Beginner’s Guide to Investing [For College Students and Graduates]

At first, you might not believe it. However, even if you’re still in college, now is one of the finest times to begin investing in the stock market. Why? Because your chances of building significant money over the long run will be stronger the earlier you start investing!

However, if you’re a total novice, the thought of investing can be very frightening. And before 2020, it may have looked like only the wealthy or those preparing for retirement would invest in their future.

All right? Perfect! Let’s start by discussing the benefits of understanding how to start investing.

To help you start investing as a novice, we’re going to provide everything you need to know in this post. In particular, we’ll consider:

But first, a few things need to be clarified before we go into those subjects.

It’s crucial that you carry out more independent research in order to make wise financial judgements. And, if required, seek the counsel of a certified financial counsellor who can assist you in making choices depending on your present financial position.

You should also be aware that every investment has some level of risk. Sadly, there is also no assurance that investing will result in profit or prevent loss.

In other words, once you’ve learned the fundamentals here, continue researching before you start so you can make wise decisions.

Why Investing Is Important

Investing is important because it allows you to earn more money through compound interest and protects you from losing value over time due to inflation. Investing can also help you reach your financial goals, such as saving for retirement, buying a home, or starting a business. Additionally, investing can provide diversification for your portfolio, which can help mitigate risk and maximize returns. By investing, you can also take advantage of market growth and compound interest over time, which can be beneficial in the long term.

But, is learning how to invest still worth it? Absolutely! Why? 

Investing gives you the power to let your money earn more money for you. Yep, you read that right! When you invest, your money can make you money thanks to compound interest. In addition, when you invest you generally protect yourself from your money losing value over time due to inflation.

Why You Don’t Need A Lot of Money to Start Investing 

Investing in the stock market can seem like a daunting task, especially if you think you need a lot of money to get started. But the truth is, you don’t need a lot of money to start investing and building wealth. In fact, even small amounts of money can make a big difference in the long run.

One of the most popular ways to start investing with little money is through dollar-cost averaging. This strategy involves investing a fixed amount of money at regular intervals, regardless of the price of the investment. For example, if you invest $50 per month in a mutual fund, you’ll be buying more shares when the price is low and fewer shares when the price is high. Over time, this can help you build a diversified portfolio at a lower cost.

Another option for those with limited funds is to invest in low-cost index funds or ETFs. These investments typically have lower expense ratios and management fees compared to actively managed funds, which means more of your money goes towards growing your investment. Additionally, a lot of online brokers, such as Robinhood and E-trade, allow you to start investing with no minimum balance.

You can also consider starting to invest with a small amount of money in a robo-advisor. Robo-advisors use computer algorithms to build and manage portfolios, which can be an easy and low-cost way to start investing.

The key takeaway is that you don’t need a lot of money to start investing. With dollar-cost averaging, low-cost index funds, ETFs and robo-advisors, you can start investing with as little as a few dollars. The important thing is to start somewhere, and as your finances grow, you can increase your investment amount. With time and patience, your small investments can grow into a significant nest egg.

Financial Investment Jargon to Know Before You Begin Investing

If you’re new to investing, the financial jargon can feel overwhelming. But don’t let the lingo discourage you! By understanding the basics, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your investments. Here are some common terms you should know before you begin investing:

1. Stock: A stock represents a share of ownership in a company. When you buy a stock, you’re buying a small piece of the company. The value of your stock will increase if the company does well and decrease if the company does poorly.
2. Bond: A bond is a type of investment that represents a loan to a company or government. When you buy a bond, you’re essentially lending money to the issuer in exchange for regular interest payments and the return of your principal at maturity.
3. Diversification: Diversification is the practice of spreading your investments across different asset classes, sectors, and geographic regions. This helps to reduce the overall risk of your portfolio.
4. Asset Allocation: Asset allocation is the process of dividing your investments among different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and cash. The goal is to create a balance of risk and return that aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.
5. Risk Tolerance: Risk tolerance is your ability and willingness to tolerate fluctuations in the value of your investments. It’s important to consider your risk tolerance when making investment decisions, as high-risk investments may not be suitable for everyone.
6. Expense Ratio: An expense ratio is the annual fee that a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) charges to cover its operating expenses. It’s expressed as a percentage of the fund’s assets and can have a significant impact on your returns over time.
7. ETF: An ETF is a type of investment fund that’s traded on stock exchanges, like a stock. ETFs can hold a variety of assets, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities, and can be used to gain exposure to a specific market or sector.

By understanding these basic terms, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the world of investing. Remember, it’s always important to conduct your own research and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

What Are Some of the Most Popular Assets to Invest In?

When it comes to investing, there are many different types of assets to choose from. Some of the most popular include:

1. Stocks: Stocks represent ownership in a company and can be bought and sold on stock exchanges. They offer the potential for high returns but also carry a high level of risk.
2. Bonds: Bonds are debt securities issued by companies or governments. They offer a lower level of risk than stocks, but typically have lower returns as well.
3. Mutual Funds: Mutual funds are a type of investment vehicle that pools money from multiple investors to buy a variety of stocks, bonds, and other securities. They offer a level of diversification and professional management, but also come with management fees.
4. Real Estate: Real estate can be a great investment for those with the capital and expertise to purchase and manage properties. It offers the potential for long-term appreciation and rental income, but also carries risks such as market fluctuations and property maintenance.
5. Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Bitcoin is the most well-known cryptocurrency and considered as a highly volatile investment.

Ultimately, the best asset to invest in will depend on your individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. It’s important to conduct your own research and seek the advice of a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.