How I'd Invest $5,000 Today If I Had to Start From Scratch

Not only is this even true for investing, it's especially true for investing. It's advice most investors have heard over and over again, often resulting in eye rolls and groans. Reality: Your first goal as an investor isn't beating the market; it's simply not underperforming the market, trusting that in time, market-based investments in index funds will deliver good results.