a guide to investing that isn't gonna freak you out or make you feel dumb

i invest because the men in my life do. i don't really understand it and it doesn't even matter. you can do it too!

My angels!! This was originally sent as a paywalled post but I wanted you all to have it! If you want to invest in something or someone you believe in, I’m right here 👀

A guide to investing that isn't gonna freak you out or make you feel dumb

This week I taught my bestie Abby how to start investing, and she told me that I should be sending it out as my bonus newsy because I made it fun and not scary, so here I am!!!

My vibe for this week has been finance bro but for the girlies. I say this because I’ve started watching Industry, I went on a finance podcast where I literally leaned back in my chair, threw my hands behind my head, and started talking about how things like the stock market™ are made intentionally mystifying for people like us (young women) so we stay behind the game, and so I took it upon myself to help two of my besties set up Sharesies accounts and get in the game (coz if the dudes are investing, why aren’t we???)

HOW TO INVEST WHEN IT’S TOO CONFUSING AND FREAKY AND HARD

Omg ok firstly, THIS IS NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE ETC ETC ETC, but I feel very passionate about being part of things like this, purely because the men in my life are. So let me tell you how you can do it too, even if you have as little knowledge as me (which is very little.)

All the videos and how-to guides will tell you that you need to know heaps, but I actually find with this shit that the more I learn the less I know (because I don’t have a numbers brain.) You might be different and get totally obsessed with learning everything you can. Go you! Not for me though.

Here is my step-by-step guide for beginners 𓆩♡𓆪

1. Find a really easy app (preferably one with easy UI and that feels cute for you. I use Sharesies, my brother uses Hatch, and I’m sure there are many others.

2. DON’T FREAK OUT - IT’S REALLY NOT THAT HARD.

3. If you want to, look at the companies that are on there/ what they offer, and do some research or find things you believe in. If you believe in Spotify, cool, invest in that! Disney? Great! Some new cool environmental innovation? SICK.

4. If you don’t wanna do that, who cares. Lots of apps offer auto-invest options where you can choose how much to invest and it will do all the work for you.

   For example, on Sharesies you can choose a DIY order (you pick what it invests in each week) a ‘responsible order’ (where it won’t invest in any bad or ugly things like weapons or tobacco) or a global order (where it invests in a few global funds for you.)

Then, all you have to do is pick how much you want to put in (it could be as little as $5) and how often, and boom: you’re an investing legend!

SOME THINGS I TOLD ABBY TO HELP HER MAKE SENSE OF IT AND NOT FREAK OUT

• Think of it as a slightly riskier savings account, but one that will probs bring you higher returns if you leave the money in long enough

• ONLY INVEST WHAT YOU’RE WILLING TO LOSE

• Try not to check it often. I always forget about mine!! (I would say though, when you’re learning it’s ok to check it to learn what all the numbers mean!)

• But if you check it, don’t freak out and pull your money out if it dips. Look at my graph:

lol like i said i’m not an expert

So many dips, but since I just left it to do what it does, it’s got an overall upward trend!!!!

Good luck babies, you got this!! Do it because the men do!!!!

Luce xx