With over 10,000 mutual funds and numerous other investment vehicles available, the investment choices may seem impossible to decipher. Many people ready to invest ask the questions, "Where do I get started?" or "What can I do with a little money?" These are great questions because everyone starts somewhere, and hopefully, ends up with more than they started.

Most companies require at least $250-$1,000 to open an account, then the option of investing $25-$250 per month (using automatic deductions from your checking account). So, you don't need thousands of dollars to start investing. However, the most successful investors contribute regularly on a monthly or quarterly basis to their chosen investment vehicle(s). To assess how much you need, the first step is to create an investment budget.

Some people say, "I don’t like the term 'budget' because it means I have limits." We all have limits. We cannot fly by flapping our arms, we cannot breathe under water, and we cannot invest without any money. When you spend, you limit your ability to do other things, like save and invest. A budget allows you to come face-to-face with your limits while also revealing your opportunities to invest.

Use the list below to begin creating your investment budget. (Please note: the listed items are not to be taken as suggestions that you should be spending more money in these categories.).

Do you get the picture? Now you've narrowed down the thousands of choices to (a) those that are immediately available to you and (b) those that are possible given some changes in your monthly spending patterns or a savings goal. For example, if a mutual fund you like has a $1,000 minimum requirement, you've now defined a goal in order to start. After you begin investing, you can flexibly decide how much you want to contribute regularly. The key is getting started. As always, talk to your financial advisor for strategies that best suit your individual needs.