When Should You Start Investing?
The short answer: as soon as you can.
The longer answer: the best time to start investing is when you have a steady income, a basic emergency fund (typically 3–6 months of expenses), and a desire to build long-term wealth. Even small amounts invested early can grow significantly over time thanks to the magic of compound interest.
Waiting for the “perfect time” often leads to missed opportunities. Life will always have competing priorities—but your future self will thank you for starting today.
Innovative Money Strategies to Build Wealth
Investing isn’t just about picking stocks. It’s about building a system that works for you. Here are a few forward-thinking strategies to consider:
- Automate Everything: Set up automatic transfers to investment accounts. This removes the temptation to spend and makes saving a habit, not a chore.
- Use Buckets for Goals: Create separate “buckets” for short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals. For example, a high-yield savings account for a vacation, a brokerage account for a home down payment, and a retirement account for the long haul.
- Leverage Tax-Advantaged Accounts: Maximize accounts like Roth IRAs, HSAs, and 401(k)s to reduce taxes and grow wealth more efficiently.
- Invest in Yourself: Courses, certifications, or even starting a side hustle can yield returns that rival the stock market.
- Diversify Beyond the Basics: Explore real estate, REITs, or fractional shares to build a portfolio that reflects your risk tolerance and goals.
The Power of Financial Discipline
Investing in your future often means giving up something today. That might be skipping the latest gadget, dining out less frequently, or driving your car a few more years. But here’s the truth: discipline today creates freedom tomorrow.
Financial discipline isn’t about deprivation—it’s about intentionality. It’s choosing long-term security over short-term gratification. And over time, those small sacrifices compound into something powerful: peace of mind, options, and the ability to say “yes” to what really matters.
A Roadmap: Where to Put Your Dollars First
Not sure where to start? Here’s a simple roadmap to guide your first steps:
- Emergency Fund – Build 3–6 months of expenses in a high-yield savings account. This is your safety net.
- Employer-Sponsored 401(k) – Contribute at least enough to get the full employer match—it’s free money.
- Roth IRA or Traditional IRA – These accounts offer powerful tax advantages depending on your income and tax situation.
- Health Savings Account (HSA) – If you have a high-deductible health plan, HSAs offer triple tax benefits: tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses.
- Brokerage Account – Once tax-advantaged accounts are maxed out, a taxable brokerage account gives you flexibility and access to a wide range of investments.
- 529 Plan or Education Savings – If you’re planning for a child’s education, start early with a 529 plan or similar vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Investing in your future isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a mindset. It’s about believing that your goals are worth the effort, your dreams are worth the discipline, and your future is worth fighting for.
Start where you are. Use what you have. And remember: the best investment you’ll ever make is in yourself.
Chris graduated from the University of Maine, where he played hockey on a scholarship, and retired from professional hockey in 2007. In the community, he remains engaged, serving as a youth hockey coach. Chris holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. Outside the office, he enjoys trying new food and wine, reading, traveling, playing golf and hockey, fat tire biking, and donating to local charities. His passions include being a husband and dad, lake life with the family, watching his son and daughter play sports, and spending time with his wife. To learn more about Chris, connect with him on LinkedIn.
Heisten Financial, LLC is a registered investment advisor with the SEC. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed.