Face the Ghost of Investing Before It’s Too Late
It’s that time of year when we love a good scare—haunted houses, horror movies, and creepy costumes. But one thing scarier than ghosts and ghouls? The fear of investing. For many, investing feels like some abstract phantom lurking in the background, something we know we should do but keep putting off until it’s too late.

I’ve seen it happen countless times—clients peaking at 58 or 59 years old, haunted by regret because they didn’t start investing earlier. The dread of "What if I run out of money in retirement?" looms larger and larger. I don’t want that to be you! You don't need to be an expert, but you need to start now, no matter how intimidating it feels. Waiting too long is the real nightmare.

What’s So Scary About Investing? Let’s Break It Down

• Fear of the Unknown: Many avoid investing because it seems complicated and overwhelming. But here’s the truth—just like the monster under your bed, it’s not as terrifying as it seems once you understand it.
• Fear of Losing Money: Market downturns are a reality, but not investing at all is the biggest risk. Inflation alone will eat away at your savings if you don’t put your money to work.
• Fear of Not Knowing Enough: You don’t need to be a Wall Street wizard to get started. Tools like index funds, robo-advisors, and employer-sponsored 401(k)s make investing simple.

How to Start Before the Clock Strikes Midnight

1. Small Steps Add Up: Start with a small, consistent investment—even $50 a month. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow.
2. Leverage What You Already Have: If your job offers a 401(k) with matching contributions, take advantage of it. It's free money, and the earlier you contribute, the more it compounds.
3. Automate It: Set up automatic contributions, so you don’t even have to think about it. Let your investments grow in the background, like magic.
4. Ask for Help: You don’t have to do this alone. Whether it’s working with a coach (like me!) or using a robo-advisor, there’s no shame in getting help to understand what’s best for you.

The Real Horror Story? Waiting Until It’s Too Late

The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to catch up. Compound interest is a powerful force, but it only works in your favor with time. Imagine starting at 25 versus waiting until 50—it’s the difference between having treats or tricks in retirement.

Ready to Conquer the Fear? Join Our Halloween Investing Challenge! 🎃

This Halloween, let’s turn the tables and face that investing fear head-on. Challenge yourself to open an investment account or contribute to one by October 31st. Whether it’s a 401(k), IRA, or brokerage account, start small and share your progress with me through my survey link.

The subscriber who takes the boldest step will be featured in next month’s blog, with a chance to inspire others with their story!

Don’t Let Investing Haunt You Any Longer.
It’s not about perfection—it’s about starting. Your future self will thank you for facing this fear now, instead of waking up years from now wishing you had. Let’s confront that financial ghost together and make this the year you take control of your financial future.