2 Intelligent Ways to Invest $100 a Month

2 Intelligent Ways to Invest $100 a Month

What comes to mind when you think of Investing? Probably some common terms: stocks, returns, scam, Warren Buffet, Michael Douglas from those Wall Street Movies.

You get the picture.

There’s different forms of investing. You invest financially to grow your nest, or you invest to grow yourself.

The problem with the education system today is that kids take on thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt, not to invest in their learning but to get a job afterwards.
Now, getting a good job is important, but the point of education is lost.

On the flip side, young adults aren’t all swimming in trust funds, so they don’t have trucks of cash to play with in the market.

That doesn’t mean putting a little away here and there is a waste of time or money. You can Invest $100 and still get great returns financially and personally.

#1: Set up an Automated Investment into a Fund to Invest $100 per Month.

I’ll start off saying, “This is not a playing the market game!” This is a consistent investment into a fund that you only need to check once a year for taxes and re-evaluating.

Trading securities, especially with limited funds, is a waste of time and money. Why?

FEES.

Fees are fixed whether you’re a billionaire or a hundredaire. And they will eat through your investment.

For automated investments, I’ve always used Sharebuilder.

Note: I am not getting any compensation, benefits, slaps on the back for recommending Sharebuilder, just letting you know what I’ve used and enjoyed.

I’m not going to get into picking the Funds (that’s a book in itself). For now, just use these basics:

• Use the Stock Screener to filter.
• Click NO TRANSACTION FEES (or else it’s $4 each).
• Start with an ING Fund: Many get decent returns.
• Make sure it is: Available for automatic investing and you are able to invest $100 a month (as the minimum).

Know that some funds are much higher on the pay-scale, so naturally, you will have to leave out those funds (for now..patience Padawan).

This is just to get your investing feet wet. Once you understand how it works, and you understand funds more, you can figure out which is best for investing.

I invest in Mutual Funds. They are not as sexy as other investments, but great to just gradually grow your wealth.

The beauty of Share builder’s Automatic Plan is that it’s a no-contract engagement.

Meaning, you can turn it off and on when you need to. Some month’s you may need that extra $100, so you can just turn it off for the month, then switch it back on the next. My wife and I turn it off when we’re busy paying down debt, then turn it back on once we’re ready to rock again. EASY!

Bonus Tip: Invest in Direct Stock Purchasing Plans,! Eliminate the middle-man and get the shares right from the company!

#2: Invest $100 in a Course. Invest in Yourself.

What are you passionate about? What do you enjoy doing that you want to learn more about? Building up your assets doesn’t need to just include those that produce monetary gains.

You can invest in yourself to increase your soft assets to better yourself. Types of investment ideas include:

Recreational Talents: Take your significant other and learn Ballroom Dancing. Great exercise, you meet new people, brings you closer together, and a new talent! Serendipity is key! This is just an example, but make sure you’re learning a talent and having fun! My wife and I just went to a Bring a Drink and Paint lesson and we had a blast (my painting didn’t do have as much fun), but it helped foster creativity and we got to learn from the teacher.

Knowledge Course: Want to learn how to be a better writer, blogger, marketer, or find your dream job? Invest in an online course. Courses range from $47-$997. Larger options you can pay by month. They are convenient as you can pick them up when you feel like it and take it wherever you go. Make sure they have a Money-Back Guarantee in case the course is not what you expected, most are happy to give immediate refunds. So do your research beforehand, and don’t be shy in e-mailing the seller with questions!

Meetings with Admired Individuals: Find interesting people whose brain you wish to pick and invite them out to coffee, lunch etc. Your Treat! You’re building your network, introducing serendipity (again!), as well as improving your communication and relationship skills. You never know what could happen when you meet someone new!

An easy $100 a month! Make your money work for you financially and personally! Soft assets could translate into increased monetary assets down the line….

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Note: No affiliate links in this post nor am I a partner for any bank or affiliation mentioned.

Update: Thanks a bunch for these sites for including me in a carnival post! Always appreciated!

• One Cent at a Time
• Vanessas Money
• Money Mail
• Frugal Toad
• Savvy Scot