# What’s the Best Way to Start Investing Money as a Beginner? **URL:** \ **Category:** Uncategorized\ **Created:** [May 23, 2026, 6:11pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/what-s-the-best-way-to-start-investing-money-as-a-beginner/9324 "2026-05-23T18:11:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![noten](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/9fc348/32.png) [@noten](https://community.clark.com/u/noten)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2026, 6:11pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/what-s-the-best-way-to-start-investing-money-as-a-beginner/9324/1 "2026-05-23T18:11:18Z")
I’ve been thinking more about investing money lately and wanted to learn how other people got started. There are so many options now like stocks, ETFs, crypto, real estate, and savings accounts that it can feel a little overwhelming at first. For beginners, what do you think is the smartest and safest way to start investing? Are there any common mistakes new investors should avoid? Would love to hear what worked best for you and any advice you’d give to someone just starting out. ---
**Author:** ![butler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ac91a4/32.png) [@butler](https://community.clark.com/u/butler)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2026, 8:59pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/what-s-the-best-way-to-start-investing-money-as-a-beginner/9324/2 "2026-05-23T20:59:34Z")
As a beginner you should discard real estate and crypto. You should probably focus on dollar-cost-averaging into S&P500 index ETFs. I assume that you are investing for the long-term. You want to keep things simple when you are a beginner… ---
**Author:** ![p1g1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/cab0a1/32.png) [@p1g1](https://community.clark.com/u/p1g1)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2026, 9:15pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/what-s-the-best-way-to-start-investing-money-as-a-beginner/9324/3 "2026-05-23T21:15:21Z")
> [@noten](#): > > For beginners, what do you think is the smartest and safest way to start investing? The best starting point is to learn the principles of investing. They include: 1. Develop a workable plan 2. Start saving early 3. Choose appropriate risk 4. Diversify! 5. Never try to time the market 6. Use index funds when possible 7. Keep costs low 8. Minimize taxes 9. Keep it simple 10. Stay the course Link to an article that does an excellent explanation of each of these principles [Smart Investing | Investing For Beginners | Simple Common Sense Rules](https://financinglife.org/smart-investing-for-beginners/#investment-policy-statement-example) ---
**Author:** ![505badgolfer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/e99b99/32.png) [@505badgolfer](https://community.clark.com/u/505badgolfer)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2026, 12:18am UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/what-s-the-best-way-to-start-investing-money-as-a-beginner/9324/5 "2026-05-26T00:18:08Z")
Buy any book by the great John Bogle, the genius who started the index fund revolution at Vanguard. All the books can be found used at very reasonable prices. “Common Sense on Mutual Funds” may be his most famous. It’s tough to beat the efficiency of index funds over the long haul, meaning 15 years and beyond. ---
**Author:** ![marbisi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@marbisi](https://community.clark.com/u/marbisi)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2026, 12:11am UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/what-s-the-best-way-to-start-investing-money-as-a-beginner/9324/6 "2026-05-27T00:11:08Z")
For a self managed brokerage account, let’s just say Schwab for example, the S&P 500 choices could include such ETFs as VOO or SPY which are popular options. IRA and 401(k) only apply if you are working and both have contribution limits, so we are not talking about those for now. Next, contribute any dollar amount that you can to the ETF that you chose. Preferably set it up as a regular payment every month or pay period. In a self managed account there is no limit to what you can invest and you can also access the money any time if you need to. Once you get your brokerage account going you can research additional ETFs, such as SCHD if you want dividends or a total market fund such as SCHB or VTI. ---
**Author:** ![Joe\_Black\_Sr](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/community.clark.com/joe_black_sr/32/1524_2.png) [@Joe\_Black\_Sr](https://community.clark.com/u/Joe_Black_Sr)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2026, 3:42pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/what-s-the-best-way-to-start-investing-money-as-a-beginner/9324/7 "2026-05-27T15:42:55Z")
All of that advice is good, but the first rule should be is NIKE! Just do it. Start saving now! While you try to figure it all out, put money away. A Savings account is better than nothing. Make it a habit to save as much of your income as you possibly can. But Do It! - Max out your employer’s 401K matching if you have one - Invest in a Roth IRA - You’ll need a liquid fund of 3-6 months of living expenses - Then if there is anything left over you can **consider** increasing your life style. - Make a budget and know where your money is going. - Credit is good if you can use it wisely, otherwise it will eat you and your money up. Don’t wait to figure it all out. Get into the habit of saving and the rest will follow, and read the little book “The Millionaire Next Door.” ---
**Author:** ![Kevin\_K](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/community.clark.com/kevin_k/32/3007_2.png) [@Kevin\_K](https://community.clark.com/u/Kevin_K)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2026, 8:06am UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/what-s-the-best-way-to-start-investing-money-as-a-beginner/9324/8 "2026-05-30T08:06:41Z")
All of these posts offer great advice. As a former HR guy, I will piggy-back on the 401k mention. Target date funds are great starter funds and don’t require any investing expertise. If at all possible, contribute enough to get your max employer match, and also if possible, bite the bullet and opt for post-tax contributions if available. I learned that the hard way. Lastly, always roll your funds to your new employer plan if you change jobs. I spent a ridiculous amount of time and effort chasing down former employees “cluttering up” and adding to the administrative costs of carrying them on the plan I was responsible for. And as also noted here, DO start now, in whatever way you can - the sooner and younger the better. ---
