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If you’ve ever heard someone say “I’m building my portfolio,” you might picture a folder full of stock charts or a Wall Street professional in a suit. But here’s the truth: an investment portfolio is simply a collection of things you own that are meant to grow your money over time.

If you’re just starting your financial journey—maybe contributing to a 401(k), opening a Roth IRA, or buying your first index fund—it’s worth pausing to understand the sheer scale of the system you’re stepping into. Because you’re not just saving.

In 2025, only 1 in 10 Americans will retire with at least $1 million saved across their retirement accounts—401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, and savings. That’s not just a statistic. It’s a warning sign that most people are missing the wealth train entirely. You’re not lazy. You’re not indifferent. You might just be late to the station.

If you’ve just opened a brokerage account, congrats — you’re ahead of the curve. Investing early is one of the smartest moves you can make for your financial future. But here’s a gentle nudge: just because you love sipping Starbucks or shopping at Target doesn’t mean those companies automatically deserve a spot in your portfolio.

The allure of the stock market often begins with a single question: “What stock should I buy?” It’s a rite of passage—an exciting dive into the world of investing, often driven by brand loyalty, social media buzz, or a gut feeling. But while picking individual stocks might feel empowering, it’s not always the wisest first step.

If you’ve just started contributing to a 401(k) —or you’re thinking about it—you’re already ahead of the game. But how do you know if your money is working hard enough for you? 

If you’ve just started contributing to a 401(k) or IRA, or you’re simply curious about investing, you’ve probably heard phrases like “The S&P 500 was up today” or “The Dow dropped 300 points.” But what do these numbers actually mean? —And why do they matter? Welcome to the world of market indices —your shortcut to understanding how different parts of the financial markets are performing.

That’s a loaded question.  “How rich do you want to be later in life?” is a better way to ask the question.