Investing

[Inqui]

I know this is a football forum and not an economics forum or anything, but I thought I'd try my hand here and see what everyone has to offer on the subject.

 

So last year I finished studying (for now...), and I've also recently managed to pay off my overdraft. With this newfound financial freedom I've decided to start looking to the future (retirement funds, etc). I know 22 is a young time to start, but I figure this is the best time to get into that kind of stuff as I don't have any major expenses yet (kids, house, partner).

 

At this point I want to get a few portfolios going (is that the right word? Shows how much I know ), and mostly fairly secure investments. I can try for the exciting stuff in a year or two. For example, I'd like to put a bit on Auckland Airport as it's got a natural monopoly that the Government won't try and break up any time soon, its value should increase as Auckland gets bigger and it gets to profit from the most notorious daylight robbers in the country (taxi drivers from the airport). But most importantly, it's unlikely to collapse during my lifetime.

 

Another thing I'd like to do is set up something that will ideally grow the most over 20 years or so. I guess it's kind of a hybrid between a blue-chip investment and a high-risk one.

 

So, what's everyone else's take on investing? Does anyone have any success or horror stories? What factors are worth looking for (if that makes sense)? How about means of investing that don't involve things like buying shares?

 

Also, bonus question. I know a couple of Super Rugby teams just partially privatised themselves, so if they haven't already, are the Ravens likely to do it any time soon?

 

Appreciate your thoughts.

[PuRock]

I started saving for retirement around your age mostly with mutual funds, etc. Starting young is the best way, because it gets you into the habit of saving and allows you to have some fun while doing so.  But honestly, when you're young you can be more aggressive with your your portfolios.  Just don't buy a company because you like it.  Read articles, check analyst estimates, look at trends, think about the competition, and mostly feel good about the future prospects of the company.  The more confidence you have in a company and its stock, the more happy you will be with your portfolios.

 

Nowadays I'm very aggressive in my savings because I love investing.  I'm in my early 30s and I still have some mutual funds, but I focus mostly on stocks.  I have a 401k, traditional IRA, Roth IRA, and a brokerage account for income & play.  One of my best investments was dumping a lot of money into Apple when it was at $123/stock at the dip in '08-'09.  Even though its having its struggles the past year (including today, after yesterday's horrible earnings call) its still over $500/stock.  I don't even own any Apple products.  

 

The Ravens won't be offering opportunities for investments anytime soon.  Owning a NFL team is mostly a cash cow for privileged individuals.  The Packers are the only NFL team you can own a piece of.  Sounds like you are interested in private ventures as well.  Be careful, this is where most people lose their shirts.  Usually private ventures require large cash deposits and are extremely risky unless you know what you're doing.  With stocks you can bail at any time, private investments not so much.  

[K-Dog]

You are never ever ever ever too young to start saving.

The sooner you do the sooner you can retire.

I personally have a 401k and a Fidelity account. I have been very pleased with Fidelity. They make everything easy.

[1/28/01]

If you're lazy or have too many other things going on, Wealth Front is cool. They invest for you based on your risk tolerance and it shows your earnings/losses daily in a chart.

[Guest Moderator 6]

...

I know 22 is a young time to start

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No, no, no!! It is NEVER too young to start! Sorry I get excited over this stuff lol. The next 10 years of your life is the most critical time of your life to save for your future. Save now, spend later.

[hawkprey]

You might as well put your money in bonds, options, retirement, or other accounts. Banks pay almost no interest. I cant offer you the specifics of what accounts, and when, but I think the smartest thing you should is look into setting up a Roth IRA. Although, thinking practically about what people will demand more of in the future and then buying stock in that sort of company is more exciting (or should i say, less extremely boring).

[Militant X 1]

I've been investing for well over 25+ years now and it has set me and my family up pretty nicely financially.  You're never too young to start investing.

 

#Mili