If you are asking how much should I invest in stocks, the best answer is not one fixed dollar amount. The right amount depends on your income, expenses, debt, emergency savings, age, risk tolerance, and financial goals. Some beginners can start with $50 or $100 per month, while others may invest 10% to 20% of their income once their basic finances are stable.
A smart 2026 stock investing plan is not about investing the biggest amount possible. It is about investing an amount you can maintain consistently without damaging your monthly budget or taking unnecessary risk. Stocks can help build long-term wealth, but they also rise and fall in value, so the amount you invest should match your time horizon and comfort with risk.
This guide explains how much should I invest in stocks, how beginners can calculate a safe starting amount, how much to invest monthly, and what rules to follow before putting money into the stock market.
Quick Answer: How Much Should I Invest in Stocks?
A good beginner rule is to invest 5% to 15% of your income toward long-term goals if your budget allows. If you are just starting, you can begin with $25 to $100 per month and increase the amount over time.
For retirement planning, Fidelity suggests saving at least 15% of income annually, including employer contributions, while Schwab describes 10% to 15% of income as a common retirement savings rule for people who start early.
| Investor Type | Suggested Starting Amount |
| Complete beginner | $25–$100 per month |
| Tight budget | 1%–5% of income |
| Stable income earner | 5%–10% of income |
| Long-term investor | 10%–15% of income |
| Aggressive saver | 15%–25% of income |
| Near retirement | Lower stock exposure, more balance |
The safest answer to how much should I invest in stocks is: invest only what you do not need for short-term expenses, emergency savings, or high-interest debt payments.
Key Takeaways
- Start with 5%–15% of income.
- Build an emergency fund first.
- Pay off high-interest debt.
- Use ETFs or index funds for diversification.
- Invest consistently every month.
- Increase contributions as income grows.
- Focus on long-term investing.
How We Researched This Guide
To create this guide, we reviewed investor education resources from Investor.gov, the SEC, FINRA, CFPB, Fidelity, Schwab, and IRS retirement contribution updates. We focused on practical beginner investing rules, emergency savings, asset allocation, diversification, retirement account limits, investment fees, risk management, and long-term stock investing behavior.
Stock Investment Calculator: How to Calculate the Right Amount
A simple way to decide how much should I invest in stocks is to calculate your safe monthly surplus.
Use this formula:
Monthly stock investment = monthly income − essential expenses − debt payments − emergency savings − short-term goals
Example:
| Monthly Budget Item | Amount |
| Monthly income | $4,000 |
| Essential expenses | $2,400 |
| Debt payments | $400 |
| Emergency savings | $300 |
| Short-term savings | $300 |
| Possible stock investment | $600 |
In this example, the investor may be able to invest $600 per month, or 15% of their income, if their financial situation is stable.
For beginners, a safer version is:
Beginner stock investment = 5% to 10% of monthly income
If you earn $3,000 per month, this means:
| Percentage | Monthly Stock Investment |
| 5% | $150 |
| 10% | $300 |
| 15% | $450 |
This formula helps you avoid investing money that should be used for rent, food, emergency savings, debt payments, insurance, or upcoming expenses.
How Much Should I Invest in Stocks as a Beginner?
If you are a beginner, start with an amount that feels easy to repeat every month. You do not need thousands of dollars to begin. Many investors start with a small monthly amount and increase it later as their income grows.
A beginner can start with:
| Beginner Situation | Suggested Starting Amount |
| No investing experience | $25–$50 per month |
| Stable job but tight budget | $50–$100 per month |
| Good emergency fund | 5%–10% of income |
| No high-interest debt | 10%–15% of income |
| Long-term wealth-building goal | 15% or more if affordable |
For example, if you earn $3,000 per month and can safely invest 10%, you may invest around $300 per month. If your budget is tight, starting with $50 to $100 per month is still useful because it builds the habit of investing consistently.
The key is not the first amount. The key is consistency.
Before Investing in Stocks, Check These 5 Things
Before deciding how much should I invest in stocks, review your financial foundation.
1. Do You Have an Emergency Fund?
You should not invest all your extra cash in stocks if you do not have emergency savings. An emergency fund is money set aside for unexpected expenses like medical bills, job loss, home repairs, or car repairs. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau describes an emergency fund as a cash reserve for unplanned expenses or financial emergencies.
