Sometimes the best investment doesn’t look like an investment.
Point #1 – Before you invest in property, stocks, or anything else, you have to look at your debt.
People don’t realize it, but sometimes paying down additional debt has the BEST RETURN on your money? 20% on a credit card is a better “investment” than buying a stock with a 10% return. That’s a 100% better return on your money.
Let’s say you get a check for $10,000 and are looking to invest it. If you had $10,000 in credit card debt at 20%, that’s going to cost you $2000 in interest. If you took that $10,000 and invested it in the stock market and made 10%, then you would make $1000 and of that $1000, you would have to pay taxes on top of that! If you pay 20% on it, then you only made $800.
That means your actual investment earnings was $800. You could have kept an extra $1200 if you had just paid off the credit card!
Quote – It’s not about the money you make. It’s about the money you keep! That’s not just a reference to spending, but taxes too.
Point #2 – Do you have 6 months of your monthly expenses saved? If not, invest in stability and your financial foundation.
Can you imagine trying to build a house without laying down a foundation? That’s what investing without 3-6 months expenses is. Because most good investments require time to accrue additional value and can often fluctuate in value or be unavailable altogether. Well if disaster strikes and you need to pull your money out prematurely or can’t access the money because its locked up, then what good is it if you get kicked out of your house!
Investing in your financial foundation is the best place to start.
Statistic – 2 out of 3 people don’t have $500 saved
Point #3 – Invest in what you know or pay someone to invest in what they know for you
Trading stocks is a bad idea for most people. Emotions will ruin you financially. So paying someone to manage your money is often a fantastic way to go.
Do you know the real estate market really well? Then researching and buying property is probably the way you should go!
Investing in a new business has a massive upside! Are you looking to start a side hustle or full time company based on a hobby or passion? Then this can be a great investment as well! It’s risky but has a huge upside.
Not an expert on any given thing? Then find something you enjoy that you could monetize and invest in yourself! Buy online courses, go to seminars and conferences, get a mentor in that space. An investment in yourself is the best investment.
But the most important thing about investing to remember is this…
Quote – “If you aren’t sure what to do, then the best thing is to do nothing.” – Mark Cuban
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About Lifebuilder
The Lifebuilder Podcast helps ambitious entrepreneurs and leaders gain clarity, eliminate distractions, and achieve their goals faster. Each episode gives practical strategies for personal growth, productivity, and building a meaningful life. If you want clear direction, better focus, and proven frameworks to win at life and work, this show gives you the tools to get unstuck and move forward.