Want to start investing, but don't know where to start...

[Itsnotme1988]

I'm 23 and have an okay income for my age (I feel at least.) Plan on looking into buying a home next year with my wife (our first home) and plan to look at foreclosure etc so we have at least one asset right off the bat. I'm already 100% vested in my 401k, investing 4% of my check with a full match by work (they only match up to 4% of my check.) What else can I do to have my money make money? Keep hearing mutual funds are a good investment, but like I said, I know NOTHING about investing.... Best to start now while I have the income

[disneysteve]

Welcome. Give us some more info. Do you have at least a 3-month emergency fund set aside? Do you have (or will you have) a 20% down payment when you are ready to buy a house?

What is your total household monthly income? What are your total monthly expenses currently? Project what those expenses will be once you buy a home also as they will likely rise with a mortgage payment, taxes, insurance and maintenance.

[jpg7n16]

Other questions:

Why are you investing? (retirement, college savings for your kid if you have one, buy a bigger house, "I don't really know why I'm investing", etc.)
How long until you might need the money? (next year, 1-5 years out, 5-10 years out, 10+ years out)
Why is having "an asset right off the bat" important to you?

Plus, what other assets do you you have? (DS mentioned the emergency fund) Cash? Cars? Investments?
Do you presently have any debt? (school loans, credit cards, car payment, personal loans)
-If so, what are the interest rates and balances of that debt?