10/18/2020
The best time to start investing is...
There are a few pithy (and reasonably accurate) endings to this statement. It's true that the best time to start was 20 years ago and the second best time is today...IF...
1. You have eliminated consumer debt, and
2. You have an emergency fund
Consumer debt robs from your future. It does no good to have $5,000 in the bank and $5,000 in consumer debt - especially if it's high interest debt. If you add up what you own, subtract what you owe and come up with a number less that 1, you have some work to do.
An emergency fund is really just insurance. It protects your wealth-building plan from derailment It keeps you from having to borrow money - from your own retirement as well as well as from others - to handle those annoying things that pop up, like car repairs, or appliance replacements.
A well-run budget will force you to create good spending and savings practices, and lead to great investing options. Budgets are simple; the math is elementary but the behavior takes some effort. Simply write down how much money you think you will have for next month's bills (this month is almost over, so let's look forward). That includes money you get this month that will be used to pay everything on time next month. Start "spending" that money on paper... first is the Rent or Mortgage, then Food, then Utilities, then Basic Transportation (include loan/lease payments, gas, insurance and maintenance). after that, give yourself an amount to spend on other things, like gifts, charities, haircuts, sports, entertainment, vacations). When you get done spending, if you have money you didn't spend, pile it on debt, or, if you have no debt, start beefing up the emergency fund. Before you know it, you'll be safe from emergency expenses, free from payments, and investing in good growth mutual funds, and headed toward a dignified retirement.