(Part 2) Top products from r/DaveRamsey

Got it.. 1st, find out from your employer if they offer an employer match. Make sure you capitalize on that because that is free money. 2nd, 15% of your income should go into retirement (pref. after tax- better to get taxed on ex. $5,000 now, then to get taxed on $2 million when you retire and withdraw). There are two types of mutual funds, actively managed (have higher expense ratios) and index funds (lower expense ratios). Vanguard has tons of low cost index funds (thats what the author in millionaire teacher advises. He shows data in their also on how index funds have outperformed actively managed throughout history.

Dave recommends the current mix of funds:
Growth and income: These funds create a stable foundation for your portfolio. Brant describes them as big, boring American companies that have been around for a long time and offer goods and services people use regardless of the economy. Look for funds with a history of stable growth that also pay dividends. You might find these listed under the large-cap or large value fund category. They may also be called blue chip, dividend income or equity income funds.

Growth: This category features medium or large U.S. companies that are still experiencing growth. Unlike growth and income funds, these are more likely to ebb and flow with the economy. For instance, you might find the latest it gadget or luxury item in your growth fund mix. Common labels for this category include mid-cap, large-cap, equity or growth funds.

Aggressive growth: Think of this category as the wild child of your portfolio. When these funds are up, they’re up. And when they’re down, they’re down. This volatile growth usually accompanies smaller companies. "So small-cap funds are going to qualify—or even a mid-cap fund that invests in small- to mid-sized companies," Brant says. But size isn’t the only consideration. Geography can also play a role. "Aggressive growth could sometimes mean large companies that are based in emerging markets," he adds.

International: International funds are great because they spread your risk beyond U.S. soil. That way your retirement fund doesn’t totally tank if America goes through an unexpected downturn. It also gives you a chance to invest in big non-U.S. companies you already know and love. You may see these referred to as foreign or overseas funds. Just don’t get them confused with world or global funds, which group U.S. and foreign stocks together.

source: https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/how-to-invest-in-right-mix-mutual-funds

Hope this helps. If you would like more details on how to invest I'd be glad to send you millionaire teacher free (https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Teacher-Wealth-Should-Learned/dp/0470830069). Was actually written by a school teacher lol. I've been in your shoes and have always enjoyed guiding people. Seriously considering turning this into something I do on the side where I can help more people achieve financial freedom.

Do something where your passions, and abilities overlap....and that gets paid well. Nothing wrong with staying at home to go back to school. Now here's a copy of Ken Coleman's book to get you started.

Common Sense on Mutual Funds: Fully Updated 10th Anniversary Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/0470138130/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FKX4Ab8TPHD4C

Definitely worth your time. One of my top 2.

The Bogleheads' Guide to Retirement Planning This is a great book. It covers investing but goes heavy into retirement planning.

You can get it used for $6 on amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0785289089/ref=tmm_hrd_used_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&condition=used&qid=&sr=

What funds do you have available? If you have no Roth option I would definitely only invest up to the match and do a separate Roth IRA.

As for picking funds that consistently beat the market, its a fools errand. Minimize fees and match the market. Here is some reading if you'd like to learn more: https://www.amazon.com/Bogleheads-Guide-Investing-Taylor-Larimore/dp/0470067365

https://www.amazon.com/Big-Investment-Lie-Financial-Advisor/dp/1576754073

Dave would tell you to invest in high fee retail mutual funds with a load. That is not good advice.