u/claytogether

I am 25F soon to be 26(in 6months). I started taking investing seriously like 2 months ago. I have been investing to 401k since 2024(earliest possible time) but recently learning how to strategize and you know all that stuff. I increased my paycheck contributions as well. And I am looking 22-24 years old people sharing they already have 100k in their account. This makes me question if I am late for future. My current strategy is stay consistent and even if you can contribute less thats fine just continue doing it. Is this strategy good to follow? Wish I could work on second job but due to some restrictions I can’t currently. People who started late how you are holding up in the investing?

I’m trying to understand whether there is a strategy where part of a portfolio is kept in a liquid or broadly invested position (for example money market funds, or short-term Treasuries) so that the capital is still working for you in the market, but can also be used opportunistically when prices drop. In other words, instead of holding cash and waiting for transfers to clear, is it common to stay invested and still have flexibility to take advantage of market dips? Or is this generally not how investing strategies are structured? I am a new investor so trying to see how can I strategies my moves. Any insight is appreciated!

I’m trying to understand whether there is a strategy where part of a portfolio is kept in a liquid or broadly invested position (for example money market funds, or short-term Treasuries) so that the capital is still working for you in the market, but can also be used opportunistically when prices drop. In other words, instead of holding cash and waiting for transfers to clear, is it common to stay invested and still have flexibility to take advantage of market dips? Or is this generally not how investing strategies are structured? I am a new investor so trying to see how can I strategies my moves. Any insight is appreciated!

Currently my company matches 3%. I am putting 12%( 7% before tax + 5% roth contribution) of my salary into 401k account. Since there is 3% match it is total 15% towards the retirement. Is this good enough distribution or I should put more into Roth? What should I be aware of if I am missing anything? Would love to hear your insights.

PS: I am not talking about individual fidelity ROTH IRA Account

80% S&P

10% ishares Russel Midcap

10% ishares MSCI International Index Fund

How does this sound? Is here anyone invested like this for years and benefited from it?

I am also in between of going 100% S&P or 100% TDF 2065

When I started my 401k a year ago I had no idea what to choose so it was not the great decision I made. Can you please advise me how to choose? I know I had to choose retirement target fund which I did, but they have transaction fees😭 I have no good options. Currently my company 401k offerings are below:

Income

Funds focused on stability and fixed income.

Invesco Stable Asset Fund – ADPZ Class

American Funds Inflation Linked Bond Fund – Class R6

iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index Fund – Class K

BlackRock Total Return Fund – Class K (also appears under “Growth & Income”)

Growth & Income

Balanced funds combining stocks and bonds.

American Funds American Balanced Fund – Class R6

Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund – Investor Class Shares

Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund – Investor Class Shares

Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund – Investor Class Shares

Growth

Funds targeting long-term capital appreciation (moderate-to-high risk).

Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund – Investor Class Shares

Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund – Investor Class Shares

Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund – Investor Class Shares

Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund – Investor Class Shares

Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund – Investor Class Shares (25% I hold)

Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund – Investor Class Shares

Vanguard Target Retirement 2060 Fund – Investor Class Shares

Vanguard Target Retirement 2065 Fund – Investor Class Shares (25% I hold)

Vanguard Target Retirement 2070 Fund – Investor Class Shares

Aggressive Growth

Equity-heavy and higher-risk growth funds.

American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund – Class R6

JPMorgan Equity Income Fund – Class R6

State Street Equity 500 Index Fund – Class K (50% i hold)

T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth Fund – Class I

Victory Pioneer Fundamental Growth Fund – Class R6

iShares Russell Mid-Cap Index Fund – Class K

Vanguard Small Cap Value Index Fund – Admiral Class

Vanguard Small Cap Index Fund – Admiral Class

Janus Henderson Triton Fund – Class N

iShares MSCI EAFE International Index Fund – Class K

T. Rowe Price Overseas Stock Fund – Class I

Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund – Class K

American Century Real Estate Fund – Class R6

I have 42k$ cash in my HYSA currently. 401k traditional and roth ira total is 18k$. I recently started investing and taking it seriously and have about 2k $ in VOO + VXUS. I also have 25k$ student loan (5.05%). Due to certain reasons I cant open my personal Roth IRA on fidelity. I am putting 400$ into fidelity account(individual), 500$ into retirement every paycheck. Will open HSA account soon too. What am I doing wrong? What should I change to reach my goal of 100k by eoy? Does this sound feasible?

I could use your advice:) I am 25F currently(i know started investment late)

Reasoning 1: i dont wanna pay off student loan as it helps me to build my credit score and planning to refinance it soon.