This week on The Retirement Readiness Podcast, Tim Regan and Kaitlyn Hedger dive into the essentials of investment strategies for early-career professionals. If you’ve wondered how to get started with investing, what “investment management” really means, or whether you need a big bankroll to work with a financial advisor, this episode has practical answers. Tim and Kaitlyn break down common misconceptions—like the idea that investing is only for people with large portfolios—and explain how investment management starts with understanding your goals: Are you saving for a house, kids’ college, or retirement?

“Step one is figuring out what you actually have,” they emphasize, underscoring the importance of taking inventory and aligning investments to specific goals and timelines. They also discuss the difference between investing and speculating, how to balance “play money” with a disciplined investment plan, and why building the right “money set”—a clear mindset and strategy for each goal—is the foundation for long-term financial success.

“We see investment management as breaking down what the heck these investments even are—what we should be in, what we should be considering, and what’s available to you. That’s the biggest piece.”

Tune in to learn how the Kickstart Program helps young professionals take the guesswork out of investing, and how thoughtful, goal-oriented decisions today can put you on track for your two-comma life.

3 Key Takeaways

– You don’t need a large amount of money to start investing; everyone can benefit from guidance that aligns investments with personal goals.

– Investment strategies—and risk tolerance—should be tailored to specific goals, like buying a home soon versus saving for retirement decades away.

– Taking inventory of your current accounts and understanding your options is the first step toward building a methodical and intentional investment plan.

Listen now, and be sure to subscribe to the Retirement Readiness Podcast on your preferred platform.