re: First time investor, advice

Have you opened a Roth IRA? I am guessing you are maxing out your employer match.

After that I would open a Roth IRA and try to put the maximum every year. The money in your new Roth I would invest in low cost broad index funds.

Bogleheads on index funds

3 fund lazy approach typically leads to best performance for most investors. I think there are a lot of different opinions on what % should be bonds however. I think this should point you in the right direction for what funds to look for.

Bogleheads Three Fund Approach