For many people, the word “investing” sounds intimidating—reserved for the wealthy, the mathematically gifted, or those working in finance. But in reality, investing is one of the most accessible and powerful tools anyone can use to build long-term wealth. And if you’ve never invested before, 2025 might be the perfect time to start.
The Real Cost of Not Investing
Let’s start with a fact that might surprise you: over the last 30 years, the S&P 500 has returned an average annualized return of about 10%. Meanwhile, average savings accounts in Europe and the U.S. offer interest rates well below inflation, typically around 1–2%. That means if you’re only saving money in a traditional bank account, you’re actually losing purchasing power every year.
Inflation has hovered around 3–5% annually in recent years (with spikes even higher in 2022–2023), making it essential to put your money to work. Simply put, you cannot save your way to financial freedom—you must invest.
Investing Doesn’t Require a Fortune
There’s a misconception that you need thousands of euros or dollars to begin investing. Today, that simply isn’t true. Thanks to low-cost brokerages, ETFs (exchange-traded funds), and fractional shares, many platforms allow you to start investing with as little as € 10 or € 20. Robo-advisors and mobile apps have made it even easier, with automatic portfolio creation and rebalancing.
Platforms like Trade Republic, DEGIRO, Vanguard, and Betterment have made investing frictionless for beginners. Even with minimal experience, you can gain exposure to a diversified basket of global stocks with low fees.
Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market
The earlier you begin, the better. That’s because of compound interest—a concept where the gains you earn start to earn their own gains. Albert Einstein allegedly called it the “eighth wonder of the world.” For example, if you invest € 100 monthly from age 25 to 65 with a 7% average return, you’ll end up with over €240,000. Wait until 35 to start? That drops to just over € 110,000—less than half.
The key takeaway: the best time to start investing was yesterday. The second-best time is today.
Addressing the Fear Factor
It’s completely normal to feel nervous about investing. Markets fluctuate, headlines can be scary, and no one wants to lose money. But historically, markets have trended upward over the long term. Even the 2008 financial crisis, which wiped out trillions in value, was followed by one of the longest bull runs in history.
The mistake isn’t starting small—it’s not starting at all. You don’t need to become a stock-picking expert. Instead, focus on broad market exposure, low costs, and long-term thinking. A simple ETF that tracks global markets can do the heavy lifting while you continue building your income.
Starting Your Investment Journey
If you’ve never invested before, here’s a simple framework to begin:
- Set a goal: Are you investing for retirement, a house, or general wealth building?
- Define your time horizon: Short-term money shouldn’t be in the market. Long-term goals are perfect for it.
- Choose your tools: ETFs, robo-advisors, or a mix of both.
- Automate your contributions: Set up a monthly auto-invest plan.
- Stay consistent: Don’t panic during downturns. Stay the course.
What’s Holding You Back?
Investing is no longer just for Wall Street—it’s for everyone with a smartphone and a goal. By not starting, you risk letting opportunity slip away year after year. The best part? You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to begin.
You don’t need a degree in finance. You don’t need to be rich. You just need to start. And the sooner you do, the more powerful your money becomes.
Start Now, Thank Yourself Later
The best investors aren’t the ones who time the market flawlessly—they’re the ones who show up consistently. If you’ve never invested before, let today be the first step toward taking control of your financial future. It’s not about betting big—it’s about starting small and staying smart.
