Why Aren’t You Investing
We live in a world where it feels natural to drop money on shoes, clothes, streaming services, and the latest phone upgrade — but unnatural to put that same money into investments that could pay us back for life.
And I get it. Investing can sound complicated, intimidating, or “something rich people do.” But the truth? Anyone can get started. You don’t need a finance degree, a Wall Street connection, or thousands of dollars. You just need the willingness to take the first step.
The Basics of Investing 📈
At its core, investing is simple:
Put your money into something that can grow.
Let compounding do the heavy lifting over time.
Unlike buying sneakers or a new gadget, investing turns money into a tool that works for you. Every dollar invested is like planting a seed — and the longer you leave it in the ground, the more it multiplies.
Why ETFs Are the Easiest Way to Start 🌱
If picking individual stocks feels overwhelming, you don’t have to. That’s where ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) come in.
Think of an ETF like a basket. Instead of buying one company (say, just Nike), you’re buying a whole basket of companies in one purchase. That means:
Diversification: You’re not putting all your eggs in one basket.
Low cost: Many ETFs are cheap to own, with low fees.
Easy access: You can buy them the same way you’d buy any stock on Robinhood, Fidelity, or Vanguard.
Some starter ETFs that beginners often use:
VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) → owns 500 of the biggest U.S. companies.
SCHD (Schwab Dividend ETF) → focuses on companies that consistently pay dividends.
QQQ (Nasdaq 100 ETF) → tech-focused, growth-oriented companies.
With just one ETF, you can instantly own hundreds of companies — from Apple to Nike — and start building wealth without overthinking.
Breaking the Cycle of Consumerism 🛍️ → 💵
Here’s the mindset shift:
A new pair of Jordans = $150 → value gone in a few years.
2 shares of an ETF like VOO = $150 → potential to grow every year + dividends.
One path fills your closet. The other fills your portfolio.
The more you shift dollars away from pure consumption and toward investment, the more you start building a safety net. That safety net is what eventually gives you freedom.
Another Path Off the Hamster Wheel 🐹
We all know the grind: wake up, go to work, grind 10–12 hours, come home, repeat. That cycle feels endless — until you realize investing is your ticket to another path.
ETFs, stocks, dividends — these are instruments that can create passive income. They may not replace your job tomorrow, but over time, they grow into assets that give you choices.
Because the real flex isn’t buying more stuff.
It’s being able to say, “I don’t have to work this job if I don’t want to.”
The Urban Profit Takeaway 💡
Don’t overthink it. Start small. Buy one share of an ETF instead of another pair of shoes. Let time and compounding work in your favor.
You don’t have to be rich to invest. You invest to become rich.
Stop just consuming. Start owning. Build your future.
