The world of finance just completely perplexes me. Any time someone talks about it, my mind goes blank. Any way you can help me understand it better?
What fortune it is, then, that you've run into a graduate student for financial planning. Not kidding, lol. Mostly, it's about money management.
Money management, eh? Is there anything intricate about it, or some kind of expert knowledge/history you can tell me?
I'd say historically it's as old as money itself. But step zero of all money management is building yourself a budget. Got one?
It's really low. Like I can only afford $1,000 a month because I'm a student.
Hey I'm right there with you. My expenses are $1200/mo. When you know your expenses, you can cut out thing that add no significant value to you.
Anything specific you can tell me about investments, if I decided to go that route?
Yes. Contribute to a 401(k) if you have one. Then a personal Roth IRA. After that, Vanguard has super low commission index funds. I'd go in that order.
That makes a lot of sense. I think I might try that. What other tips can you give me?
Make sure that your employer lets you direct where the funds in your 401(k) are directed. And keep 3-6 months worth of expenses in savings.