SERIES: Investing Fundamentals Part 3 – Get the Free Money

Welcome to the latest series at JosephSangl.com – “Investing Fundamentals”  Investing is consistently rated by our audience as one of the most confusing topics they face. In this series, we are going to share some foundational principles that can really help you understand investing better!

Three  Get the Free Money

Yes, I said FREE money. Many employers will match a portion of your contributions into a self-directed retirement plan! I encourage you to go to your employer’s human resources department and sign up for the retirement plan. Start investing money into it immediately! Contribute enough money to obtain the entire employer match. Remember this is really just FREE money!

The company you work for will usually match you up to a certain percent of your pay. I worked for an employer that matched me dollar-for-dollar up to 8% of my pay (100% automatic rate of return!!!). Another matched dollar-for-dollar up to 6% of my pay. Still another matched dollar-for-dollar up to 3% of my pay. Whatever your employer is willing to give you is FREE MONEY!

It is baffling that many people don’t take advantage of these free money opportunities. I have heard several excuses about why people choose not to, excuses like:

  • “I can’t afford to contribute.”
  • “I’m living paycheck to paycheck already.”

These people are basically saying they can’t afford to be given free money. Doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, huh? This is an opportunity to receive a 100% return on your investment! DO NOT WASTE THIS CHANCE!

STEPS TO TAKE:

  • Talk to your employer TODAY and sign up for your company’s retirement plan. Start contributing something – at least enough to get the full match.
  • As quickly as possible, increase your investing contribution to at least 10% of your gross income. I know this is a lot of money, but you will NEVER regret this decision.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE:

NOTE: This post contributed by IWBNIN intern – Craig Fatt

2 Comments

  1. Gen on June 27, 2013 at 9:36 am

    This is great advice, Joe! But, some are not aware that many employer retirement funds stipulate that you stay with that company for XXX time before you can receive their match.

    As a business owner, I was advised by someone representing a retirement fund, that this was a shadow benefit because many go from job to job before they receive the FREE $$$.

    Is that true? Can you expand on that for those reading your emails, and for me, please

    Thanks for all you do, I so enjoy your emails, the tools, your books and your passion for the Body!!!

    God’s Richest Blessings,
    Geneva



  2. Gen on June 27, 2013 at 9:38 am

    Oh, and I forgot to mention, I share your sight with others all the time!!!

    Especially those in debt, those without a budget and with young couples who want to learn Godly financial principles.

    Keep it up. 🙂

    Gen



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