To Do List What Should I Do If I'm Over 40 and Starting to Invest?				> Back to Article
		Here's a quick list of items you should make sure to address when dealing with your question or concern.

			Start making automatic contributions into your retirement account to take advantage of the tax deferral and employer match. If you've been reluctant to tie up your money, don't worry: You can always take a loan from your account if it's absolutely necessary.
			Don't jump into investing blindly. Make yourself an informed consumer by reading articles in the library and in personal-finance magazines, as well as books geared for the novice investor.
			If you've accumulated a lot of consumer debt, get started on a plan to pay it off, even while you're investing for retirement.
			Keep track of your monthly expenses to find out where you can trim excess from your budget. You'll be surprised at how much you spend on incidentals and impulse buys.
			Prepare for the volatility that's likely to come with a more aggressive approach to your retirement investments. Make sure you know what the risks are ahead of time, and steel yourself to sit tight through the turbulent times.

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