A practical goal is to keep at least 3 to 6 months of essential expenses in cash or a safe savings account before investing aggressively.
2. Do You Have High-Interest Debt?
If you have high-interest credit card debt or personal loans, paying them down may be more urgent than investing heavily in stocks. Stock returns are uncertain, but high-interest debt creates guaranteed financial pressure.
3. Do You Need the Money Soon?
If you need money within the next 1 to 3 years, stocks may be too risky. Stocks are better for long-term goals because prices can fall sharply in the short term.
4. Can You Handle Market Drops?
Investor.gov explains that asset allocation depends heavily on your time horizon and your ability to tolerate risk. If a 20% market drop would make you panic and sell, your stock allocation may be too high.
5. Are You Investing for a Clear Goal?
Your investment amount should match a goal such as retirement, wealth building, buying a home in the future, financial independence, or children’s education.
How Much of My Salary Should I Invest in Stocks?
A simple salary-based guide looks like this:
| Monthly Income | 5% Investment | 10% Investment | 15% Investment |
| $2,000 | $100 | $200 | $300 |
| $3,000 | $150 | $300 | $450 |
| $5,000 | $250 | $500 | $750 |
| $8,000 | $400 | $800 | $1,200 |
| $10,000 | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
If you are asking how much I should invest in stocks monthly, a good starting range is 5% to 15% of your income. Beginners can start at 5%, then increase by 1% every few months.
The 50/30/20 Rule for Stock Investing
The 50/30/20 rule is a simple budgeting method:
- 50% for needs
- 30% for wants
- 20% for savings, debt repayment, and investing
If your finances are stable, part of that 20% can go into stocks. For example, you might use:
- 10% for retirement investing
- 5% for emergency savings
- 5% for short-term goals or debt repayment
This rule is useful because it stops investors from putting too much money into stocks while ignoring cash savings.
The 10% to 15% Rule
For many long-term investors, investing 10% to 15% of income is a strong target. Fidelity recommends saving 15% of pre-tax income for retirement, including employer match.
However, the right percentage depends on when you start. Schwab notes that a 10% to 15% savings rate works best for people who start in their mid-20s or early 30s; people who start later may need to save more.
So, if you are 25, investing 10% may be a strong start. If you are 40 and behind on retirement savings, you may need 15% to 25%, depending on your goals.
How Much Should I Invest in Stocks by Age?
Your age matters because it affects your time horizon. Younger investors usually have more time to recover from market declines. Older investors may need a more balanced mix of stocks, bonds, and cash.
| Age Group | General Stock Investing Approach |
| 20s | Start small, invest consistently, focus on long-term growth |
| 30s | Increase monthly investments as income grows |
| 40s | Invest more aggressively if behind, but manage risk |
| 50s | Balance growth with capital protection |
| 60s+ | Reduce excessive stock risk and focus on income stability |
This does not mean every young investor should be aggressive or every older investor should avoid stocks. It means your stock investment amount should match your goal timeline.
What Percentage of Net Worth Should Be in Stocks?
Another way to answer how much should I invest in stocks is by looking at your overall net worth, not just your monthly income.
Your net worth includes:
- Cash savings
- Stocks and funds
- Retirement accounts
- Real estate equity
- Business ownership
- Other assets
- Minus debts and liabilities
A young investor with a long time horizon may keep a higher percentage of investable assets in stocks. A retiree may prefer more bonds, cash, or income-producing assets.
| Investor Profile | Possible Stock Exposure |
| Young beginner | 60%–90% of investable assets |
| Middle-aged long-term investor | 50%–80% |
| Near retirement | 40%–60% |
| Retired or risk-averse investor | 20%–50% |
This is not a fixed rule. Investor.gov explains that asset allocation is personal and depends on your time horizon and risk tolerance.
How Much Should I Invest in Stocks vs. Savings?
Do not put all your savings into stocks. Stocks are for long-term growth, while savings are for safety and liquidity.
