Things I Wish I Knew About Starting to Invest Early
When you're first starting out in military life, investing can feel like something that belongs in the future.
You're focused on paying bills, settling into a new duty station, preparing for the next PCS, and simply figuring out life.
That's exactly where I was. Looking back, one of the biggest financial lessons I've learned is this: You don't have to start big, you just have to start.
I wish someone had told me that even investing a small amount each month can help build healthy financial habits and put time on your side.
Consistency Matters More Than Perfection
Many people assume you need thousands of dollars before you can begin investing.
The truth is, consistency is often more important than the amount you start with.
Whether it's:
Contributing to your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Opening a brokerage account
Increasing your retirement contributions over time
Investing $25 or $50 each month
Every small step can add up over the years. Military families have one advantage many people don't, time. The earlier you begin, the more opportunity your investments have to grow.
Learn Before You Invest
One thing I wish I'd known earlier is that you don't need to know everything before getting started.
Take time to learn the basics.
Read books.
Listen to podcasts.
Ask questions.
Meet with a financial professional who understands military benefits and your family's goals.
The more you learn today, the more confident you'll feel tomorrow.
Helpful Resources
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
The TSP is one of the primary retirement savings plans available to service members and federal employees.
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Military OneSource Financial Counseling
Military OneSource offers free financial counseling and education for eligible military families.
FINRA Investor Education
FINRA provides excellent beginner-friendly resources about investing, retirement planning, and avoiding investment scams.
Fidelity Investments
Fidelity is a popular choice for brokerage and retirement accounts with a wide range of educational resources.
Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab offers brokerage accounts, retirement planning tools, and educational content for investors at every experience level.
Vanguard
Vanguard is known for low-cost index funds and long-term investing resources.
Work With Someone You Trust
If investing feels overwhelming, you don't have to figure it out alone. Many military families choose to work with a financial advisor who understands military pay, retirement benefits, PCS moves, and long-term planning.
A few organizations that specialize in working with military families include:
No matter who you choose, take time to ask questions, understand the recommendations you're receiving, and make sure the approach fits your family's goals and comfort level.
From Madison
If there's one thing I've learned, it's that building wealth isn't about trying to time the market or becoming a financial expert overnight. It's about creating good habits and staying consistent.
Military life comes with enough uncertainty. Knowing you're taking small steps toward your family's future can provide a sense of confidence no matter where you're stationed.
Whether you're investing your first $25, opening your first brokerage account, or simply learning how it all works, remember that every journey starts with one step. Your future self will thank you for starting today.
— Madison Sherwood
Continue Your Journey
At Coast2Coast Connect, we believe preparing for a PCS isn't just about finding your next home, it's about building a strong future for your family. No matter where military life takes you, we're here to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
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