Investing For — Dummies

: Pay off credit cards first. No investment reliably returns more than the 20%+ interest rate you’re likely paying on debt.

According to Tyson and other financial experts, you shouldn't put a single dollar into the market until you've checked these three boxes: Investing For Dummies

Investing doesn't have to be a wall of confusing jargon. The "Investing For Dummies" approach, primarily popularized by author Eric Tyson, focuses on building a solid financial foundation before picking your first stock. 1. Preparation: The "Before You Invest" Checklist : Pay off credit cards first

: Stash 3 to 6 months of living expenses in a high-yield savings account so you never have to sell your investments in a panic during a market dip. : If your employer offers a 401(k) match,

: If your employer offers a 401(k) match, contribute enough to get the full amount. It is essentially a 100% immediate return on your money. 2. The Simple Toolkit: What to Actually Buy