The smartest investment you can ever make is not in the stock market or in real estate. It’s in yourself.
When the world feels uncertain, this becomes especially important. Because no matter what is happening around you, the time, effort, and money you put into your own growth will always pay the highest returns, even when the markets are down.
Investing in yourself takes the focus off the frustration and hopelessness you might be feeling, and it redirects the focus and energy on something more important—YOU.
Warren Buffett is a firm believer in investing in yourself.
“The more you learn, the more you earn.”
It’s an investment that will never be wasted, that no one can take away from you, and you’ll reap the benefits for the rest of your life.
So Where Do I Start?
Start with self-reflection. Take stock of where you are right now.
Ask yourself:
- Am I in a job I enjoy and that brings me the income I want?
- Am I at risk of being phased out at work due to my skills?
- How is my health and fitness level?
- Do I have savings or am I just living paycheck to paycheck?
- How much am I in debt?
- Am I investing enough?
- What specific knowledge am I lacking that would actually help me in my career, business, retirement, and in my future?
TIP: Journal your answers. Seeing your reality on paper gives you clarity and direction.
There are no right or wrong answers. Just be honest with yourself.
Prioritize
Make a list of the most important areas you want to focus on first. Categories like health & fitness, finances, investing, career, entrepreneurship, content creation, etc.
- What do you worry about the most?
- In what area do you feel the most uncertainty in?
- If you could make one change in your life, what would that be and how would it impact your life?
In my opinion, our health should always be one of the top priorities, because without health, we don’t have anything.
For a lot of people in addition to health, it is finance and career. Maybe you feel like you can’t keep up with the rising costs of food, gas, and housing. Are you worried about being pushed out or replaced by AI?
The Many Ways You Can Invest in Yourself
There are countless ways to start, and you don’t need to do them all at once. Begin with one small step, create momentum, and build from there.
- Learn a new skill. Take a class, workshop or online course that inspires you.
- Prioritize your health. Become fitter and healthier by adding daily walks, more movement in your day, and healthy, whole food meals.
- Listen to educational podcasts. Transform your drive or walk time into growth time.
- Watch YouTube videos for personal or professional growth.
- Take a course that moves you closer to your goals, even if it costs money. The right investment pays for itself in growth and confidence.
- Buy the tools or equipment you really need to begin your new business or improve your career.
- Get control of your finances. Learn to budget, save, and invest wisely.
But before you sign up for any classes or watch any more YouTube videos, it is important to ensure you spend your time wisely.
Time is one of the most valuable assets we have. Time does not come in unlimited amounts, and we can’t buy it back.
So, we want to spend our valuable time investing in ourselves in areas that will actually be of value to you, to your career or business, and your vision of your future self.
It is easy to get caught up in watching YouTube videos all day, because there is a lot of useful information out there in addition to a lot of fun videos.
Before you start watching a video, ask yourself, is this relevant to my priorities? Is this going to move me forward? If the question is no, then skip that video and find one that does provide with the information and value you need right now.
Don’t Avoid Paying for Courses
Don’t be afraid to pay for a quality course that can upskill your knowledge and move you forward.
We have gotten so accustomed to getting information for free that we balk at paying money for a course.
Sure, take full advantage of the free stuff, but evaluate if it has brought you the knowledge you need to succeed and at what pace you are moving forward.
We sign up for monthly streaming subscriptions without blinking, but when it comes to our own growth, we don’t want to spend a penny. That is not how you invest in yourself.
Stop Focusing on the Wrong Things and Turn Worry into Action
When all your attention goes to Instagram feeds and news stories about politics and turmoil, it takes you further away from what matters most. You and your family.
Yes, we need to stay informed and know what is going on in the world, but we cannot let it consume us. When we allow all that noise to take over our time, energy, and how we feel, we get so distracted that we forget what we are working toward.
Worrying about things you can’t control doesn’t help nor does it change anything, but turning that stress, anger, and worry into practical actions and useful strategies makes us resilient, stronger, and more prepared for whatever life brings us.
When you notice yourself going down that rabbit hole again, stop yourself. Turn off your device, grab a notebook and write the header “These are My Goals” and write down what YOUR goals are and why you want to achieve them. It redirects your focus and reminds you of what’s important.
We want to set ourselves up so that we will be minimally impacted no matter what happens in the world and allow ourselves to become the best version of ourselves.
Get or Create a Side Gig
You have probably heard people talk about multiple income streams, and for good reason. The most successful people rarely rely just on a single income.
They don’t rely on only having a 9-5 job where you trade money for the hours you work, because we only have so many hours in a day and a limited capacity to make more money.
