Hello all, I'm fairly new to anything financially related as I've came from a poor family with very little knowledge of money management. No information was passed on to me so I had to figure things out. All recommendations are welcomed.
About me and my situation; I moved to Switzerland 4 months ago to be with my wife. I am in the middle of learning German at a school and working 50% at a salary of 2,200 CHF per month. She's in the process of looking for another job as she has just finished school in child care. So her salary should be about double what I make now. That's about max for her field of work here. Mine should double early next year once I'm finished with school and my German is a little better. That's only in my current field but my possibilities in pay could be much higher within the next year dependent upon get my language skills. I had savings, but they are pretty much depleted after the move so I'm basically starting over. As I know investment options differ everywhere, where should I start to learn basics? Or what would anyone suggest? I am an American citizen out of Florida, so investing and or saving is optional in both countries. I just don't know where to begin. My goal is to retire by 40, which is very ambitious, but so was moving to another country after being poor growing up and never leaving my city. I read a number of books (example- Rich Dad Poor Dad) and more. I never like math growing up but I'm slowly becoming fond of it for my personal growth and financial literacy.
And a quick question that may seem very basic to many, sorry if it is. But what are my options for money I payed in to a 401k at the last company I worked for before leaving? Do I get it back, what happens to it? As I said, everything is so new to me with no lessons in finances. But I am eager to learn.
About me and my situation; I moved to Switzerland 4 months ago to be with my wife. I am in the middle of learning German at a school and working 50% at a salary of 2,200 CHF per month. She's in the process of looking for another job as she has just finished school in child care. So her salary should be about double what I make now. That's about max for her field of work here. Mine should double early next year once I'm finished with school and my German is a little better. That's only in my current field but my possibilities in pay could be much higher within the next year dependent upon get my language skills. I had savings, but they are pretty much depleted after the move so I'm basically starting over. As I know investment options differ everywhere, where should I start to learn basics? Or what would anyone suggest? I am an American citizen out of Florida, so investing and or saving is optional in both countries. I just don't know where to begin. My goal is to retire by 40, which is very ambitious, but so was moving to another country after being poor growing up and never leaving my city. I read a number of books (example- Rich Dad Poor Dad) and more. I never like math growing up but I'm slowly becoming fond of it for my personal growth and financial literacy.
And a quick question that may seem very basic to many, sorry if it is. But what are my options for money I payed in to a 401k at the last company I worked for before leaving? Do I get it back, what happens to it? As I said, everything is so new to me with no lessons in finances. But I am eager to learn.
