We need at least a million dollars. There are a number of ways you can start to build your investment portfolio and set aside the money you'll need for a secure future. The first step is to maximize any contributions allowed in your husband's employer's retirement program. It's likely this plan has a selection of mutual funds that you can choose. I suggest you pick several asset categories within this program, perhaps several stock funds and a bond fund.
Many companies match the amount that employees contribute to their to retirement accounts.
Here you could begin with one mutual fund and keep adding to it. Both your husband's retirement plan and your IRA are tax-deferred. The growth on the investments is not taxed until you withdraw the money, usually after age 59 . Your nest egg will build a lot faster when you don't have to pay taxes each year as the money grows. Also, because there are penalties for taking money out of these accounts early, they limit access to the money and provide a kind of forced savings plan.