How to start investing when you feel behind

At Acorns, we say we’re in the business of managing emotions, and money carries a range of emotions. For some of us, we tell ourselves that we have time to figure money out later, maybe when things settle down, when there's more money, or when it feels less overwhelming.

But prolonging it can lead to "financial avoidance," where we don’t check the numbers because not knowing feels safer than knowing. While avoidance stops the short-term sting, it can create long-term anxiety. The first step to getting ahead starts with the courage to look at your money and where to make changes.

How waiting could potentially cost you

When it comes to investing, time is likely your greatest asset. When you invest early, your money has more time to compound, where your money starts earning returns, and those returns start earning their own returns.

Every year you wait is a year that compounding isn't working for you.

How do you get ahead if you feel behind?

There’s an old saying: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today." It’s easy to feel like you’re late to the party, but your financial journey isn't a competition.

What matters is actually starting. You don't need a massive windfall or complete strategy to begin. You don’t even need to take a giant step. Starting with baby steps helps build the habit, and sets you up for bigger leaps in the future.

Whether you’re 25 or 55, planting that first seed today puts you in a better position for tomorrow. You can't change where you were yesterday, but you can control what you do next.

What’s the easiest first step?

The easiest first step is to stop making "big" decisions and start making small, automated ones. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, manual tasks can feel like huge hurdles. The secret is to take the "thinking" out of it.

Tap into these automated tools to stay consistent without having to face the music every single day:

• Turn on Round-Ups®: This is the ultimate "no-thought" move. We’ll round up your daily purchases to the nearest dollar and invest the change into your expert-built portfolio.
• Set a Recurring Investment: Even $5 a week builds a habit of consistency.
• Split your paycheck automatically: This automatically puts your money in all the right places, like your Emergency Savings fund or retirement account.
   

Frequently asked questions

How does automation help with money anxiety?

Automation removes decision fatigue. When saving and investing happen automatically, you don't have to be "brave" every time you get paid — the system handles the process for you while you go about your life.

Do I need a lot of money to start?

Not at all. We believe wealth happens through a thousand small decisions over time. You can start by investing your spare change or setting aside just a few dollars a day, week or month. Small steps add up!

What if I have debt?

You don't have to wait to be debt-free to start investing. While it's important to pay off high-interest debt, you can still invest spare change at the same time. This helps you build the habit of investing for your future while taking care of the present.

How do I know which subscription is right for me?

We offer different subscriptions based on your needs. If you're just starting out, Acorns Bronze offers the basic tools to get you going. If you have a family or want a full suite of saving and learning tools, the Gold plan might be the best fit.

Is my money safe with Acorns?

Yes. Acorns offers similar protections as traditional banks. Acorns Invest, Later & Early accounts are SIPC-protected up to $500,000. Acorns Checking accounts are FDIC-insured up to $250,000, and includes both fraud protection and 256-bit data encryption.