A Simple 3-Step Framework for Building Wealth
A Guide to Ignore the Noise and Start Making Progress
When I first started investing on my own, my head was spinning. I was constantly adding stocks to my portfolio based on what I heard on TV, YouTube, or from friends. I got so caught up in the noise that I lost sight of my goals.
Honestly, I never took the time to think much about why I was investing. Like darts, I was throwing money at a bunch of ideas hoping one would hit the bullseye.
The good news is, you don't need to be a dart expert or have a finance degree. You just need a simple, personalized plan.
As a designer, my job is to take complex ideas and make them simple and actionable. I've applied that same mindset to my own investment journey, and after growing my portfolio to over $70k in just two years, I've discovered a powerful, easy-to-follow framework.
This isn't a guide to picking the next hot stock. It's a simple, 3-step framework to help you create your own investment strategy, ignore the noise, and start making real progress.
Step 1: Define Your Goal (Your North Star)
Before you can even think about what to invest in, you need to know why you're doing it. Your goal is your "North Star.” It's what will keep you motivated when the market gets volatile and the journey feels long. Without a clear "why," it's easy to get distracted and give up.
Take a moment to ask yourself some powerful questions:
Do you want to retire early to spend more time with your family?
Are you trying to create a college fund for your kids?
Is your goal to build a safety net?
Are you aiming for generational wealth—something you can pass down?
My Example: For me, my goal is two-fold: to retire early and build generational wealth for my kids. This is my motivation for every decision I make, and it keeps me focused.
Step 2: Understand Your Timeline (Your Marathon Pace)
Now that you know your destination, let's figure out how long it's going to take to get there. Think of this as setting your "marathon pace." Are you sprinting toward a short-term goal or running a long-distance race to financial independence?
Your timeline is a huge factor in how much risk you can take on. An investor with a 30-year timeline can handle more market volatility, while someone nearing retirement needs a more stable, income-focused approach.
My Example: I'm a few days from turning 43, and I honestly feel a bit late to the party. But I'm committed to my goal of reaching financial independence within the next 10 years. This shorter timeframe is a huge factor in the strategy I've chosen.
Step 3: Create Your Plan (Your Unique Strategy)
This is where the magic happens. Your plan is the specific strategy you'll use to reach your goal within your timeline. Remember, this isn't my plan - it's your plan. I'm just here to provide a framework that's working for me, so you can build one for yourself.
Here are the key components of a plan:
Investment Type: What assets will you focus on? Stocks, ETFs, bonds, real estate?
Investment Style: Will you focus on growth, value, dividend growth, or a high-yield strategy?
Investment Frequency: How often will you invest? Consistency is the most powerful part of any plan.
Mindset: How will you stay disciplined when the markets get tough?
A quick note for step 3: It’s completely normal if this step feels the most intimidating. The world of investing can seem like a foreign language. But don’t get stuck here. The goal is to create a simple framework you can start with, not a perfect, bulletproof plan. Your strategy will evolve over time as you learn and gain confidence.
My Example: To achieve my goal, I'm focused on a strategy that combines stable income and steady growth. My portfolio is built on dividend-growing companies and proven covered call ETFs. This plan is designed so that I can eventually live off the income while the portfolio continues to grow and create generational wealth.
Ready to Walk It Out?
Creating a plan is a powerful first step, but a plan is just a piece of paper without the courage and discipline to walk it out. That's the real journey and you don't have to do it alone.
This is exactly why I started A Walk to Wealth. It’s a place where I share my progress, my portfolio updates, and the lessons I'm learning along the way. If you're ready to stop thinking about wealth and start taking action, I invite you to join our community.
Until next time, keep walking
Jeremy ✌️
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. I am not a financial advisor, broker, or tax professional. The information provided reflects my personal opinions and experiences as an individual investor and may not be accurate or current. All investment strategies and investments involve risk of loss. Any ideas presented may not be suitable for all investors and may not take into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always conduct your own due diligence and consult with qualified financial professionals before making any investment decisions.
Thanks for sharing your perspective. I’m with you! The why is the most important step. It’s that pain point that nags at you every day, that little pebble in your shoe reminding you where you want to go.