Investing in the Launch Years (Ages 18-24): The Essential Guide

Guides for investors at the beginning of their independent financial lives, ages 18-24. These years are when you gain access to your first retirement accounts, start your first job with employer benefits, and make decisions that compound over 40-plus years.

• First priority: what comes before investing
• Account map: which accounts matter most
• Time horizons: separating short-, medium- and long-term money
• Risk capacity: how much volatility can your plan absorb
• Automation: set contributions up and get out of the way
• Investment fees: which costs compound against you
• Scam risks: what changes with life stage at 18-24
• Family money conversations: what to share and what to keep private
• Life events: the biggest investment plan changes at 18-24
• Annual review checklist for ages 18-24

Full guide: Investing in Your 20s

Also see: Investing in Your Late 20s (Ages 25-29)