Having a second income gives you options and peace of mind.
I am not talking about getting another 9-5 job that trades money for hours worked, unless you are in a really bad situation and have no choice. It will trap you in yet another rat race where you have no control over your hours and how much money you make.
I’m talking about a side gig where you are in control over when and how many hours you work. It might start small, but with consistency, it can grow into something bigger. And who knows, maybe even a new career.
Your side gig could be:
- Freelancing in your current field.
- Starting a small Etsy business.
- Creating an eBook in your area of interest or specialty.
- Affiliate marketing.
- Becoming a delivery or ride-share driver in your off time.
- Fixing up and reselling furniture.
- Being a landlord of a second property or renting out an Airbnb.
Keep learning, improving your skills, and exploring how AI and new technology can help you reach your goals and stay ahead. Don’t become irrelevant in your job.
Like with anything, start small, start at the beginning, and take it step by step. Practice using an AI for more than just asking about the weather or creating a fun picture.
There are tons of YouTube videos to get you started.
TIP: Put what you learn to practice. You learn by doing.
Build An Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is one of the of the most empowering financial safety nets you can create.
Start with saving up $2,000 as an initial emergency fund. Then once you have paid down your debt, aim to save 6-9 months of living expenses, even a year if you can. That might sound daunting but start small if you need to. Even $25 per week adds up over time, but be more aggressive with spending less and saving more.
This is where a second income will serve you well as it will allow you to reach your financial goals much faster.
It is a great feeling knowing you have money available should you need it. It gives you the freedom, confidence, and ability to make smart decisions instead of acting out of fear.
Paying Off Debt
Once you have built your initial emergency fund, focus on paying down high-interest debt.
You might think that you should be investing your money first instead, but when you consider that the average interest rate on a credit card, for example, is more than 19%, it makes a lot of sense. Especially when you realize how much money you actually end up paying.
Let’s say you have credit card debt of $5,000 and the interest rate is 19% and you do what most people do, which is pay the minimum amount each month, by the time you pay off your credit card, you will have paid about $10,500 in total. That is double the amount of the original loan amount, and it will take you about 16-18 years to pay it off. Scary right.
GenX (ages 45–60) carries the highest average credit card balances at around $9,600 of.
We all go through hard times, and we might end up with credit card debt we didn’t plan on. But a lot of us are so used to just whipping out the credit card for things that are not emergencies or necessities. Going out to dinner is not a necessity. Buying a whole new wardrobe for a trip is not an emergency.
To get out of debt and to stay out of debt, it’s time to take a hard look at your spending habits. I know, it’s not fun, but trust me, the satisfaction and relief of not having debt is priceless.
If your debt feels overwhelming, seek help. There are debt counselors and online tools that can guide you. Make sure you do your homework and pick a reputable company or advisor.
Reducing debt isn’t just about money; it’s about peace of mind. The less you owe, the more control you have over your future. And that feels good.
(This is not financial advice. I am not a licensed financial advisor. The information shared here is based on personal opinions and experiences. Always do your own research and consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.)
Get Healthy and Fit
Talk about investing in yourself. Your health is your wealth and your foundation. Everything else depends on it. Without your health, what do you really have?
You don’t need to start big or make it complicated. Just begin by walking every day or dancing in your living room and keep building from there. Cut back on junk food and sugar, and add more fresh, whole foods to your meals. Make better choices. This is a simple and easy way to get started on your investing-in-yourself journey.
As we get older, our health is the most valued commodity we have, so make it your top investment and priority.
Create Better Habits
If we want to change our lives, we have to change our habits. Most things we do, we do on autopilot.
- Do you snack as soon as you turn on the TV?
- Do you reach for sweets or a glass of wine when you are feeling stressed?
- Find yourself online shopping to feel better?
Before you reach for that chocolate bar, stop yourself and ask, “why do I need it?”
It’s important to understand the triggers. Once you notice and identify the triggers, you can replace the behavior.
- Replace the mindless snacking by preparing a small plate of healthy snacks you enjoy.
- Turning on the TV can be your new cue to do 10 squats.
- When a commercial comes on, get up and walk in place.
- When you feel that stress coming on, stop and breathe, step outside, get some sunshine, go for a walk, or call a friend.
Even small changes create big results over time.
Prepare Your Own Food
Cooking at home is one of the simplest and most effective ways to invest in your health and your wallet.
Eating out regularly or ordering in can quickly drain your budget and sabotage your health goals.
Action Item: Add up what you’ve spent on takeout and restaurants in the past three months.
That number might surprise you and motivate you to start cooking more at home.
