As an seasoned investor, one of the most fulfilling parts of the journey is helping the next generation take control of their financial future. If you’re a young Black professional—especially in a technical or engineering field—you already possess the discipline, intellect, and long-term thinking required to become a successful investor. Now it’s time to apply those skills to wealth-building.
Platforms like Earn Your Leisure have done an incredible job demystifying financial literacy, ownership, and investment strategies for our community. Building on that foundation, this post will walk you through how to get started with your first brokerage account, build a starter portfolio, and grow your 401(k)—especially in today’s bull market environment.
🧠 Mindset First: Ownership Over Consumerism
“You can’t become what you don’t see.” – Earn Your Leisure
For too long, wealth has felt abstract or inaccessible. But now, ownership is one of the most powerful ways we close generational gaps. Every dollar you put into the market is a small vote for your future self. It’s not about timing the market—it’s about time in the market. A wise man once said, every dollar you let sit in a checking or saving accounts earning little to no interest is a lazy dollar. You need to put those dollars to work buy using them to buy “assets” that generate money and create wealth over time. Assets like bonds, stocks, options or even art & fine jewelry, things which appreciate in value with time. At a bare minimum, those dollars need to be in some type of interest bearing account that beats the yearly inflation rate of 2-3%. To often we focus on buying liabilities which don’t produce wealth like designer clothing items, travel, cars, jewelry, etc…there are a few instances where acquiring some of these items can be consider an asset (ie. rare sneakers) but in most cases, clothing, cars, chains and other material things lose value the moment you purchase them. In contrast, a stock can actually gain value seconds after you close your trade.
💼 Step 1: Open Your First Brokerage Account
Opening a brokerage account is easier than ever. Think of it as your financial toolbox—it gives you direct access to invest in stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. Here’s how to get started:
🔑 What You’ll Need:
- Government-issued ID
- Bank account information
- Social Security Number
- About 15–30 minutes of your time
🔍 Suggested Brokerages:
- Fidelity – Great customer service, fractional shares, zero commissions.
- Charles Schwab – User-friendly, with solid retirement planning tools.
- Robinhood or Public – Mobile-first platforms if you’re just getting your feet wet.
✅ Pro Tip: Set up automatic deposits—even $50 biweekly can go a long way with consistency.
📊 Your Starter Portfolio: 4 Simple Picks
To begin, I recommend a simple, diversified portfolio made up of two tech giants and two index or ETF holdings. Here’s a mix that balances growth and stability:
| Investment | Type | Why It’s a Good Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Apple (AAPL) | Tech Stock | Strong fundamentals, high brand loyalty |
| Microsoft (MSFT) | Tech Stock | Cloud growth, dividends, recession-resistant |
| SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) [VOO is another option] | Index ETF | Exposure to top 500 U.S. companies |
| Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) | ETF | Broader market coverage beyond the S&P |
📉 Don’t panic on red days. Even seasoned investors see dips. The market rewards patience.
💰 Maximize Your 401(k) in a Bull Market
Many of us overlook the power of our employer-sponsored retirement plans. But in a bull market—where prices are rising—your 401(k) is working harder than ever for you.
Best Practices:
- Contribute at least up to your employer match. That’s free money.
- Go beyond the match if you can. Aim for 10–15% of your income if possible.
- Understand your allocation. Most plans let you choose between target-date funds, mutual funds, or specific ETFs.
- Brokerage link option? Some companies offer a self-directed brokerage account within the 401(k). That means you can invest in SPY, VTI, or even AAPL/MSFT inside your retirement plan. This is a hidden gem many don’t know about and your company sponsored retirement plan won’t highlight.
📈 Leverage compound growth while you’re young. Time is your biggest asset.
📌 Final Advice: Don’t Wait to Start
You don’t need to be rich to invest—but you do need to be consistent. Make your first deposit. Build the habit. Watch content from Earn Your Leisure and apply what you learn. There’s nothing wrong with starting small—just start.
💡 Remember:
- Investing is about ownership.
- Automation and discipline beat trying to “beat the market.”
- Learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments.
- Learn the difference between a “trader” and “investor”…then pick your lane.
📎 Useful Resources
- How to Open a Brokerage Account – Nerdwallet
- Earn Your Leisure YouTube Channel
- Compound Interest Calculator – SEC
- 74 Stock Market Terms Every Beginner Should Know
📍Get Started Today
Ownership starts with action. Open your first brokerage account, choose your core investments, and commit to contributing consistently. Wealth is not a dream—it’s a discipline. Let’s build it together.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. Investing in securities and other financial instruments involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. By using this blog, you agree that you are solely responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.