Experts believe that well before you begin to invest, it is prudent for you to reduce as much as you can any credit card or debt interest and finance charges you pay every month, as these payments ultimately will suppress your investment earnings. You should also have a cash emergency fund set aside that may cover three to six months of living expenses. To establish this, all you must do is identify your expenses for the past few months, and begin to find ways to save this amount to be used in case of any emergencies.