You want to shelter present income from taxes. This is a valid consideration no matter what your income level. You need to know your investment goals because the investments alternatives you choose depend on your goals. If you work with an investment adviser, that person also will need to know your investment goals. Another important consideration when discussing investment goals is priority.
Most people have goals which fall in two or more of the above categories.
Depending on their situation, one goal will have priority. Time Available For Working With Investments . Investments take different amounts of time to manage. Even a C.D. sitting in a safe deposit box takes management time. Your Knowledge of Investment Alternatives .