You can start by:
- cooking two extra meals at home a week.
- doing meal prep. on Sundays.
- learning 2–3 easy, healthy recipes you enjoy.
Cutting back on takeout or eating out just twice a week could save $200 a month (depending on the size of your family and where you eat), enough to fund a course, pay down your debt, or pad your savings account.
Prioritize the Right Kind of Learning – Financial Ways of Investing in Yourself After 50
Part of investing in yourself needs to include educating yourself in areas that could make or break you, even if it sounds boring or difficult. There are areas we cannot ignore or push to the side.
- Learn to create and stick to a budget. It might seem basic, but a lot of people have no idea where their money goes.
- Learn how to invest smartly. How we invest our retirement funds will affect whether we will retire comfortably or retire at all. Sticking to the old 60/40 rule of stocks and bonds might not be the best advice if you want to have enough money for your retirement (not financial advice-do your own research for your situation).
Do you know what the cost ratio is for each fund you invest in? Did you even know that there is a cost ratio involved? Many people have no idea.
If you don’t know what the cost ratio is, log into your accounts and find out right now. You don’t want your retirement money eaten up by fees.
- Learn how to pick the right financial advisor if you feel you need one. There are financial advisors that earn commission on the funds they recommend and that charge you a percentage of the assets they manage (your assets) on a yearly, monthly, or quarterly basis. Even if it sounds like a small percentage, it can reduce your investments substantially.
If you feel you need guidance, you want a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor, who is legally obligated to act in your best interest.
But educate yourself first, so you know the right kinds of questions to ask and have the knowledge to make the right decisions. Maybe you just need a few sessions to get clarity and expert advice.
I prefer to learn as much as I can about investing rather than relying on someone else for my future. No one is going to be more vested in your future than you.
- Understand compounding. Understanding how compounding works can help you earn higher returns on your investments and savings. The longer you stay invested, the greater the compounding effect. Start investing early and reinvest those dividends to maximize your financial growth potential.
- Learn how taxes and fees work so you can keep more of your hard-earned money. This can be an intimidating and confusing area for sure, but breaking it down into smaller sections can make it easier to understand and grasp.
- Retirement rules. Even if you feel you are far away from retiring, you need to understand how retirement funds get taxed, when you must sign up for Medicare, how RMDs work (Required Minimal Distribution), how to avoid getting fined or penalized, and so much more. You need to gather this information far in advance so that you can set up the best plan for you and your families future.
Don’t stick your head in the sand because it sounds daunting and overwhelming. Be proactive and protect your future.
Practice and Grow Your Skills
Whatever skill you are learning, from photography to writing to coding, you only truly master it by doing.
Apply it at work, in your side hustle, or as a volunteer. Each time you practice, you build confidence, momentum, and experience.
Set Yourself Up for Success
Your environment has a huge impact on how you feel and what you achieve. Make it easy to stick to your goals.
- Clear the clutter and organize your home and workspace.
- Invest in quality cookware and glass containers for meal prep.
- Use a stand-up desk or ergonomic chair if you work long hours in front of the computer.
- Surround yourself with reminders of your goals with vision boards, affirmations or inspirational quotes.
- Create new habits that will serve your new future.
- Get the right tools for the job to make it easier to complete a task.
Surround Yourself with People Who Lift You Up
The people you hang out with can make or break you. Sounds a bit harsh, but either they drain you or energize you.
You don’t always get to choose your family or coworkers, but you can choose who gets most of your time and energy.
Spend time with people who encourage your growth and believe in your potential. And if someone consistently brings negativity or discouragement into your life, it’s okay to set boundaries and protect your peace.
Find different ways to expose yourself to the kind of people you need for motivation, encouragement, knowledge, and insight.
For example:
- Watch motivational and self-help videos
- Listen to Ted Talks
- Seek out mentors
- Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences
- Read books on the subject
It’s important to change how we think, especially about ourselves. We need to be exposed to different kinds of thinking that expand our minds and our knowledge to discover what is possible.
Final Thoughts: You Are Worth the Investment
Investing in yourself isn’t selfish, so don’t you dare feel guilty about focusing on you for a change.
It’s the foundation of a better, stronger, more fulfilled life for both you and your family.
Each small step, from building better habits to managing your money and prioritizing your health, compounds into lasting change.
Start investing in yourself today, even if it’s small. Read a chapter, take a walk, save $20, or learn something new. The earlier you begin, the sooner your investment starts to grow and compound.
You are your most valuable asset. Treat yourself that way.
How will you start investing in yourself this week? Let us know in the comments if you want to share.