In an unsteady economy, some earners may be hesitant to put money into volatile markets. Here is a compilation of tips from area financial planners, Marlin Peterson with Edward Jones and Todd Steinwand with Wells Fargo:

* Start early. Saving 10 percent from every paycheck pays off in the end.

* Take maximum advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans. Many companies match employees' pre-tax contributions.

* If your employer doesn't sponsor a plan, invest in an individual retirement account, or IRA, which can withdraw directly from your bank account.

* Don't invest too conservatively. "A lot of people feel that the stock market is a scary place to invest,"said Peterson. "But over long periods of time, there are few financial assets that have performed as well as owning good quality stocks."

* Meet with a financial professional, no matter what financial bracket you're in.

* Cut down on debt. "I see young people getting into payments of stuff that 10 years from now probably won't bring a good price,"Peterson said. "They're forgetting the long-term, more significant goals."

- Crystal R. Reid