"Finally... I want to start my investing journey, what should I do?"

“I get asked this question a lot: What should someone do when they’re ready to start investing?”

It’s a great question—but one that can feel overwhelming. There’s just so much information out there, and diving into it can be intimidating. Most people start with one simple goal: to grow their money and improve their financial situation. While that’s definitely a solid reason, it’s just one of many. Others include beating inflation, retiring early, or building passive income streams. The truth is, the motivation to start investing is deeply personal. Everyone has their own reason—something compelling enough to push them toward that first step.

And that first step? Don’t underestimate it. Many people never take it.

The decision to start investing can’t be forced. It has to feel right. Like eating, drinking, or sleeping—no one needs to remind you when the time comes. You just know.

We often hear the phrase: “Action speaks louder than words.” That’s true, but when it comes to investing, uninformed action can be dangerous. Imagine driving a car without learning how—it’s not about whether you can start the engine or fasten your seatbelt. It’s about navigating the roads safely with countless variables at play. Investing is no different. The biggest mistake is jumping in without understanding the risks. Many want to get rich fast, but few want to put in the time to learn. The hard truth? There’s no such thing as a free lunch.

Here are a few steps that helped me when I started:

1. Borrow books from the library.

If you want to start learning for free, the library is your best friend. Pick up books on personal finance and investing, and commit to reading a little every day.

2. Not into reading? Try YouTube.

There’s a treasure trove of free content online. But ask yourself honestly: will you choose Netflix, or will you use your downtime to improve your financial literacy?

3. No time for videos? Listen to podcasts.

Use your commute wisely. Pop in your earbuds and play an investing podcast or audiobook. Five episodes a week adds up to over 250 in a year—you’ll learn a lot just by being consistent.

4. Find a mentor.

This was one of my biggest mistakes early on—I tried to do it all alone. If I could go back, I’d ask more questions and seek guidance. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who’ve been there. You’d be surprised how willing they are to share.

5. Theory only takes you so far—start small.

Like driving, real learning happens behind the wheel. Many learn about investing, but only a few actually start. Ask yourself: are you the 80% who learn, or the 20% who take action?

It’s never too late, and it’s never too small a step to begin. Let time work its magic—but only if you start today.

Edited by ChatGPT so that it is more structured and free from grammar mistakes.

About The Contributor

Ben is not financially trained. He is not a certified financial planner and he does not sell any insurance or investment plans. He is not financially motivated by any entities to produce this blog. He just want his friends to know more about money management and not have anyone fall between the social cracks. Nope, he is not a millionaire though he aims to be financially free before 50 years old.