When I first started investing, I remember feeling completely lost. I was bombarded with terms like “index funds,” “growth stocks,” and “diversification” that felt like they were from a different language.

It was overwhelming, to say the least. But looking back, I realize that the path I took to where I am today wasn’t as complex as it seemed at first. There’s a lot of noise out there, from flashy TikToks promising to make you rich quick, to blog posts that make it sound like you need a finance degree to get started.

The truth is, anyone—yes, even you—can become a successful investor with a clear strategy, a bit of patience, and a focus on the long-term.