Investing in Myself: My 2025 Journey to Financial Literacy and Empowerment.

A Resolution for Change

As 2025 began, I found myself reflecting on my financial habits. Saving money had always been my comfort zone—a habit I nurtured over the years. I took pride in watching my account grow steadily, but as I approached the New Year, I realized that this wasn’t enough. My money wasn’t working for me—it was just sitting there, idle, growing only by the modest interest my bank provided.

For years, I avoided investing, intimidated by the jargon and complexity of financial markets. Terms like “stocks,” “mutual funds,” and “dividends” felt out of reach, and I didn’t want to risk my hard-earned money on something I didn’t understand. But something shifted this year. My 2025 resolution became clear: I would learn how to invest, understand the financial markets, and take control of my financial future.

This goal wasn’t just about money. It was about empowerment and proving to myself that I could step into an unfamiliar world and thrive.

Starting From Scratch

The first step was confronting my lack of knowledge. I had no formal background in finance, so I decided to start at the very beginning. I began by researching online, reading articles, and watching beginner-friendly videos on YouTube. At first, the amount of information available was overwhelming. I had to resist the urge to jump into the deep end and instead focus on building a strong foundation.

I enrolled in an online course titled Foundations of Investing. The lessons were structured, covering everything from financial terminology to creating a diversified portfolio. For the first time, I began to understand concepts that once felt abstract. I learned about risk tolerance, the importance of diversification, and the long-term nature of investing.

To supplement my learning, I read books like Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins. These books didn’t just teach me about money; they challenged me to think differently about financial independence and the role money plays in achieving freedom.

Making My First Investment

Armed with a basic understanding of investing, I decided it was time to take the plunge. This was the scariest part of the journey. I opened an account with an investment platform geared toward beginners. My hands shook as I transferred a small amount of money into the account—money I was willing to lose in the name of learning.

I started with an index fund that tracked the performance of the broader stock market. It was a safe, simple choice that allowed me to dip my toes into investing without taking on unnecessary risk. Watching my portfolio grow and fluctuate was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. I realized that this wasn’t just about numbers; it was about breaking down the mental barriers that had kept me from investing for so long.

Overcoming Challenges

The road wasn’t always smooth. One of the biggest challenges was managing my emotions. When the market dipped, I panicked, questioning whether I had made a mistake. But one lesson from my course stood out: investing is a long-term game. I reminded myself that short-term fluctuations are normal and that patience is key.

To keep myself grounded, I created a plan. By the end of 2025, I aimed to have a diversified portfolio and a solid understanding of evaluating investment opportunities. Breaking this goal into smaller milestones helped me stay focused and motivated.

Another challenge was the technical jargon. Words like “price-to-earnings ratio” and “dividend yield” felt intimidating at first. To overcome this, I created a glossary of terms and referred to it frequently. Each time I encountered a new concept, I took the time to understand it fully.

Building Momentum

As the months went by, I began to see progress—not just in my portfolio, but in my confidence. I expanded my investments, exploring other asset classes like bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and mutual funds. Each new investment represented a small victory, proof that I was capable of navigating this world.

I also discovered the importance of community. I joined an online forum for beginner investors, where I could ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others. These connections reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this journey.

One of the most rewarding moments came when I realized I could share my knowledge with others. A friend of mine, also hesitant about investing, reached out to me for advice. Explaining the basics to her felt empowering and validated all the effort I had put into learning.

A Personal Transformation

This journey wasn’t just about money—it was about personal growth. I began to see investing as a metaphor for life. It taught me to take calculated risks, embrace uncertainty, and focus on the long term.

More importantly, it reshaped how I thought about myself. I was no longer someone who avoided challenges out of fear. I had proven to myself that I could step into the unknown, learn, and grow.

The Bigger Picture

As I diversified my portfolio and gained confidence, I started to dream bigger. I began to think about how I could use my knowledge to impact others. I envisioned creating a community initiative to teach financial literacy to women in my neighborhood. So many of us are held back by a lack of knowledge, and I wanted to change that.

My ultimate goal is to build generational wealth—not just for myself, but for my family and community. This isn’t just about accumulating money; it’s about creating opportunities and inspiring others to take control of their financial futures.

A Final Note: Trusting the Ultimate Provider

As I reflect on this journey, one truth has become undeniable: finances, like every other aspect of life, are best entrusted to GOD. Money is a resource, a tool that GOD places in our hands to steward wisely—not just for our benefit, but for His glory.

One scripture that has guided me is Matthew 25:14-30, the Parable of the Talents. It’s a reminder that GOD calls us to be faithful stewards of whatever He has given us, whether it’s small or great. Investing isn’t just about growing wealth; it’s about using what He’s entrusted to us to build His kingdom, bless others, and leave a legacy of faithfulness.

As I’ve ventured into the world of finance, I’ve learned to balance diligence with surrender. Proverbs 3:5-6 has become my anchor: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

A Call To Action

To anyone reading this who feels intimidated by the world of finances, I encourage you to take the first step. Start small, ask questions, and commit to learning. But above all, seek God’s wisdom. James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask GOD, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

This year, I’m not just investing in stocks or bonds—I’m investing in faith, discipline, and purpose. And as I continue to grow, I pray that my story will inspire others to do the same. Let’s build wealth that matters—not just for this world, but for the world to come.