A balanced approach may look like this:
| Goal | Best Place for Money |
| Emergency fund | Savings account or cash equivalent |
| Bills due soon | Checking or savings account |
| 1–3 year goal | Safer savings or low-risk options |
| 5+ year goal | Stocks, index funds, or a diversified portfolio |
| Retirement | Retirement account with diversified investments |
The SEC says cash investments may be appropriate for short-term goals, but cash also carries inflation risk over time. This is why many long-term investors use stocks for future goals and cash for short-term safety.
How Much Should I Invest in Stocks If I Have $1,000?
If you have $1,000 and are new to stocks, do not rush to invest all of it at once unless your emergency fund is already secure.
A smart beginner approach:
- Keep emergency money in cash.
- Invest only the portion you do not need soon.
- Consider investing gradually.
- Use diversified funds instead of betting everything on one stock.
For example, you might invest $250 now, then invest $100 per month after that. This gives you experience without putting too much money at risk immediately.
Should I Invest a Lump Sum or Monthly?
Many beginners prefer monthly investing because it feels safer and easier to manage. This method is called dollar-cost averaging. Investor.gov defines dollar-cost averaging as investing equal amounts at regular intervals, regardless of market ups and downs.
Monthly investing can help reduce emotional decisions because you invest consistently instead of trying to predict the perfect time to buy.
Example:
If you plan to invest $1,200 this year, you could invest:
- $1,200 at once, or
- $100 every month
For beginners, monthly investing is often easier because it builds discipline.
How Much Should I Invest in Individual Stocks?
If you are new, avoid putting most of your money into individual stocks. Individual companies can rise quickly, but they can also fall sharply.
A safer beginner structure may be:
| Portfolio Type | Suggested Allocation |
| Broad index funds or ETFs | 80%–90% |
| Individual stocks | 10%–20% |
| Speculative stocks | 0%–5% |
FINRA says asset allocation and diversification are important because putting all your money into one asset class or one investment can expose you to concentration risk.
How to Choose Stocks, ETFs, or Index Funds
After asking how much I should invest in stocks, the next question is usually where to invest.
1. Individual Stocks
Individual stocks are shares of specific companies. They can offer strong growth, but they also carry company-specific risk. If one company performs badly, your investment can fall sharply.
2. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, can hold many stocks in one fund. They are popular with beginners because they can provide diversification, trade like stocks, and often have lower fees than similar mutual funds. Investor.gov notes that ETFs have tended to be less expensive to operate than mutual funds that invest similarly.
3. Index Funds
Index funds aim to track a market index, such as the S&P 500 or a total stock market index. They are often used by long-term investors who want broad market exposure without choosing individual companies.
Beginner-Friendly Choice
For most beginners, a diversified ETF or index fund may be easier than choosing individual stocks. A simple beginner approach could be:
- Start with broad-market ETFs or index funds.
- Add individual stocks only after learning the basics.
- Avoid putting too much money into one company.
- Check fees before investing.
- Review your portfolio at least once or twice per year.
Investment Fees and Expense Ratios
Fees matter because they reduce your investment returns. Investor.gov explains that mutual funds and ETFs pass costs to investors through fees and expenses, and those fees reduce fund returns.
One important fee is the expense ratio. This is the annual cost of owning a fund, shown as a percentage.
Example:
| Fund Type | Expense Ratio | Annual Cost on $10,000 |
| Low-cost index ETF | 0.03% | $3 |
| Moderate-cost fund | 0.50% | $50 |
| High-cost fund | 1.00% | $100 |
A 1% fee may not sound large, but over many years it can reduce long-term growth. Investor.gov also notes that even small differences in fees can translate into large differences in returns over time.
Before investing, check:
- Expense ratio
- Trading fees
- Advisory fees
- Account fees
- Fund turnover
- Tax efficiency
The lower your costs, the more of your investment return you keep.
Taxable Account vs 401(k), IRA, and Roth IRA
Before deciding how much to invest in stocks, think about which account you will use.
1. Taxable Brokerage Account
A taxable brokerage account is flexible. You can buy and sell stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and other investments. There are usually no contribution limits, but you may owe taxes on dividends, interest, or capital gains.
Best for:
- Flexible investing
- Goals before retirement
- Extra investing after retirement contributions
- Investors who want access before retirement age
2. 401(k)
A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement account. Many employers offer matching contributions, which can help your retirement savings grow faster. In 2026, the IRS says the employee contribution limit for 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal Thrift Savings Plan increased to $24,500.
