Investing is for everyone... Yes, Even You!

Investing can be intimidating—there's no doubt about that. On one side of the coin, there’s the possibility of losing your money. On the other, there’s the potential for a sizeable return. Getting started with investing might seem overwhelming, but taking that first step can help reduce financial anxiety and set you on the path to financial success.

I’ve always had a passion for investing, but recently someone asked me, “How would you do it if you had to start all over again?” It's a fantastic question and one I aim to shed light on in this article.

So dear reader,

1. Pay Yourself First

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is to always pay yourself first. Before paying any bills, set aside a specific dollar amount or percentage of your paycheck to automatically transfer into a savings or investment account. The key here is automation—don’t think about it! If you never see the money, you’re far less likely to spend it. Plus, your future self will thank you.

2. Invest in Yourself

This may sound cliché, but another way to pay yourself first is by investing in yourself. Dedicate time to learning about financial topics or areas where you feel less confident. No matter where you are on your investing journey, taking the time and energy to understand investing, finance, accounting, or money management will benefit you long-term. Well, Jared, I already have a financial advisor and CPA—then what? Here's what I'd say: If you choose to outsource these services, having foundational knowledge will enable you to ask smarter questions and receive more tailored advice.

Not sure where to begin? Check out my Resources page—it features books that have profoundly impacted both my life and investing career. Interestingly, not all of them are about finance or investing. I’ve found that exploring topics outside the investing landscape has often revealed solutions to problems I didn’t even know existed. And don’t just take my word for it—there’s a great story about a younger Steve Jobs taking a calligraphy class . Initially, he wrote the class off as pointless. However, years later, and after founding Apple, he credited that single class with inspiring the diverse fonts we now use on all of our devices.

3. Start Small

Don’t let the dollar amount scare you. Many people hesitate to start investing because they think they need a significant amount of money—this is a myth! Apps like Robinhood allow you to invest in a wide range of products with just a few dollars. (And no, I’m not getting paid to say this. But if you’re reading this, Robinhood—you’re welcome!) I personally started with Robinhood when I could only afford to sock away a few dollars each month. And when I say a few, I literally mean less than $20. The important thing is to begin, no matter the amount.

4. Build the Habit

Whether you’re investing money or time into yourself, make it a priority. Yes, we live in a demanding, fast-paced world, and an extra 10 minutes or $10 might not feel like much. But over time, these small efforts will pay dividends—literally and figuratively. Everyone has to start somewhere. And here’s a little secret: even professionals like me, with fancy licenses, don’t have it all figured out. I’m constantly learning new tips and tricks—that’s part of what makes investing so exciting!

My mission at J's Limited is to make financial education more accessible and affordable. If you're stuck or even just enjoyed this article, give me a call or drop me an email. I always love a good dialogue and offer free introductory sessions. So what do you have to loose?