Build an emergency fund first
Pay off high-interest debt
Contribute to retirement accounts
Invest in low-cost index funds
Diversify across asset classes
Use dollar-cost averaging
Reinvest dividends and gains
Keep investment fees low
Match investments to your risk tolerance
Invest for the long term
Avoid emotional buying and selling
Increase contributions regularly
Consider tax-advantaged accounts
Research before buying individual stocks
Review and rebalance periodically