5 Things Young Investors Should Know

Investing can be an exciting yet daunting journey, especially for young investors. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow, but navigating the financial world can be tricky. Here are five crucial things every young investor should know to set themselves up for long-term success.

1. Save More: The 15% Rule

The most important step in investing is having money to invest. Aim to save at least 15% of your net income. This habit will build financial discipline, provide a cushion for unexpected expenses, and allow your investments to grow steadily over time. The more you save early on, the greater the impact of compounding returns down the road.

2. Understand the Theory of Finance

Investing is about balancing risk and reward. If you want high returns, you must be prepared for occasional low returns. Market downturns and volatility are normal, and staying invested through them is key. To deepen your understanding, read The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle, which explains the benefits of long-term investing and index funds in simple, practical terms.

3. Ignore the Noise

The financial world is filled with hype, speculation, and short-term thinking. When people around you are jumping on risky trends, it’s often best to stay the course with a solid investment strategy. Conversely, if others are panicking and selling, that may actually be the best time to invest more. Smart investors ignore short-term market noise and focus on long-term fundamentals.

4. Overcome Your Own Psychology

Humans naturally seek patterns and predictability, but the stock market doesn’t operate that way. We are easily distracted by randomness and short-term performance, which can lead to impulsive decisions. To become a disciplined investor, read The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, which explores how emotions, biases, and behavior impact financial decisions.

5. Beware of the Financial Services Industry

Many financial professionals don’t have your best interests at heart. The industry is often driven by sales commissions, hidden fees, and conflicts of interest. Instead of trusting advisors who push products, seek fee-only financial planners who are incentivized to offer unbiased advice. Always be skeptical of financial products that sound too good to be true.

The Bottom Line

Young investors have one of the most powerful advantages—time. By saving consistently, understanding investing fundamentals, tuning out the noise, managing emotions, and avoiding sales-driven financial advice, you’ll build a strong financial foundation. The earlier you start, the more wealth you’ll create over time. Invest smart, stay patient, and let time do the heavy lifting.

Start Building Your Future

The Bottom Line

Young investors have one of the most powerful advantages—time. By saving consistently, understanding investing fundamentals, tuning out the noise, managing emotions, and avoiding sales-driven financial advice, you’ll build a strong financial foundation. The earlier you start, the more wealth you’ll create over time. Invest smart, stay patient, and let time do the heavy lifting.