As a young professional, I talk to friends a lot about our different investment options, not only for retirement, but for short-term and long-term savings, too.
Many people think that they should invest a brokerage account if they want to invest, but for most people, there are better options and a very clear hierarchy that should be followed to be sure you’re taking advantage of all the perks our many investment vehicles offer.
Everyone has a different mix of investment options, but it’s very easy to follow. If you don’t have a type of account mentioned, that’s OK. Just move on to the next option.
Investment Vehicles
Most of have the opportunities to invest through 401(k)s and IRAs as well as non-tax-advantage accounts, but not everyone knows which ones are best for different situations.
The most common situation for young people is the choice of 401(k), IRA (Roth and Traditional), or a regular brokerage account.
If you need a refresher course, check out the explanation of each of the types of retirement accounts. The only account we’ll discuss that’s not included in that article is the standard brokerage account. This is the type of investing account that is promoted most, so think E*TRADE.
As opposed to all the other investing accounts, which are retirement accounts, a standard brokerage account is not targeted toward people looking to invest for retirement (but you can still invest in one with an eye toward retirement). There are no tax advantages to this account, but for those who want to save for other goals, this could be the right place to do it. All earnings are taxed, but you can always withdraw both contributions and earnings with no penalties.
Where Should 20 Somethings Be Putting Their Investments?
So how should young people invest?
First, start with any 401(k) contributions that would earn a match through your employer. This is just free money, so if you get a match on up to 5% of your salary, contribute 5% of your salary. They’ll match with 5%, so you’re essentially getting a 5% for free! This is definitely your first step.
Next, invest in your Roth IRA. This account has far more flexibility than a 401(k), and your contributions (but not your earnings) can be withdrawn at any time with no penalty. Contribute up to the maximum, which is $5,500 in 2015 as long as you’re under the income limit of $121,000 as an individual or $181,000 as a married couple (and you will be if you’re just starting out).
Once your Roth IRA is fully funded, keep funding the 401(k) through your employer if you are eligible, up to the maximum $18,000 for 2015. You might as well take advantage of any tax deferred savings incentives while you can!
Finally, you have my permission to invest in a regular brokerage account. This should be the last option because there are no tax advantages of this type of account.
If you’ve got enough to invest that you make it to the brokerage account, you’re doing a great job. But can you beat my savings goal?
More young people need to take advantage of their 401ks! With most employers offering some sort of match it is like throwing away free money if you aren’t using that benefit.
Great specific advice! Thanks for this post.
Yes, I am agree with you point. Today many option are available are youngster. I Don’t know what the beef is with ETrade. I personally like them I have a diversified portfolio and am mostly a passive investor and from my experience, it’s worked out well. It has a varied set of products and tools to offer the small investor.
@Shawn @ PipsToday, Doesn’t Etrade charge you if you don’t trade often enough? I got burned by a $60 fee a few years ago…maybe things are different now, but I never found them to be set up for passive or casual investors and switched to another brokerage.
I can’t say I fully agree with this advice. If you put all your extra money in retirement accounts then you are going to be in trouble if you need to pull that money out before you’re in your 60’s.
It does make sense to use the 401k for matching and the Roth IRA because you can withdraw contributions, but fully funding a 401k as a young person can be dangerous having all your money tied up.
@Kevin @ RewardBoost, I hear what you’re saying, but the more you save when you’re young in your first few years in the workforce, the less you’ll need to save later.
As you know, there are situations where you can withdraw the money, so if you and your spouse have invested $5,500 each for several years, you’ll have a nice base to withdraw if you want to buy a home or something.
You mention ETrade, but I’d stay away from them if you’re a new investor because they charge you if there’s a period of inactivity. (Or at least they did a few years ago when I was in my 20s…learned this the hard way.) ETrade is really better for more active traders.
For new and young investors who just want to put a little bit of extra money in some stocks and see how they do over the long term, they are better off opening a brokerage account. Often, they can open the account with the same company that manages their 401k, so you can see all of your investments with a single longing. I have done this with Fidelity and it was easy. Just $7.95/trade and no other fees.
What about cash value life insurance? For a young saver, the “be your own banker” options of these products can prove to be very valuable. No 59 1/2 rules, tax free withdrawals if structured properly, tax deferred growth, tax free proceeds, rates of return as good or better than other fixed products. Unlimited contributions.