So you’ve been hearing about investing—maybe your friends are into stocks, or you’ve seen TikToks about ETFs and crypto. But where do you even begin? Don’t worry, you don’t need a finance degree or a Wall Street mentor to get started. This guide is here to break it down in plain English.
First Things First: Some Solid Resources
- The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
- Investopedia – Like Wikipedia, but for finance
- Morningstar – Great for checking out mutual funds and ETFs
- Podcasts like The Indicator or BiggerPockets
What Even Is Investing?
Investing is basically putting your money to work. Instead of letting it chill in a savings account earning next to nothing, you’re buying assets—like stocks, bonds, or real estate—that (hopefully) grow in value over time.
Why Bother?
- Inflation is sneaky – Your money loses value if it just sits there.
- Compound interest is powerful – The earlier you start, the more it snowballs.
- Freedom goals – Want to retire early? Travel more? Investing helps make that happen.
Types of Investments (aka Your Options)
| Type | What It Is | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks | Tiny pieces of companies you can own | High |
| Bonds | You lend money, they pay you back (with interest) | Low to Medium |
| ETFs | Bundles of stocks you can buy like one stock | Medium |
| Real Estate | Buying property to rent or sell | Medium to High |
| Crypto | Digital currencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum | Very High |
How to Start Without Freaking Out
- Set a goal – Retirement? Buying a house? Just growing your money?
- Emergency fund first – Before investing, make sure you’ve got cash for surprises.
- Pick a platform – e.g., your trusted broker or bank.
- Start small – Even €20 a month is a great start.
- Keep learning – Markets change; keep your knowledge current.