--- title: Born After 1990? Here’s Your 10-Point Guide to Investing description: What retirement looks like for young professionals image: https://blog.scmadvice.com/hubfs/24-3.jpg --- - [Why Choose SCM?](https://scmadvice.com/why-scm/) - [Our Commitment to You](https://scmadvice.com/our-commitment-to-you/) - [Our Fees](https://scmadvice.com/our-fees/) - [What We Do](https://scmadvice.com/what-we-do/) - [401(k) Plan Management](https://scmadvice.com/401k-plan-management/) - [403(b) Plan Management](https://scmadvice.com/403b-plan-management/) - [Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Management](https://scmadvice.com/thrift-savings-plan-tsp-management/) - [Health Savings Account (HSA) Management](https://scmadvice.com/health-savings-account-hsa-management/) - [Wealth Management](https://scmadvice.com/wealth-management/) - [Financial Planning](https://scmadvice.com/financial-planning/) - [Pension Analysis](https://scmadvice.com/pension-analysis/) - [Social Security Analysis](https://scmadvice.com/social-security-analysis/) - [About SCM](https://scmadvice.com/who-we-are/) - 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[Our Fees](https://scmadvice.com/our-fees/) - [What We Do](https://scmadvice.com/what-we-do/) - [401(k) Plan Management](https://scmadvice.com/401k-plan-management/) - [403(b) Plan Management](https://scmadvice.com/403b-plan-management/) - [Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Management](https://scmadvice.com/thrift-savings-plan-tsp-management/) - [Health Savings Account (HSA) Management](https://scmadvice.com/health-savings-account-hsa-management/) - [Wealth Management](https://scmadvice.com/wealth-management/) - [Financial Planning](https://scmadvice.com/financial-planning/) - [Pension Analysis](https://scmadvice.com/pension-analysis/) - [Social Security Analysis](https://scmadvice.com/social-security-analysis/) - [About SCM](https://scmadvice.com/who-we-are/) - [Our Story](https://scmadvice.com/our-story/) - [Our Team](https://scmadvice.com/who-we-are/our-team/) - [Quick Facts](https://scmadvice.com/who-we-are/quick-facts/) - [Who We Help](https://scmadvice.com/our-clients/) - [Getting Organized and On Track](https://scmadvice.com/getting-organized-and-on-track/) - 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Here’s Your 10-Point Guide to Investing If you were born in the 1990s, chances are you have a pretty busy life with mounting financial responsibilities. Maybe you have student loans, a mortgage or possibly even young children to care for. While it may seem like decades away, saving for retirement is also something that should be getting as much attention today as driving your kids to soccer practice or a trip to the grocery store. While you may know that putting money away for your future self is important, many people your age can’t help but wonder if they’re doing it correctly – or how to start in the first place. Below are 10 points to consider. [It’s never too early to start talking about your future. Contact Scarborough Capital Management and see how we can help.](https://info.scmadvice.com/contact-us) **1. Don’t Miss Your Payments** It may seem tedious, but the time you spend on the front end here is going to pay for itself multiple times over down the road. With whatever system you use (spreadsheet, financial software, old fashioned paper), make sure you track money going in and out, as well as your bills and loan payments, along with associated due dates. Pay on time and keep the late fees and interest at bay. **2. Put Together a Contingency Fund – This is Critical** Undoubtedly, you’ve heard about having some money set aside in the event of an unforeseen situation. This could be the loss of a job, medical expenses or even a larger than expected car repair. Instead of putting these costs on a credit card (which could cost you hundreds or even thousands in interest), think ahead and put at least three to six months expenses into this account. **3. Pay Off a Little Debt – And Let Your Confidence Grow** By paying off your smaller debts and loans first, it may help you stay more diligent in paying off the larger sums. The thinking goes this way: If you see progress in getting loans paid, no matter how small, it can give you confidence to get the larger ones paid off sooner. It’s not the only way to pay down debt, but for some people, it definitely works. **4. Look Into a Roth 401(k)** If you think your tax rate is going to be more in your later years due to increased income and a higher tax bracket, [a Roth 401(k) plan](https://scmadvice.com/401k-plan-management-2/) taxes your money as it’s going in, not as you withdraw. And unlike a typical 401(k) plan you don’t pay taxes on your investment earnings. **5. Invest in Stock, Even if the Market is Volatile** When the stock market shows signs of volatility, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it shouldn’t be an option at all. Keep a relatively balanced portfolio and adjust based on your risk tolerance. **6. Examine Your 401(k) Options When You Change Jobs** When you change jobs, you may be tempted to take a quick cash-out and go on a vacation or make a cosmetic improvement on your home. But beware. If you cash out, taxes and penalties will probably far outweigh the benefit of your purchase. Instead, you may want to leave your 401(k) where it is, roll it into your new employer’s plan or roll it into an IRA account. **7. Do Your Research Before Purchasing a Home** Buying a house can be stressful, so make sure you have as much information on the process as possible to reduce your anxiety. Track interest rates, look at fluctuations in home prices in the areas you’re interested in and even consider if a new build would make sense. Buying a home is not like ordering something from Amazon. Once you sign, it’s much harder to return it. **8. Start Saving for Your Children’s Education Now** Even if your children are young, you’ll be sending them off to college before you know it! [A 529 college savings plan](https://www.sec.gov/about/reports-publications/investor-publications/introduction-529-plans) can be a great way to get started, since it allows you to avoid paying federal taxes on