What No One Told Me as I Started Investing

You’re new to investing or want to have another view on it? Here’s my experience.

Photo by on

The best day to start investing was probably yesterday. Until we build a time machine, here are some uncommon basics that I learned to hopefully give beginners (and why not, more experienced investors) new information today!

The Big Why

Do you like it when your kid asks you why, why, why? Well, now it’s your turn to play the game! And don’t leave before the 5th or 7th Why!

First, the questions

What I missed at first was an understanding of why do I want to invest. What was my ultimate goal(s)? “To have more money” is not a valid answer! Go deeper! For example, I could have defined:

• I want to go on a cruise around the world for 6 months with my wife for our 25th anniversary in 10 years
• I can save 200$ per month and want to make the best out of it to supplement my pension once I retire
• I want to work part-time and need an additional income of 500$ every month
• I want to pay for my daughter’s wedding
• I have some cash and would just like to get a little more than the 2% that my bank is paying on my savings