Have I waited too long to start investing?

Question

I'm 26 now. I had some investments going during and shortly after college, but I liquidated them to pay down debt and prepare to go back to school. I'm now in law school, but I will not be generating an income for another 2 years. So, I will be 28 when I am finally making an income. I plan to invest aggressively at that point. But, I'm wondering if I am going to be a "late-bloomer" now in the investment world. I feel like I've missed opportunities by going back to school. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

You've done right.

Besides, to invest in the stock market now would be a very risky thing to do.

You are OK.

Answer 2

You are one of the lucky ones. Since july 1999, the stock market is 30% negative adjusted for inflation. Housing sells for 1998 prices and still falling.

I would do my thing and wait, what will happen in 2 years. If McSame will take over, we will hit new lows for the next 5 years.

Answer 3

Not at all. Even if you start investing at 28 you will be just fine. The key is that you do not allow you income to ride with your expenses i.e. as soon as your income increases so do your expenses. You will never get off the treadmill.

Answer 4

You are investing, in your future earning potential by getting an advanced degree.  Once you complete that you should invest your earnings for your future.

Answer 5

Investing is a marathon, not a sprint, if you don't plan on investing for 2 years; this is the time to learn as much as you can.  Talk to people open practice accounts and track what you do.  You are obviously educated; you just need to educate yourself on this subject.  sites that I use www.fingad.com, http://www.thefinanceforums.com,

Answer 6

In short the answer is no.  Most of my friends didn't start investing until they were 35 - 50 years old.......  You'll be way ahead of most by starting at 28.  Be diligent. Increase your investment everytime your income goes up. Take advantage of anything at work & do a ROTH IRA in addition. If self employed... you'll really have some great opportunities.

You're ahead of the pack!!!! Stay there!

BTW: anytime is a good time to invest in the market. You never know how far it will go down... and you'll never know when it's the reverse..... so dollar cost averaging is always the best way.  Don't hesitate to invest even if some people say "it's not a good time". They are the ones that will lose at this game.