People think wealth is built through big, dramatic moments: landing a massive raise, launching the perfect business, buying Bitcoin in 2011, or inheriting beachfront property from an aunt you didn’t know existed. But real wealth?The kind that sticks?The kind that shows up in your life like a quiet but reliable best friend? It’s built through small, almost invisible behaviors repeated over time. After coaching hundreds of entrepreneurs, studying wealth patterns, and living through my own […]

Many people believe you need thousands of dollars to begin investing. The truth is that getting started investing today is easier and cheaper than ever. Thanks to modern brokerage platforms, fractional shares, and low-cost index funds, you can start investing with $100—or even less. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” or a bigger paycheck before investing, this guide will show you how to start investing with $100, build good habits, and begin growing wealth right now. In this article you’ll learn: Why getting started investing early matters more than the amount The best places to start investing with $100 Step-by-step instructions for beginners Smart strategies that minimize risk Common mistakes new investors should avoid Let’s dive in. Why Getting Started Investing Early Matters When it comes to building wealth, time is your greatest asset. Even small investments can grow dramatically thanks to compound returns. Compounding means that your investment earns returns, and then those returns begin earning returns as well. For example: Invest $100 today Earn an average 8% annual return Continue investing small amounts over time Over decades, the results can be substantial. Many people delay investing because they believe they need thousands of dollars to make it worthwhile. But starting small is far better than waiting. The biggest advantages of getting started investing early include: 1. Compounding Returns The earlier you invest, the longer compounding works in your favor. 2. Building the Habit Learning to invest consistently matters more than the initial amount. 3. Learning Without Huge Risk Starting with $100 allows you to gain experience without risking large sums. 4. Access to Modern Investment Tools Technology has eliminated many of the barriers that once made investing difficult. Can You Really Start Investing With $100? Yes. Today it’s completely realistic to start investing with $100. Several developments have made this possible: Fractional Shares Many brokerages now allow you to buy partial shares of expensive stocks. For example, if a stock costs $400, you could invest just $25 or $50 into it. Commission-Free Trading Most major brokerages now offer zero-commission trades. Popular options include: Fidelity Investments Charles Schwab Robinhood Vanguard These platforms allow beginners to start investing with very small amounts. Low-Cost Index Funds and ETFs Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) allow you to buy hundreds of stocks at once, reducing risk and improving diversification. Many track major indexes like the: S&P 500 This is one of the easiest ways for beginners to start investing with $100. Step-by-Step: How to Start Investing With $100 Let’s walk through a simple step-by-step process for beginners. Step 1: Set a Simple Investing Goal Before investing your first $100, decide why you’re investing. Common goals include: Building long-term wealth Retirement savings Financial independence Saving for a home or major purchase Your goal determines how long you plan to invest and how much risk you should take. For most beginners, the best approach is long-term investing. Step 2: Choose

With inflation remaining above the Fed’s target and weakening employment, the Fed is trying to steer the economy cautiously. While there are no signs of imminent recession, some economists think we’re due for one. If that is the case, defensive stocks can be an excellent way to weather market volatility. Even if we are not headed into a recession, it’s essential to review and diversify your portfolio, primarily if you are heavily concentrated in the […]

I wanted to write a short form post regarding the ebbs and flows of the stock market and – particularly – how dividend investing has prevailed!  They perform well during good times and perform EVEN BETTER during bad times! Dividend Investing Is Winning First, we have to talk about the Dividend ETFs of SCHD and VYM. SCHD is up YTD 9.77% VYM is up YTD 0.65% S&P 500 is down YTD 7.14% Therefore, SCHD is […]

Save, invest, prosper with My Own Advisor. The best strategies to combat sequence of returns risk I’ve posted this subject a few times but not as part of a standing post for ongoing reference – so here we go – here are some of the best strategies to combat sequence of returns risk (as an early retiree).  I’ll share what we intend… Join the million dollar portfolio journey. The article The best strategies to combat […]

What caught my eye this week. Considering the high hurdle that politicians and business leaders have set themselves for something to be considered a sacking offence, I was surprised to see the boss of National Savings & Investments (NS&I) resign this week. Of course, the NS&I FUBAR was a rough experience for the 37,500 people affected. NS&I’s mistakes saw bereaved families facing delays accessing their relatives’ Premium Bonds with a total value of up to […]

Sumter is a cute town located an hour from the capital, Columbia. It’s one of the closest towns you can base yourself in when visiting Congaree National Park (aside from Columbia) and other cute South Carolina towns in the area. Here is our guide to Sumter, SC, based on my personal experience. This is a good spot for a day trip or even a spot to stay overnight.  More South Carolina Travel Inspiration: Guide to the South Carolina Botanical Gardens What to Expect at YallFest Book Festival in Charleston, SC 7 Things To Do In Clemson University (Open to the Public) 3 Best Hotels in Clemson, SC for a remarkable stay Things to Do in Sumter, SC Things To Do in Sumter, SC  I believe that every town, city, and country has new things that you can do and experience whenever you visit. Here are some suggestions on things to do in Sumter, SC, based on my personal experiences on a quick overnight trip.  A swan at the Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter, SC Swan Lake Iris Gardens If you can only do one thing in Sumter, then it has to be Swan Lake Iris Gardens. This huge garden has every swan species living in the tranquil ponds and gardens. It also has a one-mile loop, with scenic views of the lake on one side and gardens and shrubbery on the other.  Be careful with the geese when visiting. They could be very territorial, even if you are just following the path. Approach the path with caution if you find them on your path, or go around them if you can. They can get a bit loud when agitated, and they can chase you!  Enter the gardens by going through the gate. Don’t worry if the gates are closed; it’s free of charge to enter, and they are unlocked during operating hours.  Sumter Museum  This small museum, located in downtown Sumter, has limited hours (only Thursdays to Saturdays from 11-4 as of this post), but if you are there when it’s open, I highly recommend you visit. The museum’s main exhibits are located in a historic home, with other historic buildings fitted around the city. There is a combination ticket that allows access to the two main buildings, and you can use the second ticket for 7 days after you have entered your first building. 

Long-term care is one of the most consequential and misunderstood risks in retirement. It is not a routine expense that can be forecast with precision, but a potentially large and uncertain liability that may never occur, yet can significantly disrupt a financial plan if it does. Understanding how long-term care works, what triggers it, and how to prepare for it is essential to building a resilient retirement strategy.  What is Long-Term Care?  Long-term care refers to ongoing assistance with basic daily activities due to physical […]