Best for:
- Retirement investing
- Employer match
- Automatic payroll contributions
- Tax-advantaged investing
3. Traditional IRA
A traditional IRA is an individual retirement account that may offer tax benefits, depending on your income and workplace retirement coverage. For 2026, the IRS says the IRA contribution limit is $7,500, or $8,600 if you are age 50 or older.
Best for:
- Retirement savings
- Possible tax deductions
- Investors without a workplace plan
- Extra retirement savings
4. Roth IRA
A Roth IRA is funded with after-tax money, but qualified withdrawals in retirement may be tax-free. Roth IRA eligibility can depend on income limits, so investors should check current IRS rules before contributing.
Best for:
- Long-term retirement growth
- Tax-free qualified withdrawals
- Younger investors in lower tax brackets
- Investors who want tax diversification
A strong order for many beginners is:
- Build emergency savings.
- Pay down high-interest debt.
- Contribute enough to get employer 401(k) match, if available.
- Use IRA or Roth IRA if eligible.
- Add taxable brokerage investing for extra long-term goals.
How Much Should I Invest in Stocks for Retirement?
If your goal is retirement, aim to invest a consistent percentage of income every month. For many people, 15% of income is a strong long-term retirement target.
In 2026, U.S. retirement account limits also increased. The IRS says the 401(k) employee contribution limit increased to $24,500 for 2026, and the IRA contribution limit increased to $7,500.
This matters because tax-advantaged retirement accounts can help investors grow wealth more efficiently. However, you do not need to max out these accounts to start. Even small monthly contributions can grow over time.
How Much Should I Invest in Stocks If I Am Risk-Averse?
If you dislike risk, you do not need to avoid stocks completely. Instead, you can invest a smaller percentage in stocks and keep more money in bonds, cash, or safer assets.
Example conservative portfolio:
- 40% stocks
- 40% bonds
- 20% cash or short-term reserves
Example moderate portfolio:
- 60% stocks
- 30% bonds
- 10% cash
Example aggressive portfolio:
- 80% to 90% stocks
- 10% to 20% bonds or cash
Your stock amount should let you sleep at night. If you panic during market drops, your stock allocation is probably too high.
Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Rebalancing means adjusting your portfolio back to your target mix of stocks, bonds, and cash.
For example, suppose your target portfolio is:
- 70% stocks
- 20% bonds
- 10% cash
If stocks rise sharply, your portfolio may become 80% stocks. That may be riskier than you planned. Rebalancing helps bring your portfolio back to your intended risk level.
Investor.gov gives an example where an investor may rebalance an 80% stock and 20% bond portfolio by selling some stocks and buying bonds.
A simple rebalancing schedule:
| Investor Type | Rebalancing Frequency |
| Beginner | Once per year |
| Active long-term investor | Every 6–12 months |
| Near retirement | Every 3–6 months |
| Major market movement | Review if allocation changes heavily |
Rebalancing helps prevent your portfolio from becoming too risky or too conservative over time.
Best Rule: Invest What You Can Keep Invested
The most important answer to how much should I invest in stocks is this:
Invest an amount you can leave invested for years.
Stocks are not ideal for the money you need next month or next year. They work best when you allow time for compounding. Investor.gov provides a compound interest calculator to show how money can grow over time through compounding.
Even a small amount can become meaningful when invested consistently over many years.
Why Starting Early Matters: The Power of Compound Interest
One reason investors ask how much should I invest in stocks is because they want to know whether small monthly investments can make a difference. The answer is yes. Thanks to compound growth, even modest contributions can grow substantially over time when invested consistently.
| Monthly Investment | Years | Value at 8% Annual Return* |
|---|---|---|
| $100 | 20 | ~$59,000 |
| $250 | 20 | ~$147,000 |
| $500 | 20 | ~$295,000 |
Illustrative example only. Actual investment returns vary and are not guaranteed.
The earlier you start investing, the more time your money has to compound. This is why many financial experts encourage investors to begin with whatever amount they can afford rather than waiting until they have a large sum to invest.
When You Should Not Invest in Stocks Yet
Stock investing can be powerful, but it is not always the first step. You may need to wait or invest very little if your financial foundation is weak.
You may not be ready to invest aggressively if:
- You have no emergency fund.
