Some simple investment advice

1: Be realistic

     Don't think you'll just win the lottery some day and everything will be fine, it just doesn't work like that. It's steady savings in small amounts that leads to large savings accounts period!

2: Diversify

     Don't make large bets in just one type of investment. Diversify across asset classes and different industries. This evens out the swings in portfolio values and let's us sleep better.

3: Have fun

     Developing our own style of investing and saving should be fun. I like to buy stock in products I use. When I buy products from these companies I'm actually buying from my self. Owning a few utility stocks that pay dividends makes paying the heating bill a little easier too. There are a large number of ways to hedge in this manner, finding a new one is lots of

fun for me

4: Use only money that won't be needed for at least five years.

     Don't gamble with your savings. Remember day traders live day to day, investors live where they want to. View stock purchases and building a portfolio as a marathon not a sprint. If we don't have the funds to invest and leave in that investment for several years it shouldn't be in the stock market. If there's any chance we might need to use these funds for other expenses they should be put in a savings account or emergency fund.