Saturday,
January 20, 2024
Top Story
• Wholesale inflation decelerated for the third straight month in December, painting a different picture than consumer price inflation, which ticked up last month.
• The average 30-year mortgage rate fell to 6.75%, driving an 11% increase in refinance applications, week-over-week.
• The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell more than expected, hitting its lowest level since September 2022. Continuing claims for benefits also declined, reaching their lowest level since last October.
For more economic news, visit On the Money — SoFi’s one-stop-shop for news, trends, and tips!
Investing sounds great, but how do you know where to start?
First things first: Investing isn’t only for people who already have a lot of money. You can start your investing journey at any point in your life.
In fact, if you’re saving for retirement through an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan, you might already be investing! A 401(k) often allows you to choose from preselected investments, like index funds and target-date funds.
Other ways to invest include mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as well as buying stocks outright. Always be sure to assess the risks before investing. Learn more about how to get started in our Investing 101 hub.
Dipping your toes into the financial waters
Set goals. Your investment strategy should align with your goals. Some investment vehicles are better suited for long-term savings goals like retirement, while other options could help you save for nearer-term needs like a downpayment on a house.
Don’t look too often. If you’re saving for the long-term, time is your friend. Try to avoid making knee-jerk decisions when the market is turbulent. However, if you are worried about long-term economic trends, it could be time to reassess your strategy.