- You are behind on rent, bills, or loan payments.
- You have high-interest credit card debt.
- You need the money within the next 1 to 3 years.
- Your income is unstable.
- You do not understand what you are buying.
- You panic easily during market drops.
- You are borrowing money to invest.
In these cases, focus first on financial stability. Build savings, reduce expensive debt, and learn basic investing terms before increasing your stock investment amount.
Understanding Market Declines
Market declines are a normal part of long-term investing. Stock markets do not move upward every year, and temporary losses can happen during recessions, inflation periods, geopolitical events, or financial crises.
For long-term investors, market declines can also create opportunities to continue investing at lower prices. The biggest mistake many beginners make is selling investments emotionally during periods of fear instead of following a long-term plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Investing Too Much Too Soon: Many beginners invest aggressively, then panic when the market falls. Start with a realistic amount and increase gradually.
- Ignoring Emergency Savings: Do not invest your rent money, emergency fund, or short-term savings in stocks.
- Buying Only Trending Stocks: Hot stocks can be exciting, but they can also be risky. Build a diversified foundation first.
- Ignoring Fees: High fees can reduce long-term returns. Always check expense ratios, trading costs, and advisory fees before investing.
- Trying to Time the Market: Waiting for the “perfect” time often leads to missed opportunities. A regular monthly plan is usually easier for beginners.
- Selling During Market Drops: Market declines are normal. If your goal is long term, avoid emotional selling. Investor.gov says some investors may react to downturns by selling, but long-term plans are designed to avoid being distracted by short-term market fluctuations.
Why Consistency Matters More Than Perfection
Many successful investors did not begin with large amounts of money. What often matters more is consistency over long periods of time. Investing smaller amounts regularly for years can sometimes outperform irregular investing based on emotions or market headlines.
Trying to perfectly predict market highs and lows is extremely difficult, even for professional investors. For many beginners, building a repeatable monthly investing habit is more important than finding the “perfect” stock or waiting for the “perfect” market moment.
Example Stock Investment Plans
Beginner Plan
Best for someone new to investing:
- Invest $50 to $100 per month.
- Use broad index funds or ETFs.
- Build emergency savings at the same time.
- Avoid individual stock speculation.
- Increase contributions later.
Stable Income Plan
Best for someone with steady income:
- Invest 10% of monthly income.
- Use retirement accounts if available.
- Get employer match if offered.
- Diversify across stocks, bonds, and cash.
- Review once or twice per year.
Wealth-Building Plan
Best for long-term investors:
- Invest 15% to 25% of income.
- Focus on diversified funds.
- Keep fees low.
- Avoid frequent trading.
- Rebalance portfolio annually.
Conservative Plan
Best for risk-averse investors:
- Invest 5% to 10% of income.
- Use a balanced mix of stocks, bonds, and cash.
- Keep a larger emergency fund.
- Avoid speculative stocks.
- Increase stock exposure only when comfortable.
Beginner Step-by-Step Action Plan
If you are still wondering how much should I invest in stocks, follow this simple step-by-step plan to build a strong investing foundation and avoid common beginner mistakes.
Step 1: Review Your Monthly Budget
Before deciding how much should I invest in stocks, understand your financial situation. Calculate your monthly income, living expenses, debt payments, insurance costs, and savings goals. A simple budget helps you identify how much money is available for investing without affecting your daily needs. Investing should come from surplus income, not money needed for rent, bills, or emergencies.
Step 2: Build an Emergency Fund
Before investing heavily in stocks, create an emergency fund. This cash reserve can help cover unexpected expenses such as medical bills, car repairs, job loss, or home maintenance. A good goal is to save at least one month of essential expenses initially and gradually build it to three to six months of expenses. Having an emergency fund prevents you from selling investments during a financial crisis.
Step 3: Pay Down High-Interest Debt
If you carry high-interest debt, especially credit card balances, prioritize paying it down. Credit card interest rates often exceed the long-term average return of stock investments. Reducing expensive debt improves your overall financial health and frees up more money for future investing.
Step 4: Start Small
You do not need thousands of dollars to begin investing. Many successful investors started with small amounts. Consider investing $25, $50, or $100 per month while learning how the market works. Starting small helps you develop investing habits and gain confidence without taking excessive risk.
