The start of a new year is a great time to revisit your investments — or to start investing for the first time. If you fall into the latter category, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start, so financial influencer Genesis Hinckley recommends focusing on one investment at a time.
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“One of the best things I did after college was dedicate some time to one financial goal every quarter,” she shared on Instagram. “I started off with creating an account to max out my 401(k), learning about it, actually putting money into it and then moved onto opening an HSA, and so on.”
If you are a more experienced investor, consider funneling money into multiple investment accounts. Hinckley said there are now five places where she invests consistently.
“Now, I invest in all of these areas automatically — yes, you can set that up,” she wrote. “Wealth is possible to build — for anyone. It just takes conscious and consistent effort over time.”
Here are the five investments Hinckley recommends making in 2025.
Make it your goal to make the maximum contribution to your 401(k) plan, if you have access to one.
“If your employer offers a 401(k) match, contribute at least enough to get the full match — it’s basically free money for your retirement,” Hinckley wrote.
Ideally, though, you’ll put in even more — in 2025, you can contribute up to $23,500, and if you are age 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $7,500.
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Index funds are a wise addition to your investment portfolio.
“Index funds like those tracking the S&P 500 are low-cost, diversified and historically high-performing investments,” Hinckley wrote. “Most recommend investing in a Total US Market, Total International Stock Market excluding the US and a Total Bond Market Index Fund to balance risk and growth.”
Invest in things that can up your earning potential.
“Take courses, build skills, hire a coach and expand your knowledge,” Hinckley wrote. “The more you learn, the more you earn.”
You may have to cut back on other things to make time for this, but the investment is sure to pay off.
“Sacrifice watching TV, spending time with friends or even sleeping to invest in yourself and your earning potential,” Hinckley wrote. “Your dreams won’t come true unless you work for them.”
Money in a health savings account can help you build your wealth.
