“Simply put, you want to invest in order to create wealth.  It’s relatively painless, and the rewards are plentiful. “

This article from The Motley Fool website explains why investing is a smart idea.  The article begins with information about the importance of goals.  Then asks the question, “What are you saving for?”.  The article also explains the power of compounding and provides specific examples to illustrate how time, rate of return, and age can make a tremendous difference.

The article also summarizes 9 common pitfalls to avoid including: doing nothing, starting late, investing before paying down credit card debt, etc.

Note:  this is one of a series of articles provided by The Motley Fool website.  Hopefully, students will use this article as a starting point and will use more of the educational materials available on this site.

For more information, click here.

Teaching Suggestions

You may want to use the information in this blog post and the original article to

• Stress the importance of beginning a savings and investment program sooner rather than later.
• Explain the power of compounding examples in this article to illustrate the difference in potential returns.
• Discuss the 9 common pitfalls that often keep people from starting a savings and investment program.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the advantages of starting an investment program sooner rather than later?
2. Where can you get the money you need to begin a savings and investment program?
3. What do you consider the biggest pitfall that keeps you from starting a savings and investment program?