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Investing Basics checklist

16 steps to get your retirement saving started on solid ground.

Track your progress with a free accountGet the free Retirement Starter Workbook

Get ready

A solid base first.

  • Understand why long-term money is invested Guide
  • Separate short-term savings from long-term investing Guide
  • Think through your time horizon and comfort with ups and downs Guide
  • Find out how your employer match works Guide

Set up accounts

The right places for retirement money.

  • Contribute at least enough to get the full match Guide
  • Decide between Roth and traditional contributions Guide
  • Consider an IRA if you have no plan, or want to save more Guide
  • Find any old 401(k)s from past jobs Guide

Choose investments

Simple, diversified, low cost.

  • Look up the expense ratio of everything you hold Guide
  • Check your mix of stocks, bonds and cash Guide
  • Understand any target-date fund you're in Guide
  • Learn how index funds work Guide

Protect and review

Once a year.

  • Update beneficiaries on every account Guide
  • Raise your contribution by 1% each year if you can Guide
  • Learn the red flags of investment scams Guide
  • Write down your plan for when the market drops Guide