How do I put my money to work?

So I'm currently a freshman, 19yo, and going to be interning at a Big4 in NY this summer. Not going to be making IB money but I'm looking to save around 2-2.5k from working. I plan on putting away at least 3-4K during each of my next two summers interning as well. Instead of just letting it sit in the bank, what kind of investment options do I have? Stocks are cool but I'm not really trying to deal with much volatility. I'm really looking for something passive, that won't fluctuate too much, and that will make more money than the bank will pay interest. I was thinking about putting it in indexes or ETFs maybe? You're thought and ideas would be much appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

Dude, you saving 5 grand throughout college isn't going to make you rich.

If I were you I'd spend most of it during the school year at bars, on a few cool trips and on spring break. Live a little man, you have plenty of time to contribute to investment accounts.

19 years old isn't the time to be looking to build long-term wealth. If you're interested in trading stocks maybe take a little of that money and throw it in a Robinhood and learn a little that way and keep some some stashed away in savings, but by all means have fun with it.

 

Bro, spend it on the sorority girls and fuckin' slayyyyyyyy.

Take a portion and buy stocks, ETFs, etc. and HOLD THEM. I bought ULTA (and a lot of it) when it was at $24 when I was in college...it's currently at $277. Buy some shit and forget about it.

You're too young for the rest of it. You need money to make money and then you'll see how tax implications get factored in.

 

if I were you, I'd do this: take half and put it in global equities (index fund, mutual fund, whatever, don't pick stocks yet).

take half and clean yourself up. do you have a good interview suit? buy one, keep it fresh. do you need some going out clothes? I know the other poster was kidding, but your ROI on buying a couple rounds of shots on well night will go a lot further for your confidence than buying 50 more shares of SPY.

 

Do equity index levels concern you? Valuations are at historic highs - this may be because I like value investing but I cannot bring myself to invest in any ETF/Equity at these levels.

 
Best Response

see the thread "rates, rates, rates," I talk about valuation in there.

here's my problem, I don't have the liberty of ever being out of the market, because I don't run a company like Baupost that can have 50% cash. if this kid is trying to get the best return for the next 2 or 3 years, then yeah maybe he should keep some cash, but he's a college kid with only a few nickels to rub together, and I believe firmly that by the time he'll need to spend the money, stocks will be higher.

if you want to do the david dreman or brandes thing and pick up super cheap stocks every year and bail out once they've gone up, be my guest, but I doubt this kid has the time to dedicate to reading balance sheets when he should be out slaying dragons.

also, if there's not a single stock you'd invest in, you're doomed for a life of investment disappointment. there are always bargains, even if prospective returns are lower than the past.

 

Sed laboriosam ducimus fugit ipsam voluptas quia in deleniti. Nisi alias a nemo eum nihil. Nesciunt enim labore vero temporibus soluta.

Officia et vel quis sint voluptas et modi. Atque ea sapiente nisi aut aliquid. Perferendis rerum maiores nihil perspiciatis odio voluptatibus aut qui. Minus maxime ad quo vitae.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”