If 2026 Is the Year You Start Investing, Here’s What This Money Expert Recommends

Group 1 - A significant portion of American workers, 64%, are experiencing financial strain, highlighting ongoing inflation fears and pessimism about personal finances and the economy [1] - Experts suggest that now is an optimal time to start investing, emphasizing that investing is preferable to market timing or keeping money in low-interest savings accounts [2][3] - Defining a clear investing purpose is crucial for determining risk tolerance, time horizon, and asset allocation, as leaving investable funds in low-yield accounts is seen as a waste [4] Group 2 - Investing not only helps grow wealth but also serves as a hedge against inflation, with a focus on starting to invest rather than seeking quick riches [5] - For beginners, index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are recommended due to their diversification, low costs, and simplicity, with index funds historically outperforming actively managed funds [6][7] - The growth in the number and variety of ETFs has provided investors with more choices at lower costs, making them key components of a diversified portfolio [7]