nothing about goals. I'd say start there and work your way down.
andymoe
401k is pretax. Usually you can change settings whenever you like though it usually takes a pay cycle or two to take affect. Pay yourself first (invest/save automatically) and budget with the rest. If you have goals like buying a house don’t forget to save for those separately so you don’t have to dip into retirement funds early and get hit with fees and extra taxes.
blacksqr
Research target mutual funds. They're all many people in your situation need.
WheelsAtLarge
It's very hard to beat index funds, few funds beat them year after year. So, call a mutual fund company(vanguard is very good) and tell them that you want to invest in index funds. They will guide you on what to do.

Add funds on a regular basis until you need it. It will grow. Keep in mind that the returns will be a wavy ride but ultimately it will be positive.

We are starting to hear criticisms on index funds but we have yet to find a better long term way to grow wealth for the individual investor. Specially for people that don't want to make finance there life's work.

ruben81adelaide
I agree, Vanguard is one of the best funds with low commissions. Nowadays there's no point putting your money in a bank account, so I looked into ways of investing the money. After carefully considering different options, I decided this was the best way to proceed with the minimum risk and with a good return.

Every month I transfer a bit, without looking if the stock goes up or down. The best goal is to invest intelligently for the long-term. Broad-based index have proven to be a good choice for long-term.

boulos
If your employer offers a 401k with a match, you should do it.

To invest outside of an employer fund, you can open an account with any number of firms, but many folks like Vanguard: they have low fees and aren’t trying to up sell you.

There’s a vibrant community at bogleheads.org (their wiki is probably more useful, e.g., the three-fund portfolio). I think there’s a subreddit at r/personalfinance or something that’s reasonable as well.

As others are saying: use simple index funds, maybe even start with just a target date fund if you aren’t comfortable building your own portfolio.

kyawzazaw
/r/bogelheads
3minus1
r/personalfinance for me. I got a lot of use out of the primers and guides they link to.
runawaybottle
I’m going to suggest wsb. Start with a small amount and try to have fun. Add more as you gain confidence and determine your risk tolerance.
cweill
Don't gamble more than you're willing or able to lose though!