What would I tell my 18 Year Old Self About Investing?

Dear Ruby,

Don’t sell the Dominion Resource stocks your father gave you. Educate yourself about investing so you can understand the value of long-term investing.

First, do not sell the stocks your father gave you. I know he didn’t give you an understanding of what you had and why you shouldn’t sell it (but listen to that wisdom of your father-don’t sell).

Secondly, subscribe to The Mootley Fool or at least read their free information, and read as many investment books as your brain can handle. Some I recommend The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham (it’s a hard read but, digest what you can and use it), next The Little Red Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle, “The 21-Day Financial Fast” by Michelle Singletary, and The Wealth Choice (Success Secrets of Black Millionaires) by Dennis Kimbro, and “Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?”: How Reginald Lewis Created a Billion-Dollar Business Empire by Reginald Lewis.

Thirdly, find more stocks to invest in (at least 15 or more) or just stick with a Mutual Fund or ETF.

Fourthly, create an investment club in college; it will serve you and your friends well.

Fifthly, invest money in the market monthly no, matter what.

Finally, forgive yourself for the mistakes you have made and grow from your experiences.

Dear Ruby it all worked out…