- Max your 401(k) or equivalent employee contribution.
- Buy inexpensive, well-diversified mutual funds such as Vanguard Target 20xx funds.
- Never buy or sell individual security. The person on the other side of the table knows more than you do about this stuff.
- Save 20% of your money.
- Pay your credit card balance in full every month.
- Maximize tax-advantage savings vehicles like Roth, SEP and 529 accounts.
- Pay attention to fees. Avoid actively managed funds.
- Make your financial advisor commit to a fiduciary standard.