We still have a few months of 2019 left and that means there is still time to invest and trade before the year is over. In the beginning of the year, you probably made a lot of New Year Resolutions and did you hold true to any of them? Perhaps you had plans for your money that you never put into practice because the year got ahead of you. That’s okay, there’s still time left and in case you didn’t have a blueprint previously, here are some smart ideas for trading and investing in 2019 and moving forward.

The Stock Market

Whether you are a young adult just beginning your career or someone who has been working for some time, you’ve most likely heard of the stock market. While this may sound like something from a 1980s Wall Street movie, it’s still a good idea to invest and trade in the stock market. When it comes to the stock market, you have to think of the future and how you want to set up for your retirement. While factoring trading and investing in your long-term goals, you’re helping yourself in the future by planting the seeds now.

Real Estate

In 2019, it might seem at times that it is better to rent than to buy. Still, you should invest in real estate, because despite the economy going up and down, you will still need somewhere to live. If you invest in real estate crowdfunding sites, such as Fundrise.com, you can be offered a return in between 8.76% and 12.42%. Make sure you keep an eye on any red flags, but when it comes to a smart investing decision, real estate is a good way to go.

Invest in Your Career

Seriously. No matter where you are in your career, now is the time to invest. We are still in a time where the strength goes to the employees. There are more jobs out there than there are people, therefore, you can hop out of that job that is not only hindering your growth but making you miserable at the same time. Let’s say you work somewhere that does not offer a 401k? If this is the case, you need to start thinking about a career move. You want to make sure that you are helping your future self. A 401k may not seem important now, but it will when you are nearing the age of retirement.

Extra Income

Freelancing and a “side hustle” is something unique to this era, especially in 2019. There was a huge influx of people who not only work a normal nine to five job, but who also had gigs on the side in order to make extra income. Whether that is moonlighting at a hospital, taking writing assignments on the weekends, or even creating your own catering company, people are looking for ways to make more money. Now, of course, this could be a commentary on society that we are no longer in the era that not only can one income not sustain a family but two steady incomes can’t, therefore people have to look towards extra work. Regardless, though; instead of struggling, invest in a “side hustle” to help relieve your bills and give you peace of mind.

Paying Off Debt

Now, we just spoke about “side hustles” and how it’s becoming increasingly hard to support yourself financially while making minimum wage. While you are making your extra income with freelance projects, you can use that money and invest in paying off your debts. If you leave your debts unattended, it will only become more of a burden in the future. Not only will interest rates go up, but you will feel as if you are drowning in bills, and your credit will suffer for it. Having bad credit can mean not getting the car you wanted, not being approved for a loan on a house, or in some cases, not being able to be hired for a great job. Try to make 2019 and beyond the year you pay off your debts.

Consider 2019 as your stepping stone to your future. So much of what we talked about in this article pertained to setting up for your future. This is what investing is. Think about when you are younger and your school years. Your high school grades went to determining what college you would get into, which would statistically get you a better chance at a higher-paying career. Your school years were all there to invest in your future, so why not think about your adulthood in the same way? By utilizing the time we have left in 2019, you will be able to make an easier transition in 2020 and not have to start from scratch once the New Year rolls around.

Author Bio:

This article is a work of Ivan in support of investotrend.com.