The HIGHS & Lows of Investing, Pt. I

Hello, Beautiful People!

I have just embarked on the beginning of my investing expedition. And whew, I can feel the lack of oxygen affecting me already because dern, this really does feel like the mental/emotional equivalent of sumitting Everest -- apologies to those who actually have done that, just being dramatic here for added oomph. Let me tell you, I's tiiiiied already; and it's only been a week! I was so very excited upon starting; but I already feel like an embittered vet. However, I remain hopeful. Only the Good Lord is giving me reason to be.

Seeing how the stock market dips when the "Jobs Report" looks better than expected is crazy to me. Why are we disappointed that more Americans are working?! I understand it has to do with the Fed possibly raising interest rates; but it's no less indecent and anti-human. Instead of the stocks going up and down based on quality of product, worker contentment, or re-investment of earnings into *insert business here* -- no, it rises and falls based solely on voracious greed. Businesses tell their employees and customers one thing but their shareholders something completely different. Again, this is me only a week into this slimy world, whewww.

Now you may ask: CC, why are you continuing this journey if you have so many negative opinions? To which I will respond: I don't think only a certain type of person should benefit from the stock market. I wasn't taught to invest growing up, like many other middle or lower class children. Watching how compounding interest works over time is the most compelling reason to start this journey. It isn't fair that only the wealthy beget more wealth. The more everyday people start actively investing, the more control we'll have to reward companies who put people over profits rather than the status quo (which is the opposite).

Forgive me if this article is a bit untidy because I'm writing purely off emotion. I've spent hours researching today; and my brain hurts. Understand me clearly: I don't have a headache, it's my brain that is aching. As an intelligent woman, even I can be overwhelmed at the amount of data and opinions out there on the world wide web. As I've said, it's both exciting and exhausting. Do I ride an upswing or jump on a downward trend? Do I listen to "Group A" rating a stock a "BUY" or "Group B" rating the same stock a "SELL"? And what the hell does "Market Cap" have to do with anything? Sorry, my frustration got the best of me there :D!

If you are a seasoned investor, please offer me some kind, generous guidance in the comments. If you're a newbie investor like me, please commiserate and encourage me in the comments. It'll be interesting to see how my prowess grows as I continue along this journey; and I hope you follow along with my series, "The HIGHS & Lows of Investing", so we can experience it together. I suppose the main takeaway from this rant would be to JUST DO IT! Despite the ups and downs of just this first week *sigh*, I am truly grateful that I stopped waiting to learn everything about investing and jumped in humbly yet confidently instead. I advise you to do the same!

Colorfully Yours,

CC