A survey completed by Insider and Morning Consult revealed the average millennial has less than $5,000 in their savings account.

Plagued by student debt, the expensive cost of housing, and a tough job market, these 20 and 30-somethings struggle to make ends meet.

Further, going through the Financial Crisis scarred many young adults and have made them hesitant to invest in the market.

However, you will find that working with a Certified Financial Planner to develop an appropriate financial plan based on your needs and risk tolerance will help ease the fear.

Remember - time is on your side! For those long-term investments that span across a 10+ year timeframe, keep the rule of 72 in mind.  (Simply take the number 72 and divide it by your average annual rate of return.  The answer is the number of years it takes for your investment to double.)  The sooner you start, the longer your investment has to appreciate.  By waiting, you are only decreasing your potential growth.

The bottom line is this: low savings does not mean you are not equipped to invest. In fact, it is in your best interest to invest. Let your money do the work for you. The key to maintaining a strong investment profile– no matter the number you see in your savings account– is to balance your short- and long-term investments in a way that maximizes returns and minimizes risk.