Investing can be tricky. Do we do stocks and bonds or real estate? Should I be conservative and play it safe or can I be more risky for a greater potential reward? These are just a few of many questions we must ask ourselves when thinking about investing our hard-earned cash. The investing world is fraught with anxiety and uncertainty, and the fear can paralyze us from doing anything. The money sits in our bank depreciating in value as inflation marches on at a steady 4% clip.
Today’s economy demands that we keep learning and re-inventing ourselves. We no longer stay at the same job our whole lives, and need to be continually increasing our skills and what we can offer as the market evolves. It is becoming less important where you went to school, and more important what you can do. The good news is there are schools and lectures, classes and workshops springing up on the web and throughout the country to provide these learning opportunities. Every time I have decided to invest any extra money I had in bettering myself, I have gotten a good return. Investing in myself has returned personal and financial growth with new skill sets, connections and tools that I could take with me wherever I go, regardless of how well Wall Street is doing.
If you have a little extra money and time (or just time) and are wondering what to do with it, consider investing in yourself. Here are a few tips that might help you focus on what you want to learn.
1. Do you want a degree or a certificate, or does this not matter as much to you? This helps you narrow down the level of investment you need to make and the type of program that will be right for you.
2. Ask yourself what you are passionate about. What is it that you have always wanted to learn and do but have never had the time or money to do? This is a great place to start exploring the industry you want to study.
3. Spend some time online researching the best programs. There is a broad spectrum available from higher learning online courses such as lynda.com, EdX or Coursera, to do-it-yourself YouTube channels. If you want a more hands-on experience, you can join a MeetUp group, do an intensive training session, or go to a one-time session at one of the many new businesses such as Brooklyn Brainery in New York.
The key is to invest in something you really want to learn. It can be painting, guitar or the stock market, but make sure it’s something you’ll have fun with. Enjoy!