Why Your Timeline Changes Everything

Here's the truth: what you should do with your money depends entirely on when you need it. Investing for a house down payment in 2 years requires a completely different strategy than investing for retirement in 30 years.

What You'll Get

We'll give you a brutally honest reality check based on your timeline:

• Short-term goals (1-4 years): We'll warn you about market volatility and recommend safer options
• Medium-term goals (5-9 years): We'll help you balance growth and stability
• Long-term goals (10+ years): We'll show you how to maximize compound interest

No Sugarcoating

If you're investing money you need next year in aggressive stocks, we'll tell you straight up that's a bad idea. If you're being too conservative with retirement money, we'll show you what you're leaving on the table.

Beyond Generic Advice

Most investment advice is one-size-fits-all. We customize recommendations based on your actual situation:

• Your timeline and goals
• Your current accounts and setup
• Your income and employer benefits
• Your real comfort with risk

Clear Breakdown

You'll see exactly where your money should go and why. No confusing jargon - just clear percentages and specific account recommendations.

Maximizing Free Money

If your employer offers a 401(k) match, we'll calculate exactly how much free money you're leaving on the table if you're not maxing it out. Spoiler: it's probably more than you think.

Prioritized Steps

The hardest part of investing isn't knowing what to do - it's knowing what to do FIRST. We give you a clear priority list:

Foundation First

• Emergency fund targets
• High-interest debt strategy
• Employer match maximization

Then Build Up

• Account opening priorities
• Contribution strategies
• Asset allocation targets

Keep It Simple

We don't overwhelm you with 47 different optimization strategies. You get the 3-5 things that actually matter for your situation, in order of importance.

Investment Policy Statement Builder v6.0.0

Designed for: Young professionals (22-29) building wealth and financial literacy

How It Works

This tool creates a personalized investment strategy based on your timeline, financial situation, and risk comfort. Unlike generic advice, we adjust recommendations based on when you actually need the money - because investing for a goal 2 years away requires a completely different approach than investing for retirement 30 years away.

Key Assumptions

• Historical average stock market returns of 10% annually (before inflation)
• Historical average bond returns of 4-5% annually
• Inflation assumption of 3% annually
• Employer 401(k) match calculations based on actual contribution percentages
• Standard IRA and 401(k) contribution limits for current year

Important Limitations

• Results are educational estimates, not financial advice
• Past market performance doesn't guarantee future results
• Your personal situation may require different strategies
• Tax implications vary by individual circumstances
• Recommendations are generic - we don't suggest specific investments or companies

Timeline-Based Approach

This tool uses three distinct strategies:

• Short-term (1-4 years): Conservative approach prioritizing capital preservation
• Medium-term (5-9 years): Balanced approach with moderate growth focus
• Long-term (10+ years): Aggressive approach maximizing compound growth

Disclaimer: This tool provides educational estimates only. Always consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances.