Here’s a little experiment to try: Think about the word “investing” and all the related words and concepts that spring to mind, then go look in the mirror and see the expression on your face. Are you smiling cheek to cheek? Probably not. More likely you’re wearing a slight grimace or a downright frown. Investing is a high-stakes necessity, and it can make people oh-so-very serious.
Find Out: Here’s How Much a $1,000 Investment in Ford Stock 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today
Read Next: 9 Easy Ways To Grow Your Wealth in 2024
Of course, it’s wise to be serious about investing, but it’s also wise to loosen up, just a little bit, about it — especially if you’re new to it all and not 100% at ease with the journey. Investing doesn’t have to be all work and no play. There are ways you can, and should, make it fun because life really is short, even if you’re investing for the long haul.
If you’re wanting to build wealth, consider the following six surprising ways you can make investing fun.
Earning passive income doesn’t need to be difficult. You can start this week.
Frame It as a Learning Adventure
You should never invest in anything before learning all about it. This in itself can be exciting.
Erika Kullberg, an attorney, personal finance expert and the founder of Erika.com, recommended framing investing as a learning adventure.
“Start small, and research companies you already know and like — perhaps your favorite coffee shop, favorite kind of tech gadget or favorite clothes brand,” Kullberg said. “Investing in a few companies you know can make things much more fun because you are already very interested in those companies’ fortunes.
“Once you learn how to monitor your company’s progress, investing can be a lot of fun,” she added.
Gamify Your Investment Strategy
One of the best ways to make investing more enjoyable is to treat it, to an extent, like a game and set small, achievable goals.
“For example, you can aim to beat your previous month’s income or set a goal to save a certain amount by a certain date,” suggested Shawn Carpenter, chairman and CEO at Stock Alarm.
“When I started investing, I found it useful to set small competitions with myself, like trying to get a 5% return in three months,” Carpenter said. “The challenge made the process more engaging, and the small victories motivated me.”
Discover More: In 5 Years, These 2 Stocks Will Be More Valuable Than Apple
Invest in What You Love
You should invest in a diverse mix of stocks and assets; however, it’s also recommended to align your portfolio with your passions, to a reasonable extent.
“I remember the first time I invested in a company I was very excited about,” Carpenter said.
“It isn’t just about the potential financial return; I feel like I’m part of something bigger. This connection allows you to stick with your investments in tough times because you believe in what you invest in.”
Start With…
Read More: 6 Surprising Ways To Make Investing Fun
