I'm definitely not an investor, nor do I know what I'm doing but...
* 401k, maxed to what my employer will match
* Stocks just for fun
* Bought a house when the market was extremely low
* Invested in myself; getting a Master's degree through my employer's gracious reimbursement plan
My father always told me to start young; max out the 401k and put even more away just in case. I wish I'd done more of that, as the longer I waited, the harder it became. Thankfully I started the 401k very early and never knew what I was missing. It helps to not see the money at all; checking on it every once in awhile instead.
Starting young is great. You're hinting at one of the other keys that has helped me, which is to make it automatic. This is often more important than the vehicle you choose for investment. If I automatically invest a certain amount each month it's just like you say - I never miss it because I never see it. Make saving as easy as possible (and what's easier than automatic?) and spending as hard as possible and that will drive your savings rate way up.
* 401k, maxed to what my employer will match
* Stocks just for fun
* Bought a house when the market was extremely low
* Invested in myself; getting a Master's degree through my employer's gracious reimbursement plan
My father always told me to start young; max out the 401k and put even more away just in case. I wish I'd done more of that, as the longer I waited, the harder it became. Thankfully I started the 401k very early and never knew what I was missing. It helps to not see the money at all; checking on it every once in awhile instead.