Questions about how to create wealth or how to become rich prompted me to organize my investment and wealth-related articles into a "To-Do" list, step by step toward financial independence. Those questions say a lot about the lack of financial education not only in the United States but also in the majority of other countries.
Sometimes I think that teaching about anything but money is done with a purpose. I am not a conspiracy theorist, but reading about and seeing the lack of financial knowledge in young (and not-so-young) people makes me wonder...
So, let me cover this gap if (and I am emphasizing the word "IF") you are willing to apply the efforts to learn these "must-have" skills for every adult.
Let's start with a plan, the plan that begins with the very basics and gradually goes up in the level of complexity.
But before I start, you should accept several requirements:
- Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about different investment options and strategies. Understand the basics of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, and other investment vehicles. Read books, attend seminars, and follow reputable financial websites to enhance your knowledge.
- Build an Emergency Fund: Before diving into investments, establish an emergency fund that covers at least three to six months' worth of living expenses. This ensures you have a safety net in case of unexpected financial setbacks.
- Pay Off High-Interest Debt: If you have any high-interest debt, such as credit card debt or personal loans, prioritize paying it off. High-interest debt can erode your potential investment returns, so it's generally advisable to eliminate it first.
- Create a Budget: Develop a comprehensive budget that tracks your income, expenses, and savings. Ensure you have a surplus each month that you can allocate towards investments. Use a simple spreadsheet to calculate income and expenses.
Let's start your journey into the investing world! Make sure nothing distracts you from reading. Turn your smartphone down.
- You need to invest your money.
- Learn about the basic investment types (Money Market Accounts, Certificates of Deposit, Bonds, Real Estate, Mutual funds, Stocks, ETFs, CEFs, Options, and Cryptocurrency);
- Investing in Common Stocks;
- How to trade stocks for beginners (examples);
- Mutual Funds – the oldest investment vehicle beyond stocks.
- Investor Education: DIVIDENDS, and why you should love them.
- Investor Education: Real Estate. How I Became a Real Estate Investor
- Investor Education: Real Estate. Real Estate Investing: How to Buy and Rent. Landlord 101. (3 parts).
- Investor Educations: REITs
- Investor Education: Mortgage REITs.
- Investor Education: Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).
- Investor Education: Closed-End funds (CEFs).
- Preferred Stocks and Senior Securities. PART I.
- Senior Securities & Corporate BONDS. PART II.
- Cryptocurrency: something to avoid now.
- Options: not for beginners.
- How to Start Stock Trading (comprehensive guide with a simple plan)
- Personal Finances 101
Note: If you are not ready to invest in physical Real Estate, you can skip the tutorials. It is still very interesting information!
Educating yourself before investing in any asset is the most important step to take.
Best of luck in your journey!
Your Admin