What Will You Do With Financial Freedom?
How anyone can build wealth on Wall Street
DAY 10
Do you dream about moving to the beach, writing that book, volunteering more, or just living life on your own terms? If you’re like me, you might feel far from reaching those goals and even doubt they’re possible.
Now, I could tell you that it's all possible. But why would you believe someone who is just like you? Don't worry, I get it. But... what if I had a friend, who is a famous investor. And what if he tells you that you can do it?
Anyone Can Build Wealth On Wall Street
In One Up On Wall Street, legendary investor Peter Lynch reminds us that anyone can succeed in the stock market—even without a finance degree. In fact, he argues that ordinary people (like us) have an advantage over the investment pros.
Why Ordinary People Have an Edge
Here’s why Uncle Lynch believes we have the upper hand:
We can think practically. Unlike fund managers, we don’t face institutional pressures or rigid rules about what we can invest in.
We can invest on our own terms. We’re free to focus on a few great opportunities instead of spreading money across hundreds of stocks.
We know what’s happening around us. Our jobs, hobbies, and neighborhoods give us unique insights into trends before Wall Street catches on.
As Lynch puts it:
"If you’re a surfer, a trucker, a high school dropout, or an eccentric retiree, then you’ve got an edge already. That’s where the ten baggers come from, beyond the boundaries of accepted Wall Street cogitation" (Page 65).
Finding Opportunities in Everyday Life
What does this mean for us? It means that our everyday lives are filled with opportunities to spot great investments—if we pay attention.
For example:
As a designer, I notice trends in technology and software that could help me identify companies like Adobe or Microsoft before they’re on everyone else’s radar.
My brother-in-law, who is a mechanic, has insights into vehicle trends and materials like lithium for electric cars because of his work. Let's just say he has a big advantage over me when it comes to anything related to cars!
Even simple observations in your neighborhood can be powerful:
Are new stores opening nearby?
How busy are the lines at Chipotle or Starbucks?
Have your kids started talking about a new shoe brand or social media platform?
These little things could be clues to bigger trends—but they’re just the starting point. From there, it’s up to us to dig deeper and do the research.
The Freedom of Investing on Your Own Terms
Lynch emphasizes that we have freedom as individual investors that fund managers simply don’t have.
He writes:
"You’re not forced to own 1,400 different stocks, nor is anyone going to tell you to sprinkle your money on 100 issues. You’re free to own one stock, four stocks, or ten stocks. If no company seems attractive on the fundamentals, you can avoid stocks altogether and wait for an opportunity" (Page 66).
This flexibility is one of our greatest strengths. We aren’t tied down by regulations or pressured to perform every quarter like professional investors are. Instead, we can take our time and invest when it feels right—on our own terms and timeline.
Overcoming Challenges as Everyday Investors
Of course, there are challenges too.
As everyday investors:
We don’t have access to management teams or the same level of financial analysis tools as the pros do.
But thanks to the internet, we have more resources than ever before—like Quartr for listening to earnings calls or free courses from experts like NYU professor Aswath Damodaran on YouTube.
With these tools and our unique perspectives, we can still find ways to succeed.
Let’s Walk This Journey Together
I always felt I could do it, but Uncle Peter has finally convinced me to start walking it out. But… just because anyone can build wealth doesn’t mean it’s easy.
Most of the time, we get in our own way—I know I sure do! That’s why I created A Walk to Wealth—to document my journey in building wealth, stay focused, and most importantly—to remind myself not to give up!
And since you’re here reading this, I think you should walk with me! Maybe you’ll get a dash of inspiration to keep taking steps on your own journey toward financial freedom!
Until next time, keep walking!
Jeremy ✌️