My retirement fund that I just started was worth $15k in December of 2021. Then, May of 2022, our area was hit really hard. My retirement plan went down to $7k. Today, it’s worth $11k. I lost $4k on my retirement plan. It’s invested in total market funds, some tech, some big cap companies, and healthcare. But every sector has been ravaged by the stock market changes.
My brother or sister, invest in index funds, not in the stock market. And then forget about it for 30 years or more until you retire.
You can also do target date funds. Each one indicates the projected year you expect to retire. As you get older, it shifts more to safer investments like bonds. The idea is invest in the stock market when you are young and don’t expect to use the money soon. You are able to hold through downturns in the market and returns have historically always trended up despite the occasional drops. When you are near retirement and expect to be using the money you can’t always afford to wait it out so you should invest in things that are more stable but have lower returns like bonds. Target dates have slightly higher fees and you should always check what the fees are before you invest, but they are very set it and forget it.
All target date funds through vanguard tanked that year unless you have 2060 or later as the target. 2030 lost 25% and hasn’t yet recovered.
I mean, while I get what you’re saying and don’t disagree, I’d phrase it as “hold an index fund rather than stock in individual companies”. ETFs themselves are traded on the stock market.
You’re right. I wrote it quickly while on the go.
I wrote this quickly while going on the toilet. Just thought I’d share.
I hope you had a good sense of euphoria after that.
*Index funds with low management fees
broad market Index fund with low management fees
Sp500 vanguard, if you dont do options. Lowest fees.