Step 5: Choose the Right Account
Selecting the right investment account is important. Employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and taxable brokerage accounts each offer different benefits. If your employer offers matching contributions in a 401(k), consider contributing enough to receive the full match because it is essentially additional compensation.
Step 6: Use Diversified Investments
Instead of putting all your money into a single company, consider diversified investments such as ETFs and index funds. These funds can provide exposure to hundreds of companies through one investment, reducing the impact of any single stock performing poorly. Diversification is one of the simplest ways to manage investment risk.
Step 7: Automate Monthly Investing
Setting up automatic monthly contributions helps remove emotion from investing. Automatic investing allows you to invest consistently regardless of market conditions and can help you benefit from dollar-cost averaging. This strategy reduces the temptation to wait for the “perfect” time to invest.
Step 8: Increase Contributions Gradually
As your income grows, increase your investment contributions. Even increasing your investment rate by 1% each year can significantly improve long-term results. Consider investing part of salary raises, bonuses, or additional income to accelerate wealth building without affecting your current lifestyle.
Step 9: Rebalance Annually
Over time, market movements can change your portfolio allocation. For example, strong stock performance may cause stocks to represent a larger portion of your portfolio than originally intended. Review your investments annually and rebalance if necessary to maintain your desired level of risk and diversification.
Step 10: Stay Focused on Long-Term Goals
Stock markets experience ups and downs, but successful investing typically requires patience. Avoid making emotional decisions during market declines. Focus on your long-term goals, continue investing regularly, and remember that wealth is usually built through consistency and time in the market rather than trying to predict short-term price movements.
Conclusion: How Much Should I Invest in Stocks?
You should invest an amount that fits your budget, risk tolerance, and time horizon. For most beginners, a good starting point is $50 to $100 per month or 5% to 10% of income. Once your emergency fund is ready and high-interest debt is controlled, you can gradually increase toward 10% to 15% of income or more.
When deciding how much should I invest in stocks, remember that investing is not a competition. The right amount varies for every investor based on income, financial goals, age, and overall risk tolerance. Understanding how much should I invest in stocks can help you build a sustainable investing strategy that supports long-term wealth creation.
The best stock investing amount is not the biggest amount. It is the amount you can invest consistently without financial stress.
If you are still wondering how much should I invest in stocks, use this simple rule:
Start small, invest monthly, stay diversified, and increase your investment amount as your income and confidence grow.
Over time, consistently following this approach can help you build wealth, benefit from compounding, and reach your long-term financial goals more effectively.
How Much Should I Invest in Stocks (FAQs)
1. How Much Should I Invest in Stocks if I Have Irregular Income?
A. If your income varies each month, a good approach is to invest a fixed percentage rather than a fixed dollar amount. This helps maintain consistency while adapting to changing cash flow.
2. How Much Should I Invest in Stocks During High Inflation?
A. During periods of high inflation, many investors continue investing regularly because stocks have historically helped protect purchasing power over the long term. However, your investment amount should still fit your budget and financial goals.
3. How Much Should I Invest in Stocks Before Buying a House?
A. If you plan to buy a home within the next few years, limit stock investments to money you will not need for your down payment. Short-term savings are generally better kept in lower-risk accounts.
4. How Much Should I Invest in Stocks if I Am Self-Employed?
A. Self-employed individuals should first build a larger emergency fund due to income variability. After that, investing 10% to 20% of income can be a reasonable long-term target.
5. How Much Should I Invest in Stocks When Starting Late in Life?
A. Investors who start later may need to invest a higher percentage of income to reach retirement goals. The exact amount depends on age, current savings, and desired retirement lifestyle.
6. How Much Should I Invest in Stocks for Financial Independence?
A. The amount depends on your target financial independence date and expected living expenses. Many investors gradually increase contributions as income grows to accelerate wealth accumulation.
7. How Much Should I Invest in Stocks if the Market Is at an All-Time High?
A. Many long-term investors continue investing regularly even when markets reach record highs. Consistent investing can help avoid emotional decisions and reduce the need to predict market movements.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not personal financial advice. The right amount to invest in stocks depends on your income, debt, savings, tax situation, risk tolerance, and goals. Consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor before making major investment decisions.
