Investing Tips to Help You Get Started

Many people are interested in learning how they can get started with investing. It may seem a little surprising in the present climate that some folks are interested in getting into the stock market and other investments, but the savvy are recognizing an opportunity. When you look at it that way, it makes sense that some would start buying now. After all, stocks especially can be had at a discount. Here are a few tips that can help you get started with investing:

• Look for a discount broker or low cost fund. It's all about reducing costs as much as possible. You don't want your earnings eaten by commissions and fees. Sign up online with a discount broker. If you are getting into funds (index, mutual, ETF), look for low cost funds. Vanguard and Fidelity are both well known for their low cost funds.
• Set up automatic withdrawal for you investment account. Tisa Silver at Bizzia offers this helpful advice regarding setting up automatic withdrawal: "You can set up an investment plan to make routine withdrawals from your bank account. You decide how much and how often you wish to invest. This saves time and makes investing a habit." If you have a retirement account at work, you can have the money withheld from your paycheck.
• Keep it simple. Learn about investing, and the different investments available to you. Then choose to invest in financial instruments that you are comfortable with and understand. Stay away from complex and opaque investments that are hard to understand. Stick with what you know.
• Consider professional advice. A fee-based financial planner can help you learn more about investments, and help you put together an investment plan and asset allocation that works for you.
  

The important thing is to get started. Once you get things set up for automatic, you can learn more about investing and change things up a little bit. However, I recommend finding something that works for you, and then making only minor adjustments every few months as needed. The less you mess with what will provide you an adequate return, the better off you'll be -- and the more money you will keep.

Disclaimer: I am not an investment professional. Nothing in this piece or on this Web site should be construed as investment advice. Before making investment decisions, do your own research and/or consult with an investment professional. All investment comes with the risk of loss. You are responsible for your own investment decisions and any loss that may result from your decisions.