Most people don’t lose money in the stock market because they picked the “wrong stock.” They lose because they fall into common, avoidable traps that sabotage long-term growth.

Here are four investing mistakes you should steer clear of—especially if you want to build serious wealth over time.

 

Taking Investment Advice from Friends Without Doing Your Own Research

We all have that one friend who’s constantly talking about the “next big stock.” But here’s the truth: what works for them might not work for you. Before jumping into any investment based on a tip, ask questions. Why do they like it? What’s the company’s outlook? Does it align with your goals and risk tolerance?

And then—do your own research. Your future self will thank you.

 

Investing Money You Can’t Afford to Lose

It’s tempting to think, “This is a sure thing,” and throw in money you need for rent, bills, or emergencies. But no investment is guaranteed.Only invest money you can afford to leave in the market for the long haul. Never borrow to invest—and avoid risking your financial foundation for a quick win.

 

Prioritizing Investing Over Paying Off High-Interest Credit Card Debt

If you’re paying 18% interest on credit card debt, even a strong portfolio likely won’t beat that return in the short term. Focus on clearing high-interest debt first—especially anything over 6%.

When you’re debt-free, you’ll not only sleep better… you’ll have more freedom (and cash) to invest with confidence.

 

Not Investing at All

This is the biggest mistake—and it’s the most common.

If you avoid investing out of fear, you could be missing out on life-changing wealth. Consider this: saving $500/month from age 25 to 65 gives you $240,000. But investing that same amount with a 10% average return? You’d have over $2.8 million.

That’s the power of compound growth. That’s why getting started matters.

 

Ready to Invest with Confidence—Not Guesswork?

If you want to avoid common mistakes and build real wealth through investing, now’s the time to learn how—with support every step of the way.

My self-paced investing course teaches you how to confidently research, choose, and manage investments—and it comes with access to a private community of fellow investors so you’re never doing it alone.

👉 Click here to learn more and join my community today.

Let’s make your money work for you—wisely, confidently, and with a support system by your side.