Investing for the Long Haul: Tips for Millennials

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As millennials establish themselves in their careers and as adults, now is the time for these 20- and 30-year-olds to begin investing. Developing a lifelong process of saving and investing for the future is the key to this generation's long-term financial independence. If you're a millennial and unsure of how to invest wisely, here are five tips to get you started.

1. Start Immediately To Maximize Compound Interest

What you invest in generally isn't nearly as important as when you invest—and the right time to start investing is now if you haven't already. The earlier you begin laying aside money, the more time you'll have to take advantage of compound interest.

Compound interest is the principal that you'll earn interest on your earned interest. When an investment is left alone for years and decades, the simple concept can become a powerful savings tool.

The key to making compound interest work for you is time. Invest now even if that requires you to make some sacrifices in your current situation.

2. Build a Habit of Consistent Saving

Once you're saving and investing money, the next step is to make sure you continue saving even when times get tough. You can easily stop saving when finances become tight if you haven't already developed the discipline of always putting some money aside for savings.

One easy way you can help develop this discipline is to set up an automatic transfer to savings. If a payment from your checking account or paycheck goes directly into an investment, you'll be much less tempted to redirect that money somewhere else.

3. Avoid Touching Your Saved Money

When tough financial times strike, and they will, avoid touching your saved money whenever possible. If you do pull money out of savings, you'll not only deplete your nest egg, but you'll also miss out on compound interest and might have to pay a tax penalty. Working a little extra or cutting a superfluous expense are much more preferable solutions.

4. Maximize Any Available Employer Match

Many employers offer a 401(k) that has a company match. When offered, a match means that the employer will put in a certain amount for every dollar that the employee puts into the account.

There's usually a maximum on how much your employer will contribute and not all employees receive this benefit. If your compensation package includes a 401(k) that has an employer match, however, take full advantage of it. The match is essentially free money for your savings.

5. Take Advantage of Tax-Advantaged Accounts

No matter what your employment situation is, almost everyone can take advantage of tax-advantaged accounts. Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs, college savings 529 plans and educational savings accounts are just a few of the more common tax-advantaged accounts to ask your financial advisor about.

Talk to a Financial Advisor

Financial advisors with BECU Investment Services are here to help. They take the time to get to know you and understand your goals so they can plan and implement a financial and investment strategy that's best for you. Set up a complimentary consultation or call 206-439-5720.