July 20, 2020
Stephen Schiestel is a professor in the Department of Finance. This is repurposed content from InvestorPlace.com. Read the original here.
If we have learned any finance-related lessons as a result of the pandemic, it is that most Americans don’t have a sufficient emergency fund to carry them through any calamities faced. A good rule of thumb is to have three to six months of expenses in a safe and secure account — a savings account at a bank or a money market mutual fund. Saving at least 10% of income, monitoring where our money goes and being disciplined with our investments are time-tested strategies for a successful investment future.
It is important to look at the benefits package that an employer is offering when considering job offers. Make sure that you have some health care options, disability insurance coverage and retirement savings plans. Disability insurance is often overlooked, but a young person has a higher probability of being disabled than dying.
In addition, hopefully the employer is offering a tax-advantaged retirement plan — either a 401(k) or 403(b) plan. I would want to know how long I have to wait until I can participate in the plan, does the firm provide a match and what investment options are offered. You will want to contribute at least the amount needed to receive all of the firm’s match and then ultimately try to reach the 10-15% of salary target.
Select the least expensive investment choices (preferably index funds) and allocate most of your investments to stocks. Young people have investment horizons stretching decades so they can afford to take on market risk.
In summary, I recommend following these five principles:
