Millennials are known to differ from previous generations. They’re less concerned about the future and more concerned about the present. But that has led to the unintended side effect of millennials not making the investments they should.
The best time to start is when you’re young. And among all past generations, Millennials have more access to research, expert opinions due to the digital age. When every knowledge is within reach, then why don’t they get skilled in financial management.
Do not put all eggs in one market, spread your investment across multiple areas and instruments. Do mistakes at the beginning for they’ll turn into important financial lessons.
And then stuck with what worked in the first place. If the direct stock purchase is not your cup of tea then you’ll not give in to impulse.
Top Investment Millennials are Ignoring
Not Investing in Index Funds
Index funds are relatively safe, long-term investments that millennials should be making. It’s well-known that millennials have little faith in the markets, but the market will give you a superior return over the course of your lifetime.
These funds are ideal because, instead of individual shares, you can enjoy funds that consist of potentially hundreds of shares. This spreads your risk and ensures a reasonably acceptable return over time.
Not Having Health Insurance
Millennials rarely fear the future because they haven’t yet reached an age where health is a concern. But if you decide to get medical and dental insurance later in life you could find that it costs you far more than expected; particularly if you have a pre-existing condition.
The best thing you can do is to invest in it now at a young age and take advantage of lower premiums.
Not Opting for Life Insurance
Life insurance may be another risk-free investment you should consider. Do it before you start a family so you can make sure that you have a bigger pot in the event of your death.
And, again, you can benefit from needing to put away less money to make up the ground you would need to make up later.
This is something you can’t afford to ignore because you never know what might happen in the future.
Not Investing in IRA
Invest in an IRA or a 401(k) for your retirement and you’re being extremely responsible. But what a lot of millennials forget is when they withdraw from it in later years they will have to pay tax on that money.
A Roth IRA is superior because you pay the tax on the money now and then you can withdraw it tax-free during your retirement.
It is always better to pay your bills when you are earning money, as opposed to paying them later when you have long quit working.
It’s a much better deal for you.
Not Investing in Real Estate
Why is real estate so important?
It can act as a place to live, but it’s also a way of protecting your money. In most cases, real estate will rise alongside the economy. And real estate is also good protection against a major market crash, which is becoming increasingly regular.
Begin investing in affordable property right now and in the ensuing decades, you’ll have a way to generate wealth and a way to protect your capital.
Last Word – Start Investing Now
Don’t always live in the moment. Think of the future and it will reward you well. But to get to that point you have to take action now, and there’s no time like the present.
Get the basic knowledge of investing and then set your strategy straight.
Such a great list! I’ve never been into getting life insurance though, I just don’t think I see the point.
Hey SB, agree with all your points except the life insurance point. I’ve always felt that this was a bit of a scam – and certainly not an investment. Given that the insurers are highly profitable then the odds are stacked against you – the likelihood is that the insurers will receive more in premiums then they ever pay out. At the end of the day I’m a millennial and I’m young. I have no child dependents. If I died my wife can still cover the mortgage. Why do I need to pay out premiums (that I could invest myself) for the unlikely event that I die.