Gen Y: Investing Is Fun, Not Scary

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I'm currently a 25 year old and I've been using a number of different investing tools. I utilize diversification as much as possible and approach most investments as long-term conservatively. Between the amounts I put into my 401k, Stocks and Roth IRA, I should be able to achieve a proper retirement. If not, then the investment systems (along with the country) are in the crapper. That being said, I'm am weary of putting all of my faith into the stock market or banks. I will still use the "money-under-the-mattress" technique for some of my assets, stressed by my grandparents. :)
I would say that my interest in investing came from my grandfather who went through tough times in the Great Depression. I guess he felt a need to show me early on how important it is to keep cash stashed away and to be weary certain banks and investors. On the other hand, certain moves and scenarios that my parents went through taught me more about what can happen when you DO put money into the market.
I am really hoping that if a large amount of people of my generation are investing, it can help stabilize and help bring back economic stability. So, I think that Generation Y not only hopes to ensure their own retirements, but to play their part to help stabilize the U.S. economy.
I think Generation Y truly has deep hope and believes that the United States will regain a solid economic grip. This grip will then lead to another era of prosperity. I believe that it is this hope and optimistic outlook we have for this country that is fueling our desire to invest.

Landon of TX 5:17AM March 23, 2010

Hey Kimberly,
I'm guessing your one of the ones you just wrote about. Let me sugggest you go to the next level and ask why. Consider that 30% of a young persons stake is a lot different than 30% of the stake of a 60 year old who's also keeping up with the debts of their 85 year old parents.
Being young and basically unencumbered by the obligations that mount over 50-60 years is easy.
To be honest, you had an opportunity to do an extraordinary piece and instead, filled a column-hole. I bet you can do better and I wish you would.

Grant Ellis of TX 10:07PM October 15, 2009

I can't AFFORD to invest. After being unemployed, being offered a job, only to have the hours cut, my credit card bill is ginormous along with my student loan bills. I'll be lucky to actually save money in the next year....investing is YEARS away.

veronica of NH 12:27PM October 14, 2009

increasingly know they WILL NOT make it in life without the compounding power that comes from successful investing. UNFORTUNATELY, there are all kinds of sharks in the investment sea that plan on taking money from those enthusiastic kids---not giving money to them. Markets are tough neighborhoods. Some will succeed, of course. Those who do will not be stuck in the mindset of buy and hold----where bubbles build and then go bust.

Muser of NM 1:55PM October 13, 2009