the contributions and withdrawals, as long as that money is used for educational expenses. You may even be eligible for a tax deduction, depending on the state you live in. **9. Buy Insurance Before You Need It** Make sure you discuss your situation with a financial advisor to sort out your insurance options and decide which are right for you. Term life (low cost, good coverage, but the policy will expire), universal life (lower coverage and more expensive than term, but allows for a cash component), and whole life (most expensive of the three, but provides coverage for your entire life) are three options to consider. **10. Give Back – This Doesn’t Have to Involve Dollars** Just because your paycheck may not allow you to give large donations doesn’t mean you can’t do something for your favorite charitable and social causes. By giving back your time instead of money, it can help you stay on budget, while also giving you a greater understanding and sense of contribution to the cause you’re helping. **Next Steps** Now that you have an idea of what to do, the next step is simply doing it. And if you need help, seek it out. At Scarborough Capital Management, this is exactly [what we do](https://scmadvice.com/what-we-do/). We can help you get on your way to saving for retirement, no matter where you live, and for a convenient monthly fee. - We’re personal: Your individual advisor helps you develop your personalized strategy for saving. - We help you save more: Our clients contribute 4 percent more, on average, than typical 401(k) savers. - We help you keep your money where it is: You can get advice from us without having to move money out of your existing 401(k), and changes can be made using the tools that your employer has already provided. - We’re thorough: We don’t just look at your income. We look at your hopes, goals, and risk tolerance, then develop a personalized investment strategy. We consistently review your goals and risk tolerance, contact you to discuss your plan and rebalance your portfolio if needed, and provide unlimited access to your advisor. [Contact us to schedule a free review](https://scmadvice.com/contact-us/). [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5952573/c5e82adc-81d5-4120-9a90-03c58ac2fea1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5952573/c5e82adc-81d5-4120-9a90-03c58ac2fea1) *The opinions voiced on this blog are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide or be a substitute for specific professional financial, tax or legal advice or recommendations for any individuals.* *Before investing in a 529 plan, you should inquire about the particular plan, its fees and expenses. You should also consider that certain states offer tax benefits and fee savings to in-state residents. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the state and federal consequences of the investment.*   *Scarborough Capital Management is not affiliated with the US Government or any governmental agency. As such, this content was not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the US Government and/or any governmental agency.* *Go to* [*www.ssa.gov*](http://www.ssa.gov) *for more information about the United States Social Security Administration.* *Securities through Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG), a registered broker-dealer. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Scarborough Capital Management, a registered investment advisor. IFG and Scarborough Capital Management are unaffiliated entities.* [![Scarborough Capital Management](https://blog.scmadvice.com/hubfs/ScarboroughCapitalManagement_June2019/Images/logo.png)](https://scmadvice.com/) For over 35 years, Scarborough Capital Management has been seeking to help busy people make the most of their money. With affordable 401(k) management services plus full-service financial planning and wealth management, we’re passionate about helping you achieve your financial goals… now and in the future. #### Contact - 1906 Towne Centre Blvd., Suite 260 Annapolis, MD 21401 - **Call:** 410-573-5700 or 800-200-3870 **Fax:** 410-573-5708 #### Navigate - [Why Choose SCM?](https://scmadvice.com/why-scm/) - [What We Do](https://scmadvice.com/what-we-do/) - [About SCM](https://scmadvice.com/who-we-are/) - [Who We Help](https://scmadvice.com/our-clients/) - [Free Resources](https://scmadvice.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://blog.scmadvice.com/) - [Contact Us](https://scmadvice.com/contact-us/) ##### Find on Social: - - **![Broker Check logo](https://blog.scmadvice.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Broker%20Check%20logo.png?width=140&name=Broker%20Check%20logo.png)** **Important consumer information** This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a solicitation or offering of any security and: Representatives of Registered Broker-Dealer ("BD") or Registered Investment Advisor ("IA") may only conduct business in a state if the representatives and the BD and IA they represent (a) satisfy the qualification requirements of, and are approved to do business by, that state; or (b) are excluded or exempted from that state's registration requirements. 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IFG and Scarborough Capital Management are unaffiliated entities Information provided is from sources believed to be reliable however, we cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete. Because situations vary, any information provided on this site is not intended to indicate suitability for any particular investor. Hyperlinks are provided as a courtesy and should not be deemed as an endorsement. When you link to a third-party website you are leaving our site and assume total responsibility for your use or activity on the third-party sites. [View Part 2 of Our ADV](https://scmadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SCM-Part-2A-of-Form-ADV-04012025.pdf)     [View Our CRS](https://scmadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SCM-CRS-3-22-2024.pdf)     [SCM Privacy Policy](https://scmadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Privacy-Policy-3.2024.pdf) Copyright 2025. Scarborough Capital Management. All rights reserved.