**Author:** ![Lyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/67e7ee/32.png) [@Lyn](https://community.clark.com/u/Lyn)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2026, 10:49am UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/what-s-the-best-way-to-start-investing-money-as-a-beginner/9324/9 "2026-05-30T10:49:21Z")
First, using pen and paper on a blank excell spreadsheet, write down every penny you spend. Within a month you will see where you are either wasting money, or find things you are willing to give up in order to build wealth. Don’t use a computer or app. There is an additional psychological benefit from pen and paper. Second, start studying things you like. I have never invested in the stock market because I love real estate, land, houses, gardening, decorating, construction, paint, buyers, sellers, agents everything. As you learn about the things you like, you will find what you want to invest in. Never stop learning and never stop monitoring your investments. There is no “passive income” there is no “set it and forget it”. The stock market fluctuates, the real estate market fluctuates, one business sector fades (buggy whips) and another rises, (cars). Don’t stress yourself, have some fun with some of your money. Since RE is my thing, I recommend you buy a house and house hack. The income will give you money to invest. I also recommend the ROTH. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![kcflyer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/community.clark.com/kcflyer/32/3346_2.png) [@kcflyer](https://community.clark.com/u/kcflyer)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 11:47pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/what-s-the-best-way-to-start-investing-money-as-a-beginner/9324/10 "2026-06-01T23:47:03Z")
Buy low and sell high. ---
**Author:** ![noten](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/9fc348/32.png) [@noten](https://community.clark.com/u/noten)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2026, 6:59am UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/what-s-the-best-way-to-start-investing-money-as-a-beginner/9324/11 "2026-06-03T06:59:01Z")
Thanks everyone for the helpful advice and different perspectives. I really liked the point about tracking spending habits first because understanding where money goes seems like an important step before investing. The advice about focusing on areas you actually enjoy learning about also makes a lot of sense since it’s probably easier to stay consistent that way. I also agree that long-term investing and patience are important. A lot of beginners probably expect quick profits, but it seems like learning gradually and avoiding emotional decisions is the smarter approach. The suggestions about Roth IRAs, real estate, ETFs, and staying educated have all been really useful for me. Appreciate everyone taking the time to share their experiences and tips. ---
**Author:** ![Joe\_Black\_Sr](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/community.clark.com/joe_black_sr/32/1524_2.png) [@Joe\_Black\_Sr](https://community.clark.com/u/Joe_Black_Sr)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2026, 5:54pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/what-s-the-best-way-to-start-investing-money-as-a-beginner/9324/12 "2026-06-10T17:54:31Z")
The main thing is Just Do it. Start saving while you figure it out. Don’t wait! Then: 1. Do a budget and live by it 2. Set priorities for your spending 3. Dave as much as you can each month, until it hurts 4. If your employer offers a matching participation in a 401k do it up to the match. It’s free money. 5. Talk to a fee only money advisor, one who doesn’t sell you investments. You’ll learn a lot spending an hour with one. 6. 401k’s are good, but not usually great. You can do better on your own. 7. Absolutely, max out your Roth IRA first before investing otherwise. 8. At the same time you need to be building a Rainy Day fund of liquid investments to cover 3-6 months of living expenses. 9. When you have all of that going then you can take about 10% and play with it. Buying individual stocks and timing the markets is a trap. Even the pros don’t do that well. Your money manager will confirm that. 10. Read the book Clark recommends “The Millionaire Next Door.” It’s a big help. 11. Most of all stick with it. You’ll be a millionaire before you know it. 12. Listen to people that have done it. 13. and, if you have the chops, owning residential real estate is a great way to gain and grow wealth. It may be the only investment that someone else pays for. Being a landlord is work, but can be extremely profitable. Good luck, but luck actually has nothing to do with it. You make your own luck! ---
**Author:** ![TallGeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/da6949/32.png) [@TallGeek](https://community.clark.com/u/TallGeek)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 2:05am UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/what-s-the-best-way-to-start-investing-money-as-a-beginner/9324/13 "2026-08-26T02:05:16Z")
My wife and I have been investing for 8 years now. A trusted friend got us started. Late last year I heard about _Rebel Finance School._ It is a Free, no upsell, no pushing any products or services, 10 week financial education course online. We completed it last year. We learned a few things. And we learned how to better talk with friends and family about personal finance and investing. We turned some friends onto the course. This year, we just completed it again. We relearned or learned a couple of things, and again, learned more about how to talk to others about investing. I highly recommend it. They do not spam you. Delivered by You Tube. This year it is 11 weeks, twice a week, done at your leisure. Don’t multi-task, focus on the content. > **[Rebel Finance School - Rebel Donegans](https://rebeldonegans.com/finance/rfs/)** > > Rebel Finance School is a free 10 week course designed to help you take control of your finances. Get out of debt, develop a positive money mindset and start investing for your financial independence! (Just a happy graduate) ---
**Author:** ![PFA\_in\_ATL](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/community.clark.com/pfa_in_atl/32/4661_2.png) [@PFA\_in\_ATL](https://community.clark.com/u/PFA_in_ATL)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2026, 10:04pm UTC](https://community.clark.com/t/what-s-the-best-way-to-start-investing-money-as-a-beginner/9324/14 "2026-09-04T22:04:19Z")
I would actually ask a different question; I think the question is What should I do to improve or set up my finances I really like Money Guys strategy. The Financial Order of Operations is so foundational to Money Guy that we created our first course based on it. The FOO course includes video lessons from Brian and Bo, homework for each step in the FOO, private YouTube live streams, and access to an exclusive Facebook group. What Are The 9 Steps? Deductibles Covered Employer Match High-Interest Debt Emergency Fund Roth IRA/HSA Max-Out Employer Plans Hyperaccumulation Prepay Future Expenses Prepay Low-Interest Debt > **[Financial Order of Operations (FOO): The 9-Step Money Guide | Money Guy](https://moneyguy.com/guide/foo/)** > > Discover Money Guy's Financial Order of Operations, the 9-step framework that shows you exactly what to do with your next dollar to build lasting wealth.