Notes from our Investing Expert, Mr. Monn

Because time is your greatest asset. The power of compound interest can turn small, consistent investments into substantial wealth over time. The earlier you start, the less you need to contribute to reach major milestones. For example, compare how much you’d need to save each month to reach $1 million by retirement:

• Start at age 20: ~$200/month 
• Start at age 30: ~$400/month 
• Start at age 40: ~$800/month 
• Start at age 50: ~$1,600/month 
• Start at age 60: ~$4,400/month
   

Learning about investing now gives you a huge head start. It’s not just about making money—it’s about building freedom and security for your future.

  Start by staying informed—read investment articles and follow current events from multiple perspectives. It’s important to engage with writers from across the political spectrum, both liberal and conservative. In business and finance, you’ll interact with people from all walks of life, and understanding different viewpoints helps you communicate effectively and think critically.

Also, take time to learn about practical financial skills like taxes, budgeting, and managing income and expenses. Try using cash or a debit card instead of credit to stay connected with your spending. It builds awareness and helps reinforce the real value of each transaction. The sooner you develop these habits, the more confident and financially capable you’ll be.

 Look for programs that offer strong internship or externship opportunities and prioritize real-world learning. Once you’re there, don’t be afraid to ask questions and actively seek out experiences beyond the classroom. Internships, case competitions, and student organizations can teach you more than any textbook.

Also, invest time in mastering tools like Excel—it’s one of the most practical and widely used skills in the business world. While some of what you learn in class may not directly apply to your future job, understanding the core theories and concepts will give you the foundation to think critically and adapt quickly.

 One common mistake is letting emotions drive decisions—especially trying to time the market. No one can consistently outsmart the market, and timing it means being right twice: when to get out and when to get back in. That’s a high-stakes gamble that rarely works.

Instead, focus on building a long-term, diversified investment strategy. Understand that market dips are normal, and staying invested through the ups and downs often yields better results than reacting out of fear or hype. Stick to your plan, keep learning, and trust the process.

 Establish a quality of life you’re comfortable with—and pay yourself first. As you begin earning more, use raises as an opportunity to save and invest more, not just to spend more. That habit is one of the most effective ways to build lasting wealth over time.

Also, don’t get caught up in the illusion of social media. People often appear more financially successful than they truly are, but you rarely see what they’re sacrificing behind the scenes. Focus on your own goals and values, not someone else’s highlight reel.